At Agoda, travel isn’t just what we do—it’s a constant source of inspiration. We believe exploring the world brings people and cultures closer, fostering understanding, empathy, and joy. This passion for connection unites our diverse team of talented individuals as we work together to make travel easy, accessible, and rewarding for everyone. Guided by our shared purpose of bridging the world through travel, we’re proud to empower our employees to create meaningful experiences both in and out of the workplace.
In this series, we connect with Agodans across the company to learn what travel means to them and how they’re making their mark on the industry. Read on to see what our purpose looks like in action!
Finding our place in nature
Sam Xiong
Senior Analyst, China Marketing
“Travel has shown me how vast yet interconnected the world is. It’s taught me to respect different ways of life and appreciate how small we are in the grand scheme of things—especially in comparison to nature. One of my favorite memories was in Norway, experiencing the stillness of the ‘blue hour’ before nightfall. In that peaceful moment, I felt an overwhelming appreciation for the life I lead.
As work becomes busier, it gets harder to organize trips with friends, so my recent trips have been more solo. I’ve loved meeting new people along the way, and I always prioritize exploring the unknown—I need that adrenaline rush!
At Agoda, I get to bring my love for travel into my work, managing projects like TikTok Local Service, which enables users to book accommodations directly on the platform, and I focus on increasing outbound bookings from China. It’s a rewarding mix of analytics and project management.
I’m driven by Agoda’s mission to make travel easier and more rewarding, allowing more travelers to explore the world. Working here also gives me the flexibility and resources to create travel content, sharing the highlights and lessons from my trips with my followers. I hope to inspire them to see the world for themselves.”
Turning a holiday destination into a home
Pim Thongvandee
Business Development Manager
“During the last three years of my university life in Bangkok, I traveled to Australia many times and fell in love with it—especially Sydney. The city’s stunning natural beauty and lifestyle captivated me, from the serene beaches to the dramatic landscapes. At the same time, Sydney’s buzzing energy, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks awakened my bolder side. They made me more connected to nature, more open to adventure, and more alive with a sense of fun.
Sydney wasn’t just a destination for me—it became a part of who I am, so much so that I decided to make it my home. I first started my career with Agoda in Bangkok, and after gaining experience in a different industry, I rejoined as a boomerang employee—this time based in Sydney. Today, as a Business Development Manager at Agoda, I’ve come full circle, turning my love for travel into a fulfilling career by relocating to the city that first captured my heart.
Building a life in Sydney has been a dream come true, both personally and professionally. My role involves driving growth through strategic partnerships and collaborating with hotel partners to enhance our offerings, ensuring travelers have the best experiences. Travel used to be something I reserved for special occasions. I feel incredibly lucky that it’s now woven into both my lifestyle and career.”
Going the extra mile
Slavik Novgorodtcev
Staff Software Engineer
“Competitive racing has expanded my horizons in countless ways. Work can get intense, and I’ve found that sports are the best way to relieve stress and stay balanced. I started running seriously after moving to Thailand, and after completing a few marathons, I took on an ultramarathon in Ladakh, India. It was a serious race: 72 km long, with a 1,500-meter climb to a 5,359-meter pass, followed by a steep descent in thin, dry air. I finished 19th out of 209.
Endurance sports have fueled my desire to explore new places, as each race becomes an adventure, taking me to new destinations and connecting me with athletes from around the world. Each location offers its challenges, from mountain trails to open water swims, making every finish line even more rewarding. I also get to experience places I might not have visited otherwise. This year, I completed several triathlons in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, including my first full Ironman. I even achieved my first podium finish, placing second at the Sri Lanna Triathlon!
Agoda has continually supported my races in ways that matter. For my ultramarathon in Ladakh, our Remote Work Program allowed me to arrive early and acclimate to the altitude, ensuring I was at my best for race day. Our customizable benefits program and employee discounts also help me save on travel expenses, so I can continue pursuing this passion. I’m grateful to work for a purpose-driven company that values balance and encourages us to pursue our personal goals as fiercely as our professional ones.”
Embracing creativity
Deepali Ghosh
Talent Development Manager
“During a recent trip to Bali, my daughter and I stayed in a small village where traditional Balinese silver filigree work is being revived. This delicate art form is slowly disappearing as fewer people seek out handcrafted pieces, making it even more special to witness firsthand. I was deeply moved by the artisans’ dedication to preserving this intricate legacy, often passed down through generations. The process demands remarkable precision and patience, as the delicate silver threads are expertly shaped and soldered. It was a bonding experience that sparked our imagination, reminding us to value the unique artistic expressions of different cultures.
I’m grateful that creativity isn’t confined to my days off—I bring it into my role as a Talent Development Manager, leading a team of Instructional Designers and eLearning Developers. Together, we design training programs that empower our agents to communicate effectively and support Agoda’s diverse customer base. By being there for customers in moments that matter, our agents help create meaningful travel experiences, and I’m proud to play a part in that. Inspired by the dedication of Balinese artisans, I’m exploring ways to weave cultural appreciation and storytelling into our training, celebrating local traditions and crafting authentic, impactful learning experiences.”
Taking on challenges with an open mind
Nink Kasemthanapruet
Talent Acquisition Partner
“I recently went on a trekking trip to Saraburi, Thailand, to explore its beautiful waterfalls. It’s just two hours from Bangkok, but the peaceful energy there couldn’t have been more different from city life. The entire trek was around 8 kilometers, taking five hours to climb up and another two hours to descend. Reaching the top and taking in the view was well worth the challenge! I love adventures like this because they push me to grow, teaching me resilience as I work through each step to achieve my goals.
My love for exploration and stepping out of my comfort zone is also why I became a Talent Acquisition Partner at Agoda. Like trekking, recruiting is about navigating challenges and finding new paths. Every day, I connect with talented individuals from around the world, all seeking meaningful new chapters in their careers. I approach each conversation with curiosity and an open mind, eager to learn about their journeys.
When candidates are understandably nervous about relocating to Bangkok, I’m there to provide helpful resources, organize informative sessions, and connect them with current employees who’ve had similar experiences to ease their transition. I’m proud that my work helps build a team as diverse as our customers, empowering Agoda to better understand and serve all travelers.”
Enjoy more travel stories from our team:
Our shared purpose: Bridging the world through travel
Finding purpose: Bridging the world through travel
