They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so we decided to let our colleagues do the storytelling with their cameras! At Agoda, we’re all about bridging the world through travel, believing in its power to connect people, cultures, and places. We recently launched our first internal travel photo contest with the theme “Bridges We Build,” inviting employees to share photos that best capture the essence of these connections, whether literal or metaphorical. From shared traditions to friendships forged on the road, these images tell stories of unity and understanding.
Check out the five winning shots that beautifully encapsulated the spirit of building bridges through travel!
A Bridge of Trunks at the Elephant Nature Park
Nigel Lee
Associate Director, Corporate Controller
Finance
“This was my first volunteering experience with Agoda at the Elephant Nature Park (ENP), an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Chiang Mai, 2022. I had previously visited the Nature Park twice as a volunteer and was eager to support them, especially after the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 period. Returning to the Nature Park and witnessing the elephants and other animals living their best lives freely always fills me with joy.
In this picture, two elephants meet in the middle of the river, greeting each other with their trunks, forming a beautiful bridge of connection. Their mahout soon joins them, standing between the elephants.
We spent a wonderful day immersed in the company of these majestic animals, simply observing them enjoy life and live in the moment. It was a humbling reminder of the lessons we, as humans, can learn from them; slowing down, appreciating the present, and finding joy in simplicity.”
Crossing the Finish Line Together
Marine Beucher
Talent Business Partners Senior Consultant
People
“In September 2024, I traveled to Koh Chang to take on my first 15km trail race. Not long after the race started, I met Jack, a Thai runner in his 50s. Despite our differences in age, culture, and language, we connected through our shared passion for running. Jack believed I could make it to the podium and encouraged me the whole way. Near the end, I found myself cheering him on too, and we crossed the finish line together.
At first, I thought I placed 4th. But a few minutes later, I discovered I was in 3rd place due to a registration mistake. I texted Jack right away. To my surprise, he was there taking photos of me on stage to capture the moment.
For me, this was more than just a race. I almost remember Jack’s support more than the run itself. It reminded me how a total stranger’s kindness can leave a lasting impact.
Like the arch marking the finish line in the photo’s background and our hands shaking in celebration, it symbolizes the connection we built; a true ‘bridge’ between two strangers brought together by a shared passion.”
Unity in Colors
Mike Lacroix
Customer Experience Specialist
Customer Experience Group
“This photo was taken during the vibrant Holi Festival in Jaipur, India, in March 2024. This picture captures one of the few moments of pure connection we had: strangers and friends alike, covered in bright colors, laughing and dancing together in the streets and temples.
What made this experience truly special was the way it broke down barriers: language, culture, religion, nationality, and background didn’t matter. We were all united in the shared joy of the festival.
For us, it reflected the very essence of travel: bridging worlds, building connections, embracing the beauty of diversity, and learning about one another. Being part of this celebration gave us a unique insight into Indian culture and traditions, and it deepened our understanding of how cultural celebrations like Holi bring people together, transcending borders and differences. This experience also changed our vision of life by teaching us the importance of living in the moment and embracing the unknown. More importantly, it reminded us that joy is universal, and it’s something we can share with anyone, anywhere in the world.
A fun fact about this photo is that as foreign travelers in India, we were stopped by locals every minute for pictures and selfies. We were initially hesitant to join in big crowds, but this lovely group of locals pulled us into the celebration with open arms, smearing colors on our faces. They even offered us to have the celebration feast together with their family in their intimate home.
Many months have passed, and yet, as of today, we are still keeping in touch with those beautiful souls. That simple act of kindness turned into one of the most unforgettable moments of our travels, if not our lives.”
From Amsterdam to Bangkok: An Engagement Story
Kris Schimmel
Public Relations Senior Manager
Marketing
“At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, as fireworks lit up the sky over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, my best friend proposed to his long-time partner. He said ‘yes’, so they celebrated their engagement as they entered 2025. In the picture, my friend in the white shirt is showing off his engagement ring, embraced by his now-fiancée and to a backdrop of stunning fireworks. A beautiful moment of love and unity that transcended borders.
Surrounded by Dutch and Thai friends, my friend chose Bangkok for his proposal not only for its stunning backdrop, but also as a tribute to Thailand’s historic legalization of same-sex marriage this year. This milestone inspired his decision, symbolizing how progress in one part of the world can ripple outward, fostering hope and connection globally.
For me, this photo captures the essence of ‘bridging the world’—a celebration of love, equality, and the shared purpose of inspiring across cultures. From the Netherlands (the first country to legalize same-sex marriage) to Thailand (the most recent to do so). This experience deepened my belief in the power of travel to connect us, to inspire positive change and in cross-cultural celebrations.”
Yoga and Cultural Exchange in Rishikesh
Natchaya Chualaowanich
Internal Comms & Employer Branding Senior Specialist
Marketing
“This photo was taken in 2018 during my Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India, on one of our weekly excursions. We walked through the forest, witnessed the local way of life, and meditated at a waterfall. While our personal paths and goals were unique, we all came together, creating a bridge of understanding that transcended borders and backgrounds. The photo captures a moment where we truly saw each other—not just as individuals from different parts of the world, but as fellow travelers on a path towards deeper connection, mindfulness, and presence.
This experience gave me a unique insight into how yoga and travel can break down the walls that separate us. I met people from Germany, Spain, Mexico, the USA, Canada, Italy, China. Despite our differences, we shared common values and found strength in our differences.
This experience profoundly changed my outlook on life. It deepened my understanding that the true bridge we build isn’t just about physical travel or cultural exchange; it’s about the deeper emotional and spiritual connections we make with others. We build these bridges by being present, listening, and supporting one another.
I was the only participant from Thailand. So many of my classmates were so intrigued by my country that they made trips to Thailand after the training! I felt grateful to share a piece of Thailand with them, and it deepened the connections we made through yoga and cultural exchange.”
Ready to start your Agoda journey and create your own stories of connection? We’re hiring! Explore opportunities with us and be part of a team that values diversity, creativity, and the transformative power of travel.
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