From Shanghai to Bangkok: This is Dolly’s Life at Agoda
- Dolly Wang
- Associate Manager, Distribution Solutions, Rocket Travel by Agoda
- Lived in Bangkok since 2024
Having been in the travel industry for 5 years before joining Agoda, and Agoda’s reputation as a global leader in travel technology and its innovative approach to distribution have always stood out for me. Moreover, I was somewhat familiar with Bangkok, having traveled to the city many years prior. And so having learned more about the company and the opportunities, I felt convinced that it was the perfect opportunity for me to work with a diverse talented team and contribute to impactful global projects.
A Day in the Life in the Rocket Travel by Agoda team
I’m part of the Strategic Partnership team under Rocket Travel by Agoda (RTA), which is the B2B arm of Agoda. My role specifically involves managing Agoda’s B2B API distribution. I help ensure smooth integration with partners largely based in Japan, and optimize connectivity to enhance business performance. One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on involved streamlining API integrations for key partners, significantly improving their booking efficiency and strengthening our partnerships.
Why Agoda is an Exciting Workplace
Agoda fosters a collaborative and innovative culture. The team is diverse, supportive, and always open to new ideas, which makes it an inspiring place to work. The culture of innovation and continuous learning has truly empowered me to grow both personally and professionally. The RTA team is a true melting pot, bringing together people from diverse countries and cultures. For example, although English is not my native language, I’ve quickly learned that it doesn’t even matter, because everyone’s uniqueness is what makes the team so special!
Growing at Agoda: Building Skills Through Training, Mentorship, and Collaboration
Agoda has helped me grow through training programs, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge technology and global markets.
Working with my managers and team has been instrumental in enhancing my skills. During my onboarding, my manager shared a clear checklist of my roles and explained Agoda’s culture and all the tools we use internally to ensure my work starts smoothly. The collaborative environment encourages open communication, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing, which has helped refine my problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
I have developed various skills, including advanced data analysis, stakeholder management, and agile project management.
Additionally, working on cross-functional projects with diverse teams has broadened my perspective, allowing me to learn from colleagues with different backgrounds and expertise, and improved my ability to collaborate effectively
Living in Bangkok: A Dynamic City for Work and Adventure
Bangkok is a vibrant city with a rich culture, excellent food, and a central Southeast Asian location. It’s also where Agoda’s headquarters are based, which made it the ideal place to grow my career.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Bangkok’s diverse neighborhoods, from bustling night markets like Jodd’s Fair to lush parks like the vast Benjakitti Park in the city center. On weekends, I like taking short trips to nearby destinations like Pattaya or Ayutthaya for a quick getaway, as it is easy to travel from Bangkok, whether it is by bus, car, train or plane. There are plenty of options based on your budget.
On days when I miss food from home, thankfully, Bangkok has many Chinese restaurants, especially in the Rama 9 area. There’s also Wukong (悟空), a food-delivery app that specializes in Chinese food!
Building Community in Bangkok: Finding Support and Friendship at Work and Beyond
Both Agoda and Bangkok have been welcoming since Day 1. Agoda’s onboarding process and friendly team made adjusting to the new workplace easy. The process involved comprehensive orientation sessions that introduced me to the company’s tools, systems, and culture. The team was exceptionally friendly, with colleagues answering questions and ensuring I felt comfortable in my new role. Additionally, I’ve built meaningful relationships with colleagues and have started connecting with the local community through events and activities. I joined dancing club and tennis in my free time and made lots of friends in Bangkok!
There is also a big community of Chinese people at Agoda, so you won’t ever feel alone.
If I had one advice to give to someone nervous about starting fresh in a new city or workplace, I’d say don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Bangkok is a city full of opportunities, and Agoda’s supportive environment will help you settle in quickly.
Cost of Living in Bangkok: Affordable Living with High Quality of Life
The cost of living in Bangkok is generally lower than in Shanghai.
For instance, dining in Bangkok is quite budget friendly. An inexpensive meal at a restaurant costs between 100–200 THB ($2.88–$5.76 USD), while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant ranges from 600–2,500 THB ($17.28–$72 USD). In contrast, in Shanghai, an inexpensive meal costs 35–60 CNY ($5.07–$8.70 USD), and a similar three-course meal for two ranges from 200–500 CNY ($29–$72 USD).
When it comes to accommodation, a one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok’s city center costs between 15,000–30,000 THB ($432–$864 USD) per month. Meanwhile, in Shanghai, the same apartment type ranges from 5,000–10,000 CNY ($725–$1,450 USD) per month.
Final Thoughts: Why Agoda Bangkok is the Place to Be
Agoda offers a unique combination of a dynamic work environment, career growth opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact in the travel industry. The most rewarding part of my journey has been the opportunity to work on meaningful projects with talented colleagues while experiencing life in a vibrant city like Bangkok.
