From Vietnam to Bangkok: This is Minh Anh’s Life at Agoda

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My Agoda Story

Minh Anh Trinh

Before joining Agoda, I worked in the tourism industry, assisting clients in planning and organizing their travels to Asia. Agoda has a strong presence in Asia, and I was already familiar with its strong reputation as a travel tech company. What really drew me in, though, was Agoda’s dynamic and international work environment. I’ve always wanted to be part of a team that values diversity, creativity, and continuous learning, and I found that Agoda would be the ideal match for that.

A Day in the Life as a Fraud Prevention Specialist at Agoda

I began my journey at Agoda as a Customer Service Specialist, focusing on delivering support services to our customers. After nearly three years in the role, I transitioned to the Fraud Prevention Team to take on a new challenge. My current role centers on safeguarding Agoda’s reputation and revenue against fraudulent activities. Each day, I review bookings to identify and investigate suspicious transactions, ensuring fraudulent activities are prevented before they impact the business. Working closely with my team, I also help develop new rules or refine existing ones to strengthen our defenses against fraud.  Each day is a mix of problem-solving, collaboration, and leveraging technology to stay one step ahead of emerging threats.

Flexible Benefits That Go Beyond

Agoda offers many great benefits for employees, but my personal favorite is our Agoda Choice program. Agoda Choice is a flexible budget allowance that we can spend on a wide range of personal and professional needs, from health and wellness to learning and personal development. I have used it to fund my personal travels as well as fitness courses such as Muay Thai and scuba diving. Best of all, my husband can also benefit from Agoda Choice, which I think is great! We also have the Agoda Remote Work Program, which gives us 30 calendar days to work from anywhere and allows me to travel back home to spend time with friends and family.

Growing at Agoda: Embracing Opportunities and Driving Impact

Agoda provides numerous opportunities for professional development, cultivating a thriving culture where employees are empowered to perform at their best. During my time here, I have had the opportunity to grow through horizontal moves. I started my career in the Customer Experience Group (CEG), which is our customer support and service team at Agoda, and then worked in the People Team (our Human Resources team) for six months, before moving to my current team, the Fraud team. Since the day I started at Agoda, I have been encouraged to take ownership by creating and managing my own projects in which I planned, executed, and implemented ideas that not only benefited the team but also helped my colleagues thrive together.What I truly value about Agoda is its core principles, which have shaped me both personally and professionally. Agoda’s values emphasize collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, inspiring me to grow and contribute meaningfully.

Relocation to Bangkok: A Seamless Transition to Vibrant City Life

I relocated to Bangkok from Vietnam, eager to experience the excitement of living in a new country again after studying abroad. Bangkok’s vibrant city life, delicious food, and friendly people made it the perfect destination for me and .

We moved to Bangkok during the COVID-19 period, and Agoda was incredibly supportive throughout the process. They arranged our quarantine, provided comfortable temporary housing, and guided us through every step—from document preparation to settling into a new city. Their support made our transition smooth and stress-free.

My advice to anyone considering moving to Bangkok: Don’t hesitate, just do it! Bangkok is an amazing city with endless opportunities to explore. Once you arrive, connect with your Agoda colleagues. Everyone is eager to help you feel at home and offer great recommendations for things to do. Embrace the adventure, and you’ll soon fall in love with everything the city has to offer.

Living in Bangkok: A World of Flavors and Exploration

I love how international Bangkok is. My partner and I enjoy trying new foods, and here, we’ve met people from all over the world. Living in Bangkok has given me the chance to try cuisines from every corner of the planet, from Egyptian and Ethiopian to Brazilian cuisine, and so much more! If you’re craving Vietnamese food, I highly recommend trying Saigon Recipe in Thonglor for authentic flavors.

Another thing I enjoy doing here is exploring new neighborhoods, discovering unique coffee shops, and places to hang out throughout the city. I love Banthat Thong Road, a street well known by locals for its many food options. There’s also Khlong Bang Luang Market, a walkway located by the canals that is ideal for a stroll with coffee and where you can find an art gallery and craft stalls.

Whenever there’s a long weekend, I take the opportunity to travel outside of Bangkok and explore different parts of Thailand. The country offers everything from beautiful beaches to peaceful mountains, and I love experiencing its diverse landscapes and cultures. My most recent trip was to Khao Sok National Park, where the scenery was spectacular. I’ve also recently been to Krabi, where we had a memorable experience kayaking in the sea. For a shorter time-off, I enjoy traveling to places such as Khao Yai National Park or Kaeng Krachan National Park, both a short drive from Bangkok and great spots to see animals in their natural habitat!

Building Community in Bangkok: Welcoming Colleagues and Cultural Experiences

Agoda’s supportive environment made it easy to adjust to my new role, and the city’s vibrant energy means there’s always something new to discover. I’ve been lucky to build great connections with my welcoming colleagues, and Bangkok’s diverse, international community makes meeting new people fun and effortless.

My husband and I love board games. We joined a social app called Meetup, and that’s one way we’ve connected with new friends in Bangkok. We’ve now formed an active group of friends with whom we play board games every Tuesday or Thursday.

If you’re nervous about starting fresh, I’d say embrace the adventure with an open mind! Moving somewhere new is always a bit of a leap, but it’s a fantastic chance to grow, learn, and experience something different. You’ll be surprised by how sometimes the best relationships form when you’re in a new environment and open to novelty. Also, take the time to connect with your colleagues, they’re a wonderful source of support and inspiration.

Cost of Living in Bangkok

The cost of living in Bangkok is similar to that of my home country, Vietnam. However, one of the standout aspects of living in Bangkok is the variety of choices, especially when it comes to food, which offers an incredible range of food and budget options. You can find delicious street food everywhere. And if you prefer luxurious dining experiences, those are easily available too! Accommodation is also better furnished. Most people here live in condominiums that typically include facilities such as swimming pools and gyms, amenities that are not as common in Vietnam.

Final Thoughts: Why Agoda is the Place to Be

Joining Agoda has been a transformative journey, both professionally and personally. The company’s dynamic and international work environment, coupled with its commitment to growth, innovation, and collaboration, makes it an exceptional place to work. From the moment I transitioned from the tourism industry to Agoda, I’ve been inspired by the opportunities to learn, lead, and make a meaningful impact.

Living in Bangkok has only enhanced this experience. The city’s vibrant culture, diverse food scene, and welcoming community have made it a fantastic place to call home.

If you’re considering joining Agoda in Bangkok, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. It’s a decision that has offered me growth, excitement, and a wealth of experiences enriching my life in countless ways. 

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