In June 2025, I spent two weeks in Bangkok. During my stay, I visited the Snake Farm (Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute) to receive a yellow fever vaccine, something I had planned to do on my next visit to Bangkok. Here’s a record of the experience.
Location of the Snake Farm
Search for “Snake Farm (Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute)” on Google Maps. It's about a 10–15 minute drive from Siam or Silom.
The reception desk is located outside, so I recommend using Grab or another ride-hailing app instead of walking in the heat.
What to Bring
- Passport (original)
- Face mask
Staff and other visitors were all wearing masks. Not wearing one might attract some uncomfortable glances. - Cash (in Thai Baht)
Cash is the safest option for payment.
Step-by-Step Process (Week 1)
- Get a queue number from the ticket machine
- Measure your blood pressure using an automated machine
- A printed result will be issued. Keep it with you.
- Fill out a patient registration form (if it's your first visit)
- When your number is called, submit your blood pressure slip, registration form, and passport
- Wait again until your name is called. A staff member will then guide you inside the building.
Most staff speak decent English, which made the process smoother.
At the Registration Terminal Inside
You’ll find a terminal where you’re expected to input your purpose of visit and passport number.
However, a staff member was stationed nearby and asked, “Which vaccine are you here for?”
I replied “Yellow Fever,” and the staff kindly entered the details for me.
Medical Interview and Vaccine Recommendations
Next was a consultation with a doctor. I mentioned I wanted to receive the yellow fever vaccine.
They asked, “Are you planning to travel to Africa?” — I responded, “Not finalized yet, but yes.”
After explaining that I’m currently traveling the world, the doctor recommended several additional vaccines based on my travel plans.
Although not listed on their official website, I was surprised to learn that rabies vaccines are also available.
In the end, I opted to receive the following five vaccines:
| Vaccine | Doses / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | 1 dose |
| Rabies | 2 doses (Week 1 & Week 2) |
| Typhoid | 1 dose |
| Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) | 1 dose |
| Hepatitis A & B | Requires multiple doses; skipped due to schedule constraints |
Rabies requires a second dose one week later, so plan your stay accordingly if you want to receive it.
Cost Breakdown (as of June 2025)
| Visit | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Yellow Fever, Tdap, Rabies (1st dose) + Registration & Service Fees | 2,920 THB |
| Week 2 | Typhoid, Rabies (2nd dose) + Service Fee | 1,020 THB |
| Total | 5 vaccinations over 2 visits | 3,940 THB |
- Rabies vaccine: 350 THB per dose (not listed on the website)
- Yellow Fever + Rabies only: around 2,800 THB
- Bring enough cash — large bills might cause delays when making change.
Vaccination and Aftercare
Getting three shots at once was nerve-racking, but it was manageable.
- After the first visit, I was called again to receive an official vaccination certificate (including the Yellow Card for international travel).
- On the second visit, no certificate was issued, and I could leave once the shots were done.
Side Effects
- Week 1: No issues
- Week 2: I developed a fever that lasted two days and was bedridden.
Be sure to factor in possible downtime when planning your itinerary.
Helpful Resources
- Official website — vaccine types, clinic hours, etc.
- Travel blogs — several detailed personal experiences helped me prepare.
Summary
- The flow is: Grab ride → outdoor check-in → blood pressure → registration → consultation → payment → vaccination
- You can receive major vaccines at low cost in Bangkok with English-speaking staff.
- Consider bringing fever medication and plan for rest days in case of side effects.
- If you're staying more than two weeks, it's a great chance to get multiple travel vaccines in one place.
I hope this helps fellow travelers preparing for long-term or multi-country journeys!
