I stayed in Bangkok for two weeks in June 2025. During this trip, I finally visited the Snake Farm, officially known as the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, to get the Yellow Fever vaccine—something I had already decided to do the next time I returned to Bangkok.
The Yellow Fever vaccine is often required for travel to parts of Africa and South America. In Japan, it’s only available at a limited number of hospitals, appointments are hard to get, and the cost is quite high. In contrast, Bangkok’s Snake Farm is well known among long-term travelers and digital nomads for being affordable, efficient, and English-friendly.
This article is a personal record of my experience, covering the location, required items, step-by-step process, costs, and side effects.
Location of the Snake Farm
Search for “Snake Farm (Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute)” on Google Maps and you’ll find it easily.
It’s about 10–15 minutes by car from Siam or Silom. Since the reception area is outdoors and Bangkok heat can be intense, I highly recommend using Grab or another ride-hailing app instead of walking or relying solely on public transport.
What to Bring
- Passport (original, mandatory)
- Face mask
(Nearly 100% of staff and visitors were wearing one) - Cash (Thai baht)
I paid 3,940 THB in total
Credit cards may not always be accepted, so having enough cash is strongly recommended.
The Process
- Get a queue number from the ticket machine
- Blood pressure check
- An automatic machine prints out your results
- Fill out patient registration form (first visit only)
- When your number is called, submit:
- Blood pressure slip
- Registration form
- Passport
- Your name is called again and you are guided into the building
The staff were friendly throughout the process, and English communication was smooth, which made the experience stress-free.
Reception Inside the Building
The building looks a bit old from the outside, but the interior is organized and clean.
There’s a touchscreen kiosk near the entrance where you’re supposed to input your purpose of visit and passport number. In reality, the staff handled almost everything for me.
When asked which vaccine I wanted, I answered “Yellow Fever”, and the registration was completed immediately.
Medical Consultation & Vaccine Selection
At the consultation booth, I spoke briefly with a doctor.
- “Are you planning to travel to Africa?”
- I answered: “Not fixed yet, but yes, in the future.”
- When I mentioned that I was traveling around the world, the doctor suggested several recommended vaccines for long-term travelers.
Although the official website doesn’t list it, Rabies vaccines are also available.
In the end, I chose 4 out of the following 5 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 2–3 doses (skipped this time due to schedule) |
⚠️ Rabies vaccine requires a second dose one week later, so make sure your stay in Bangkok is long enough.
Costs (As of June 2025)
| Visit | Cost |
|---|---|
| Week 1: Yellow Fever, Tdap, Rabies (1st) + registration & service fees | 2,920 THB |
| Week 2: Typhoid, Rabies (2nd) + service fee | 1,020 THB |
| Total (5 shots) | 3,940 THB |
Additional notes:
- Rabies vaccine: 350 THB per dose (not listed on official website)
- Yellow Fever + Rabies only: approximately 2,800 THB
Compared to Japan and many Western countries, the prices are extremely reasonable.
Vaccination & Aftercare
Getting three shots in one day was a first for me, so I was a bit nervous—but everything went smoothly.
After the vaccination, I received the International Certificate of Vaccination, commonly known as the “Yellow Card.”
This document is required for entry into certain countries, so do not lose it.
Side Effects
- Week 1: No noticeable symptoms
- Week 2: Fever at night, followed by two days of complete downtime
Side effects vary by person, but it’s wise to avoid scheduling flights or major activities immediately after vaccination.
Ready for Africa (Even Without Fixed Plans)
Once administered, the Yellow Fever vaccine is generally valid for life. Even if your travel plans aren’t finalized, getting vaccinated while in Bangkok is a smart move if Africa or South America is on your radar.
References
- Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (official website)
(Always check the latest opening hours and pricing) - A very helpful personal blog based on real experience:
https://www.saku-bangkok.net/entry/queen-saovabha-memorial-institute
Final Thoughts
Getting vaccinated at Bangkok’s Snake Farm was a smooth and highly cost-effective experience.
Highlights:
- Easy access via Grab
- English-friendly staff
- Much cheaper than Japan
- Ideal for long-term travelers and world explorers
If you can stay in Bangkok for two weeks or more, it’s a perfect opportunity to complete multiple vaccinations at once.
Just remember to:
- Bring fever medicine
- Leave buffer days in your schedule
I hope this firsthand experience helps anyone planning long-term travel, a round-the-world trip, or future travel to Africa.
