Medical Tourism in Bangkok

Have you ever tried to go to another country for your health check up or treatment? We recently went to Bangkok to have our annual check up as it is closer to go there from Hanoi than to go home to Canada. We were there last year for my husband's colonoscopy as we were not able to do this in Canada because of lack of time. We were then working in Phnom Penh so it was easy to take an hour flight to Bangkok.

We knew of Bumrungrad from SOS International and from friends who have been there. Our first experience was impressive. A limo picked us up from Marriott  (the hotel has this arrangement with Bumrungrad) and when we arrived, we filled up the form, paid for the service we wanted and immediately they started the check up. We were there at 8 a.m and by 3:00 p.m., we had a conference with the doctor who explained the results to us. It was very comprehensive. So this year, we went back again to have a a comprehensive check up for both of us.

We booked our appointment by telephone and in their website you can choose the services you want. The fees are listed as well as the requirements for the check-up.

The whole experience is not that of going into the usual hospital. This one is there to serve and to make you, the client, happy and satisfied. The facility is like a hotel complete with a bookstore, Starbucks, and restaurants.

More and more people from various countries go for medical tourism. For some, because such service is not available in their country. For others, it is the price. It is cheaper to have cosmetic surgery in Bangkok or Malaysia than in Singapore.

Our German friend and his wife have their dental work done in Bangkok. For the price of what they'll pay in Germany, they can have their dental work done in Bangkok at the same time enjoy a two week holiday on a beach in Thailand. Others go for medical treatment to another country for privacy reasons. They don't want anyone knowing they have their face fixed.

Countries are now vying for medical tourists. I see how much it has built the economy of Bangkok by just looking at all the development around this very popular hospital.

Chatuchak Market in Bangkok

Crafts for sale in Chatuchak

Chatuchak. Nothing in your experience can compare to this weekend market in Bangkok. 25 years of travel to Asia and watching the development of this Bangkok market has never stopped my fascination each time I visit.

We were there a couple of days ago and I can assure you, it is even more crowded now as it was years ago when it first opened. In fact, it is like an international weekend market where people from all over the world come not just to buy but also to sell products.

The variety is with no comparison. You can buy anything from crafts, clothes, hardware, food, house wares and jewelry. The goods are not just from Thailand but from so many other countries who have found Chatuchak a much more lucrative market for their goods. What with all the tourists flocking to this market.

Bags for sale in Chatuchak

There are ATMs, post office and courier places as well as a good array of transport. The shopping infrastructure is really strong encouraging many to buy and you should see what people buy. I often wonder how they'd bring these things home.

When you plan your trip to Bangkok, make sure you have a weekend to spare in Chatuchak. Even if you don't buy, it is still a fascinating experience.

Spa Products for sale in Chatuchak

There are so many products for sale here especially spa ones. This young man deserved my support. He has tried to develop this business and young entrepreneurs need the encouragement.

Food stalls in Chatuchak

You can sit in any of these stalls and try out some of what they offer. These are delicious, freshly cooked right in front of you.

Food for sale in Chatuchak

Hats for sale in Chatuchak

60 baht is about $2. Prices vary though depending on who comes with all the overruns from factories. But there are bargains to be had in this place. Besides the fun alone is enough to make your visit.