🇹🇭 Getting Vaccinated in Bangkok: My Day at the Snake Farm

A Day at the Snake Farm in Bangkok

October 1. I began my morning by looking through a small bag given to me yesterday by someone I had just met. Inside, I found something unexpected—a keychain with my own face printed on it. Such a simple gift, but it meant a lot. These gestures make me think, “Yes, I want to return to Thailand again.”

Exchanging Money Beforehand

Before heading to the Snake Farm, I needed to exchange some money. I had heard that one particular exchange booth offered some of the best rates, so I went straight there.

The sign said it opened at 10 a.m., so I arrived exactly on time. That was my mistake. Unlike in Japan, “10 a.m. opening” doesn’t always mean the doors open sharp at 10. Sure enough, the shutters were still down.

With time to spare, I decided to have breakfast at a food stall just ten seconds away. The dish—if I remember right, it was Pad Thai—cost 80 baht (about 355 yen). Delicious, but I couldn’t help noticing how much prices had risen around Khao San Road.

Finally, around 11 a.m., the exchange booth opened. Money exchanged, I was ready to head to the Snake Farm.

Arriving at the Snake Farm

The entrance was simple, almost hidden. The photo I took was from the inside looking out.

Walking through the courtyard, I turned left, which led to a shortcut toward the vaccination area. Ahead, I saw a large white tent. That was the vaccination site.

Posters covered the walls. Beneath them were forms to fill out—medical questionnaires required before receiving the vaccine. After completing the form, I checked my blood pressure at a nearby machine. This step is important; skipping it just causes delays later.

The waiting area was basic but organized. Numbers were called, and people entered one by one. Because I had wasted time waiting at the exchange booth, I didn’t arrive at the Snake Farm until around 12:40 p.m. At that time, the morning session had already closed, and I had to wait until the afternoon session began at 1 p.m.

If you want to finish early, it’s best to arrive by 9:30 a.m. when the doors first open.

Receiving the Vaccines

Eventually, it was my turn. Today I received three vaccines: DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), rabies, and hepatitis A.

I had braced myself for pain—three shots in one day sounded intimidating—but to my surprise, it wasn’t so bad.

The cost, including consultation fees, was 2,720 baht (around 12,000 yen). In Japan, a rabies vaccine alone can cost nearly that much. Considering the price, it felt very affordable.

With the vaccinations complete, I headed home, relieved and grateful.

Moving Around Bangkok

For transport, I’ve been using Grab. It’s simple and reliable, with prices fixed in advance. That way, there’s no need for tiring negotiations over fares.

Of course, buses are much cheaper, and if I manage to figure out the system, I’ll save a lot more. I plan to give it a try tomorrow.

Ending the Day with a Smoothie

Before returning to the guesthouse, I stopped by the smoothie stall I visit almost every day.

Today, the staff was reading Robert Kiyosaki’s book. Seeing someone casually reading it here, halfway across the world, reminded me just how far his work has spread.

I ordered a mulberry smoothie—deep purple, refreshing, slightly tart. Each day in Bangkok is beginning to feel more familiar. My routines are forming, and slowly this city feels less like a stopover and more like a temporary home.

As I sipped the smoothie, I thought: I’m finally settling into the rhythm of life here. Writing these blogs is becoming a habit, and maybe it’s time to start making videos too.