Do you need to get tested for coronavirus, in Bangkok, so you can travel? Struggling to find any information online or just want to know which is the cheapest hospital for a PCR test in Thailand?
Then don’t worry, I have you covered with all the information you might need.
- Where to get tested for coronavirus in Bangkok
- Where to get tested for COVID-19 in Thailand
- Where to get a coronavirus PCR test for international travel
- How much does a COVID-19 test cost in Thailand
- Where To Get The Cheapest Coronavirus PCR Test In Bangkok
- Which is the cheapest hospital for a coronavirus PCR test in Thailand
To kick this off, I want to stress that the information in this post is about where to get a coronavirus test in Bangkok for travel purposes. Meaning you feel fit to travel and are not showing any symptoms of the coronavirus. If you are a foreigner, in Thailand and worried you have the coronavirus you should stay where you are and call the COVID-19 Hotline on +66 (0) 96 847 8209. Or for Thai citizens call 1422. (source). The information in this post is based on my own experience, to help you find the information you may need to get tested yourself for the purpose of international travel. I am not a qualified medical professional. So, with that being said, if you are not showing any symptoms, and need to get a PCR test to travel international, then keep on reading.
Where To Get A COVID Test In Thailand For Travel Purposes
I recently travelled from Bangkok, Thailand to Bali, Indonesia. And one of the entry requirements for Indonesia, was that I arrive in the country with a negative coronavirus test in my possession. So I set to work trying to figure out where exactly was the best, and cheapest place to get a COVID-19 test in Bangkok. And let me tell you, it was no easy task.
Running an online search for “Where to get a PCR test in Bangkok” will bring you to the website of the Bangkok Hospital, one of the most expensive hospitals in Bangkok. While the quality of care there is incredible. When it comes to getting a COVID-19 PCR test, for travel, it’s unlikely that any travel insurer will cover this cost, meaning you’ll be paying out of your pocket and most likely want to find the cheapest, reliable hospital.
Well, it turns out, that there are over twenty hospitals in Bangkok, I managed to find, that can test patients for coronavirus. But there is almost no information online to suggest this. When I was trying to find the cheapest hospital to get a PCR test in Bangkok I relied on word of mouth recommendations and ended up paying less than 50% of the price Bangkok Hospital was asking for.
So here is everything I learned, and what you should know about getting your PCR test in Bangkok, for the lowest price.
Where To Get A COVID-19 PCR Test In Thailand
There are a handful of hospitals in other areas of Thailand which offer PCR testing. But the cheapest hospitals are in Bangkok.
And if you’re obtaining a test result for the purpose of travelling internationally, based on the fact that over 95% of international passenger flights in or out of Thailand are leaving from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport, it makes sense, logically, to get tested in Bangkok.
Where To Get A COVID-19 PCR Test In Bangkok
Here is my advice, if you need to get a coronavirus PCR test in Bangkok. The hospital you want to go to is called the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (website, travel clinic site).
As the hospital is not technically an international hospital it can be a little difficult to find information for the place online, in English. But the doctors and staff speak a basic level of English and the PCR results are delivered in English language.
But the hospital is by far the cheapest I managed to find, to get a PCR test for coronavirus in Bangkok.
Once you arrive at the hospital the staff will point you in the direction of the travel clinic, which is the department handing the PCR testing. The travel clinic is on the third floor of the hospital, but you’ll need to register as a patient on the ground floor, (for free). So make sure to bring your passport with you.
Where Is The Bangkok Hospital For Tropical Diseases
The hospital is located in close proximity to Victory Monument. Being one of the biggest transport hubs in Bangkok, there are busses operating to Victory Monument from all over the city. And there is also a BTS sky train station here, making it an easy destination to get to.
From Victory Monument station, its a quick ten minute walk to the hospital. Or if you’re feeling lazy, or just can’t stand the Bangkok heat! Then a taxi ride will set you back between 50 – 100 Thai Baht, ($1 – $3 USD).
There are three commonly available types of coronavirus test available.
But if you need a test for international travel, the PCR test is what you’ll want to take.
What Is A PCR Test
A PCR test is what you’ll need for international travel, (for some countries). It’s also the more expensive test. Sometimes called a swab test, the PCR test involves a doctor taking a swab sample from your nostril and your throat.
And let me warn you, it’s more painful than I was expecting, the doctors don’t go lightly on the nose swap. They really yam those sticks up there, and I am sure it tickled my brain! Ok, that’s a little bit of an over-reaction, but it’s not a pleasant experience.
The PCR test is regarded as the most reliable form of coronavirus testing, which is why it’s being used as an entry requirement for some countries. My experience is based on travel to Indonesia, but, if you are travelling to a different country, do make sure to double-check any entry requirements.
What Is A Rapid Test
I haven’t had a rapid test done myself, but I have spoken with others who have had it done. A Rapid test is an alternative form of testing for coronavirus, which involves pricking your finger to take a blood sample. The rapid test has a lower cost and takes less time to get a result back. Although this type of test is not considered as effective.
What Is An Antibodies Test
An antibodies test is not needed for international travel. This type of test involves taking a blood sample which is then checked for coronavirus antibodies in your blood. It is used to predict if you have previously been infected with the coronavirus.
How much does a coronavirus PCR test cost in Bangkok, Thailand?
To give the exact number, I paid ฿3,500 Thai Baht for my PCR test in Bangkok, which is around $115 USD. So it isn’t the cheapest test to have done. But for the reward of being able to travel internationally again, it’s a small price to pay. And using the Bangkok Hospital For Tropical Diseases will save you a lot of money.
Most hospitals are charging in the 5,000 Baht range, with the Bangkok Hospital charging 6,500 Baht, around $220 USD. Almost double the price of what I paid!
There is also an additional charge of ฿350 Thai Baht to have a certificate issued in English at the Bangkok Hospital For Tropical Diseases. Making the total cost ฿3,850 Thai Baht for the testing and certificate. I am not sure if other hospitals have an extra charge for collecting the certificate in English.
So, to put it simply. A PCR test for coronavirus in Bangkok costs exactly ฿3,850 Baht. Or roughly, $125 US Dollars.
How To Get A COVID-19 PCR Test In Bangkok
The first step to getting a coronavirus PCR test for international travel is to make an appointment online. The travel clinic at the Bangkok Hospital For Tropical Diseases is open from 8:00 am until 11:00 am. You can use this link to check available appointments, choose a time slot and book your PCR test. It’s worth mentioning that the hospital carries out a maximum of ten tests each day, so it’s advisable to book your appointment as early as possible.
Once you’ve made you appointment online, you should recive confirmation to your email address. From then, it’s a simple as heading to the hospital with your passport at the time of your appoinment.
When you’re at the hospital you’ll be interviewed by the doctor regarding your upcoming travel plans. Have your temperature taken, (again). Along with some other information, height, weight, blood pressure, etc. After that, you’ll be taken into the lab to have the swab test carried out, which is not fun. But its a pretty quick process and then you’re free to enjoy the rest of your day.
It takes 24 hours to have your PCR test results returned to you.
Which means you will need to head back to the hospital the day after taking your test. Before collecting your certificate, you’ll once again be interviewed by a doctor to double check no signs or coronavirus or symptoms have shown up since the taking the test.
You’ll need to visit the clinic in the morning, as early as possible, but so long as you arrive before 11:00 am, there is no need to make an appointment for your second visit.
After you’ve been given the all-clear, it’s time to hand over your cash and you’ll then have your negative certificate to support international travel.
Make sure to bring you passport with you, both times you visit the hospital. You’ll need it on day one to register as a patient at the hospital. And you’ll need on on the second day as the doctor will include your passport number on your PCR test certificate. Without your passport you won’t be able to get the test results returned to you.
You should also make sure to double-check, before you leave the hospital that the passport number and name of your test certificate are correct and that the dates are correct.
When I travelled into Indonesia, a girl on my flight was required to quarantine on arrival after a screw up from the hospital. I am not sure which hospital she used for her test, but I know they made a mistake and wrote down her passport number incorrectly. Thus, rendering her test certificate invalid. So do make sure to check all the details are correct, before you leave the hospital.
As I have mentioned, the cheapest hospital I found in Thailand to get a COVID PCR test was the Bangkok Hospital For Tropical Diseases, near Victory Monument. Almost half the price of the Bangkok Hospital. But while searching for hospitals in Bangkok, I found a few others which are able to provide coronavirus testing.
Hospitals In Bangkok Offering PCR Testing
If you wanted to keep your options open, here is a list I have compiled of all the hospitals I found in Bangkok who offer PCR testing for coronavirus, along with their prices.
| Hospital Name | Price In Thai Baht |
| Bumrungrad International Hospital | 14,000 THB |
| Paolo Hospital | 13,000 THB |
| Bangkok Christian Hospital | 10,000 THB |
| Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital | 9,500 THB |
| Rama IX Hospital | 9,000 THB |
| Vichaiyudh Hospital | 7,500 THB |
| Rangsit Hospital | 7,000 THB |
| Bangkok Hospital | 6,500 THB |
| Phya Thai 2 Hospital | 6,000 THB |
| Ramathibodi Hospital | 5,000 THB |
| Chulalongkorn Hospital | 5,000 THB |
| Rajavithi Hospital | 5,000 THB |
| Bangkok Hospital For Tropical Diseases | 3,500 THB |
Have you found a hospital offering a lower price? Or do you have an experience getting a PCR test in another hospital? Leave a comment underneath to let me know your experience.
You Might also be interested to read about:
- What was life in Thailand like, during Lockdown
- How I travelled To Bali During The Coronavirus Pandemic
- How to book a quarantine hotel in Thailand
