My biggest dilemma on my first trip to Thailand was where to get myself sterilized- Bangkok or Chiang Mai?
The problem resolved itself after I got approved for a bilateral salpingectomy in Chiang Mai.
Once I was in Bangkok, I decided not to continue with doctor searching. I wanted to celebrate my victory by relaxing in the Thai capital.
While I chose to have my bisalp in Chiang Mai, I understand getting sterilized in Bangkok has its benefits. Based on my experience and observations as a medical tourist, I listed the pros and cons between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Bangkok- pros and cons
Pros:
- Transportation – It is more accessible as Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is the international hub of Thailand. Bangkok has an excellent public transportation system like the BTS.
- There are more activities to do and sights to see in Bangkok – if you prefer urban city life, Bangkok is better
- More hospital staff (or their translators) speak English or even foreign languages like Chinese or Arabic.
- More selection of world-class, premium hospitals such as Bumrungrad, Samitivej Sukhumvit, and Bangkok Hospital
- More hospitals to choose from in Bangkok
Cons:
- More expensive in Bangkok
- Might be less appealing if city life isn’t your thing
- Wait times may be longer unless you’re in a premium, medical tourist hospital
Chiang Mai- pros and cons
Pros:
- Everything is more affordable than Bangkok (including healthcare)
- Comprehensive medical services like those in Bangkok can be found here.
- Cultural Experience- The unique marriage of traditional Northern Thai and cosmopolitan digital nomad cultures in Chiang Mai can’t be found anywhere else.
- Smaller city and more quiet than Bangkok.
- Shorter waiting times in the hospitals.
Cons:
- Less premium options to choose from – Chiang Mai Ram and Bangkok Hospital are the premium hospitals in Chiang Mai.
- Communication barriers- can be remedied with Google Translate.
- Longer flights- You may have to take a connecting flight from Bangkok or another Asian city to reach Chiang Mai.
Conclusion
Choosing the location is still one of the most critical decisions in medical tourism. No two patient’s cases and preferences are alike. I ended up choosing Chiang Mai and never regretted every single moment there. Some may prefer Bangkok for its proximity and convenience. What matters most in getting sterilized is finding the doctor and hospital that feels right for you.