On the night train from Udon Thani to Bangkok my wife developed a crippling pain in her side and felt sick and very lethargic. Once we arrived we booked into a hotel, hoping a big bed, cold drinks and rest would ease the pain. But after a few hours it was only getting worse.

After advice from a friend that lives in Bangkok (we live in Chiang Mai), we taxied it over to the Bumrungrad International Hospital.

From the moment we stepped out of the taxi to the moment we're back in one leaving the service was outstanding. In total we were there for just over three hours. During this time nurses, doctors and waitresses constantly checked on us and offered us complimentary refreshments.

From getting out of the taxi to being in a private room and being seen to by a doctor was no longer than 10-15 minutes. Urine tests where back and being explained by the doctor in half an hour.

And to top it off, the whole place felt like a luxury apartment building, not a hospital.

I can't recommend the staff & facilities highly enough. If you ever need a hospital, and have the choice, choose Bumrungrad.

So what was the problem?

Kidney infection. Two injections and a course of antibiotics will hopefully sort it out. Antibiotics which also came in their very own branded mini bag. Makes no difference to the medical care, but nice touch.

Glad they figured it out and that she's OK.