Just about 9km west of My Tho City center, Dong Tam Snake Farm welcomes travelers to explore the largest snake research and anti-venom production center in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. This unique wildlife sanctuary offers an intriguing experience, featuring shaded walkways, a Guinness-recognized snake museum, and the majestic King Cobra house.
In this complete Dong Tam Snake Farm travel guide, you’ll discover everything you need to plan your visit with confidence: how to get there, the best time to see the snakes active, the fascinating venom extraction process, and how to include this educational stop in your Tien Giang itinerary.
Lastest update by Hai Yen Nguyen at Mekong Smile | Official Tien Giang Travel Guide
Overview of Dong Tam Snake Farm
A Glance at Dong Tam Snake Farm
- Location: Binh Duc Commune, Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province.
- Site Type: Military-managed Snake Farm, Wildlife Sanctuary, and Medicinal Research Center.
- Significance: The largest snake research and anti-venom production center in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
- Atmosphere: Educational and intriguing, featuring shaded walkways, open-air pits, and a specialized snake museum.
- Key Highlights: The King Cobra house, green snake island, the preserved specimen museum, and the medicinal plant garden.
- Average Visit Duration: 1 – 2 hours.
Development history of Dong Tam Snake Farm
The farm was established on October 27, 1977 (with some historical records noting 1979), built on a harsh terrain previously littered with mines and barbed wire left behind by the US army. It was founded by Dr. Tran Van Duoc (affectionately known as Uncle Tu Duoc), a retired Vietnamese soldier and passionate snake expert.
Initially starting as a small breeding team, the facility primarily focused on providing emergency treatment for venomous snake bites between 1977 and 1998. In 1998, it was officially renamed the Center for Cultivation, Research and Processing of Medicinal Herbs. Thanks to its massive contributions to society and medicine, the center was proudly awarded the title of “Heroic Labor Unit” in 1989.
Video: The Kingdom of Cobras
To witness the graceful movement of the King Cobras and the dedicated care provided by the farm’s experts, watch a short cinematic tour:
What is special about Dong Tam Snake Farm?
Dong Tam Snake Farm is widely recognized as the largest snake museum in Vietnam and the biggest snakebite treatment center in the Mekong Delta. Covering a massive area of 9 to 12 hectares, the farm is currently home to more than 50 species of venomous snakes.
The primary mission of this facility is to breed snakes in order to extract their venom, which is utilized to manufacture anti-venom serum and other medicines. Furthermore, it is celebrated for establishing the very first snake museum in the country, an achievement recognized by the Guinness World Records Vietnam Center.
“With Mekong Smile experts, you will discover that Dong Tam is more than just ‘snakes.’ We decode for you the Venom Processing cycle and how the medicinal plant garden works in synergy with the animal research.” – Mr. Jimmy, Senior Guide in Mekong Smile
Better to Know as a Tourist
Location on map
- Exact Address: Binh Duc Commune, Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province.
- Proximity: The farm is located approximately 9km west of My Tho City center. It is nestled along the banks of the Tien River, providing a cool, breezy environment for both the animals and visitors.
- Distance: It is roughly 80km from Ho Chi Minh City (a 1 hour 45 minute drive) and about 95km from Can Tho City.
How to get to Dong Tam Snake Farm?
- By Car/Private Transfer: From HCMC, the fastest route is via the HCMC – Trung Luong Expressway, exiting toward My Tho. From My Tho, follow the riverside road (Provincial Road 864) for a scenic drive directly to the farm.
- By Motorbike (The Local Experience): Riding from My Tho along the Tien River offers a look at the “rhythmic life” of the local shipyards and fruit orchards. The road is flat and easy to navigate.
- By Public Bus: Take a bus to My Tho City Terminal, then use a taxi or a local xe om (motorbike taxi) for the final 15-minute leg of the journey.
- The Mekong Smile Way: We can integrate Dong Tam as an educational highlight of our Mekong Delta 2 Day Tour. We coordinate private transfers that combine this visit with Vinh Trang Pagoda, ensuring a balanced journey between spiritual art and natural science.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fee
- Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Daily). The farm is most active in the morning when the keepers are feeding and cleaning the enclosures.
- Entrance Fee:
- Adults: 30,000 VND
- Children (under 1.3m): 20,000 VND
- Note: There is no additional fee for the museum or the gardens, but donations at the memorial for the farm’s founder are appreciated to support ongoing conservation.
Best Time to Visit
- Golden Hour: 08:30 – 10:30 AM is the best time to see the snakes active and the keepers at work.
- Cool Breezes: Avoid the midday sun; the farm’s shaded medicinal garden offers a perfect “mindful stillness” retreat in the early afternoon.
The Experience at Dong Tam Snake Farm
Three zones for keeping snakes inside Dong Tam
Because it is the largest snake farm in Vietnam, Dong Tam is divided into three main areas for keeping different snake species.
- Snake pond (Lake area): This zone features a lake with a depth of about 30-40 cm and an islet in the middle planted with low canopy trees. Non-venomous snakes, such as the puff-faced water snake and Indo-Chinese rat snake, are kept freely on trees and rocky objects in the middle of the pond.
- Venomous snake breeding area: This area is meticulously shielded and carefully locked because it houses highly dangerous species like cobras and vipers. Due to safety reasons, visitors usually only see a part of them inside their separate enclosures.
- Python breeding area: Since pythons are large in size, they are kept in spacious iron cages with roofs. Visitors coming here will have the opportunity to witness these giant legless reptiles first-hand.
The Snake Museum and rare wildlife species
Dong Tam Snake Farm is home to the first snake museum in Vietnam, which was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records Vietnam Center in 2005. The museum displays over 40 to 50 specimens of both venomous and non-venomous rare snake species found in Vietnam.
One of the most remarkable highlights is the specimen of a giant king cobra that is over 4 meters long and weighs 27 kg, which was kept at the center for about 17 years. Apart from snakes, the farm functions as a miniature zoo and conserves a variety of rare wildlife species, including bears, crocodiles, tortoises, ostriches, deer, and tigers.
Observing snake care and the venom extraction process
The snakes at the farm are meticulously cared for, with each individual’s health monitored closely for timely treatment. For example, the hundreds of king cobras here are fed 1.5kg of toads, frogs, or smaller “trash” snakes twice a week. When opening the cages, the staff must be extremely careful and gentle to ensure that the hungry venomous snakes do not bite or escape.
If you visit on the right occasion, you can watch technicians perform the fascinating process of extracting snake venom, which is used as a raw material for producing antiserum and other medicines.
Practical biology lessons on snakebite prevention and first aid
A sightseeing tour to Dong Tam is often described as a highly useful, practical biology lesson for everyone. Tour guides and experts take visitors around to learn about the physiological characteristics of snakes, how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous species, and what to do if bitten.
After the trip, visitors walk away with vital survival skills, including how to give first aid for snakebites, making it an especially perfect and educational experience for curious children.
Real Images of Dong Tam Snake Farm from Mekong Smile
Combining Dong Tam Snake Farm with Tien Giang’s Hidden Gems
Dong Tam Snake Farm is a perfect anchor for a Tiền Giang adventure, surrounded by cultural and natural treasures. Combine your visit with the architectural masterpiece of Vinh Trang Pagoda or a boat trip to the Four Islets (Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, Phoenix) to experience the “rhythmic life” of the riverside orchards. Explore the Coconut Candy Traditional Village in Ben Tre to witness artisanal mastery, or visit the Rach Gam – Xoai Mut Victory Monument for a lesson in historical “resilience and spirit.”
For spiritual seekers, the majestic Truc Lam Chanh Giac Zen Monastery, famous for its stunning Indian-style stupa, is a must-visit. On the mainland, don’t miss the Buu Lam Pagoda, an ancient temple reflecting traditional Vietnamese architecture, or the Tien Giang Museum to understand the region’s historical evolution. Nature lovers will enjoy the seasonal colors of the Man Dinh Hong Flower Garden.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Vinh Trang Pagoda
Where is Dong Tam Snake Farm located and how do I get there?
The farm is situated in Binh Duc Commune, about 9km west of My Tho City and 80km from Ho Chi Minh City. While you can travel by bus or motorbike, Mekong Smile provides private, air-conditioned transfers that seamlessly connect the farm with other landmarks like Vinh Trang Pagoda, ensuring a comfortable “transformative journey” through the countryside.
What are the opening hours and entrance fees?
Dong Tam Snake Farm is open daily from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM. The entrance fee is 30,000 VND for adults and 20,000 VND for children (under 1.3m). Mekong Smile recommends visiting between 08:30 AM and 10:30 AM to see the snakes at their most active and witness the keepers at work during their morning routines.
Is it safe to visit the venomous snake areas?
Yes, safety is a top priority. Highly dangerous species like King Cobras and vipers are kept in meticulously shielded and locked enclosures. When you visit with Mekong Smile, our experts provide additional safety context and explain the “resilient spirit” of the staff who handle these creatures daily to produce life-saving anti-venom.
Can visitors watch the venom extraction process?
If you visit on the right occasion, you can observe technicians extracting venom used for pharmaceutical research. Mekong Smile guides help decode the “Venom Processing cycle” for you, explaining how the farm utilizes different species to create specific sera that are essential to the Delta’s survival.
What should I not miss at the Snake Museum?
You must see the specimen of the giant King Cobra, which is over 4 meters long! This museum is recognized by the Guinness World Records Vietnam. Mekong Smile ensures you spend adequate time here to appreciate the “vibrant living heritage” of the 40-50 different snake species on display.
Is Dong Tam Snake Farm suitable for children?
Absolutely. It serves as a practical biology lesson where children can learn to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous species. Mekong Smile specializes in making these tours educational and engaging for families, teaching vital survival skills and snakebite first aid in a fun, outdoor environment.
Are there other animals besides snakes at the farm?
Yes, the farm functions as a miniature zoo. You can see crocodiles, bears, turtles, ostriches, deer, and even tigers. Mekong Smile integrates these sightings into a broader narrative of wildlife conservation and the “rhythmic life” of the Mekong Delta’s ecosystem.
