Vietnam is home to a staggering 210 species of snakes, ranging from the harmless to the highly venomous.
The country's diverse geography, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, creates a wide range of habitats for these slithery creatures.
Many of Vietnam's snakes are found in the dense forests of the central highlands, where they hunt small mammals and birds for food.
One of the most iconic Vietnamese snakes is the cobra, known for its distinctive hood and potent venom.
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New Species and Discoveries
In Vietnam, a new species of venomous snake has been discovered in the tropical rainforests of central and southern Vietnam.
The snake, Trimeresurus cyanolabris sp. nov., was found in low to mid-elevation areas at altitudes between 90 and 400 meters above sea level.
Researchers conducted their fieldwork in Nui Chua and Phuoc Binh National Parks in February and March of 2023.
The venomous snake has a snout to vent length of 638 mm, with bright yellow eyes in both sexes.
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Males of this species have a barely noticeable ventrolateral stripe on the first few dorsal scale rows.
Females, on the other hand, lack this distinctive stripe.
Trimeresurus cyanolabris sp. nov. is morphologically similar to Trimeresurus rubeus but diverges significantly in cytochrome b mitochondrial DNA gene sequences.
This new species joins 49 recognized species in the Trimeresurus genus.
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Snake Species in Vietnam
Vietnam is home to nearly 200 different species of snakes, including about 53 species of venomous ones. The most common poisonous snakes in Vietnam are mostly vipers and cobras.
Some of the most common venomous snakes in Vietnam include horned vipers, red-tailed vipers, rattled indigo snakes, von-gen vipers, silver-headed vipers, monocled cobras, sea snakes, kraits, and small-spotted coral snakes.
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Are There Snakes?
Vietnam is home to nearly 200 different species of snakes, including about 53 species of venomous ones. Some of the most common poisonous snakes of Vietnam can be mentioned as horned vipers, red-tailed vipers, rattled indigo snakes, and monocled cobras.
The breeding seasons of snakes in Vietnam last from April to November every year. This means that during this time, snakes are more active and encounters with humans are more likely.
If being bitten by a snake, the victim may experience severe burning pain at the wound, swelling, bruising, and even skin necrosis. Other possible symptoms include nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a strange taste in the mouth.
The Siamese Cobra, also known as Indochinese spitting cobra, is a venomous snake species capable of causing lethal human fatalities. Those bitten by the Siamese Cobra will experience muscle paralysis and respiratory failure leading to suffocation within 30 minutes of being bitten.
Cobras typically prey on rodents, birds, and frogs. They don't actively attack humans but only bite when provoked or threatened.
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Trung Khanh Green Viper
The Trung Khanh Green Pit Viper is a critically endangered species found in the tropical limestone mountain rainforests of Vietnam. It measures approximately 70 cm in length.
This snake species is endemic to the Trung Khanh region, Cao Bang, and is characterized by its light gray-brown coloration on the back and head. The arrangement of scales on the body is distinct in both males and females.
The Trung Khanh Green Pit Viper inhabits elevations between 500 – 700 m and has a slender body with keeled scales. Its primary habitat is the tropical limestone mountain rainforests.
This species is listed in the red book as a species requiring conservation efforts to prevent extinction due to its extremely low population.
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Snake Farms and Habitats
Dong Tam snake farm is situated about 9km to the West of My Tho City and is one of the largest snake farms in Vietnam. It specializes in snake rearing and snakebite treatment.
The farm is home to various varieties of snakes as well as other animals like bears, crocodiles, ostriches, turtles, and sheep. You can see different types of snakes in Vietnam and learn about the precious medical plants stored and bred on the farm.
Visiting Dong Tam snake farm, you can witness the complete reproduction of snakes in their natural environment. There's also a snake museum with over 50 snake samples, including many precious ones, which has set a Vietnamese Guinness record.
In Vinh Son village, about 50km to the Northwest of Hanoi city center, cobra and tiger snake are the two main species reared. Local people raise the snakes in a box-shaped "cave" lined with rows of bricks, which can only rear one snake.
Dong Tam Snake Farm
Dong Tam snake farm is situated about 9km to the West of My Tho City.
This farm is one of the largest in Vietnam, specializing in snake rearing and snakebite treatment. It's not just a snake farm, but also a home to various other animals like bears, crocodiles, ostriches, turtles, and sheep.
You can visit the farm to see different types of snakes in Vietnam and learn about the precious medical plants stored and bred on the farm. If you're lucky, you might even witness the complete reproduction of snakes in their natural environment.
The farm has a unique snake museum with over 50 snake samples, including many precious ones, which has set a Vietnamese Guinness record.
Vinh Son Village
Vinh Son Village is home to nearly 850 families, located about 50km to the Northwest of Hanoi city center.
The village is known for rearing two main species of snakes, cobra and tiger snake, in box-shaped "caves" lined with rows of bricks.
Each cave is approximately 30cm wide, 60cm deep, and 30cm high, and can only rear one snake at a time.
Vinh Son Village provides a range of unique products, including snake meat, snake eggs, snake wine, snake venoms, and peeled snake carcasses.
You can also find snakeskin here, which is used to make fine items like belts and leather wallets.
The village offers various services, such as visiting the breeding area, observing rare animals, sampling snake-based cuisines, and going shopping.
The village is located in Vinh Son commune, Vinh Tuong district, Vinh Phuc province.
Gallbladder from Snakes
In Vietnam, the gallbladder of certain snakes is used to make a medicine that's sweet, spicy, and not bitter. This unique combination of properties is said to help improve cough, back pain, chronic headache, and sleep quality.
The types of snakes used to make this bile for medicine are cobras, kraits, and Ptyas korros. These snakes are commonly found in snake farms and habitats.
The gallbladder of these snakes contains a high amount of cholesterol, acid palmitic, and stearic. This makes it an effective remedy for chronic bronchitis, phlegm, and joint pain.
Processing the snake bile is relatively easy, but its effects are truly incredible.
Snake-Related Topics
When planning to spend time in Vietnam's jungle regions or rural areas, it's essential to keep an eye out for venomous snakes.
Some of the top venomous snakes in Vietnam should undoubtedly be avoided when possible.
These snakes contain poisonous venom that can be deadly if not treated promptly.
Snake Rankings and Lists
If you're planning to spend time in Vietnam's jungle regions or rural areas, it's essential to keep an eye out for top venomous snakes like the ones mentioned earlier.
The Chinese cobra is one of the most venomous snakes in Vietnam, and it's found in rural areas.
In Vietnam's jungle regions, the many-banded krait is another snake to watch out for, as it's also highly venomous.
Some snakes in Vietnam are more dangerous than others, and it's best to avoid them when possible.
These snakes contain poisonous venom that can be deadly if left untreated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to avoid snakes in Vietnam for tourists?
Wear long pants and sturdy shoes when walking in Vietnam's national parks or rice paddies, and maintain a safe distance from snakes, especially those with triangular heads
How likely am I to see a snake in Vietnam?
Seeing a snake in Vietnam is rare, with only 2-3 sightings reported in over 24 years in some areas. However, if you do encounter one, it's likely to be more scared of you than you are of it.
How many US soldiers were bitten by snakes in Vietnam?
Between 25 and 50 American soldiers were bitten by snakes each year during the Vietnam War. The actual number may vary, but this range is supported by the United States Archives and other sources.
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