Dong Tam Snake Farm offers first-hand experience to visitors

During the Lunar New Year festival (Tet), the farm becomes a unique tourist attraction that allows visitors to explore, experience, and research these animals. The facility is brightly decorated with colourful lights and flowers, creating a lively atmosphere as crowds of visitors arrive. By 9 a.m., many groups of tourists, especially students, line up eagerly to enter the farm and see exotic wildlife they have only read about in books or seen in films.

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Snake 2025, the farm opens daily to welcome visitors. Beyond observing the birds and animals, guests can enjoy unique performances, such as extracting snake venom and feeding snakes. The farm has also partnered with the Vietnam Zoo Association to introduce over five new species of rare animals from Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, including various antelopes, raccoons, deer, and white pheasants.

“I’m thrilled to see these strange snakes up close. I’ve learned to recognize venomous snakes, which will help me avoid them in the future. Besides snakes, I also enjoyed seeing many other animals like fish, gibbons, and birds,” said Nguyen Quoc Thinh, a student at An Binh Tay Secondary School in Ben Tre province, after the tour.

Spanning an area of 12 hectares, Dong Tam Snake Farm is home to 44 species of birds and animals, including many rare species. It houses approximately 100 king cobras and monocled cobras weighing up to 20 kg each, along with two tigers weighing over 200 kg each. The facility conserves 12 snake species, totaling over 1,000 individuals. Among them are two rare and endangered species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book, i.e. the king cobra and the monocled cobra.

In addition to the cobras, the farm is home to other species, such as cat snakes, reticulated pythons, banded kraits, and various pit vipers, including the green pit viper and Russell’s viper. While venomous snakes are kept in secure enclosures, non-venomous species, like water snakes, rat snakes, and green tree snakes, are kept in semi-natural environments for visitors to observe more closely.

Apart from its conservation efforts, Dong Tam Snake Farm has successfully studied the physiology and ecology of venomous snakes, while mastering breeding techniques, including mating, egg incubation, and raising young snakes. Notably, it has successfully bred king cobras, expanding the population of these extremely venomous and rare snakes.

The farm also focuses on educating tourists about venomous snake bites, prevention, and first aid measures. Its “Snake Museum” is a highlight for visitors to Tien Giang province. Last year, the farm welcomed over 163,000 visitors, including an increasing number of international tourists. As a military unit, the staff at Dong Tam Snake Farm have adopted a professional and hospitable approach to ensure visitors leave satisfied and look forward to returning.

Dong Tam Snake Farm has been recognized as a top tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta region. It has also received a 4-star OCOP (One Commune One Product) certification, with a proposal for 5-star recognition.

“The Party Committee and Management Board prioritize hospitality as a key factor in welcoming tourists. We are committed to providing excellent service, from the parking area to the tourist attractions, following the guidelines of Vietnam’s tourism industry to enhance our reputation,” shared Major Dinh Van An, who oversees tourism at the farm.

Besides its conservation and tourism efforts, Dong Tam Snake Farm operates an emergency department specializing in treating venomous snake bites. Every year, the department treats over 1,200 patients using antivenom therapy, with no fatalities reported. The farm also conducts scientific research and produces traditional medicines.

To meet the growing demand of visitors, Dong Tam Snake Farm has expanded its services to include food and beverage options and unique souvenirs.

“Our development strategy focuses on two main directions, namely educational tourism for students and welfare programs for labour unions and organizations. We’ve partnered with trade unions across Tien Giang province and are expanding these programs throughout the Mekong Delta region. Our goal is to develop health-focused tourism”, said Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hong Phuc, Political Commissar and Secretary of the Party Committee of the farm.

Although Dong Tam Snake Farm is relatively small, it boasts a collection of rare and exotic animals that few other places can match. During Tet, visitors can relax under the shade of ancient trees, observe unique wildlife, and enjoy live snake performances, temporarily leaving behind the worries of daily life. This tranquil and engaging experience helps visitors connect with nature and welcome the Lunar New Year with joy and happiness.