Dong Tam Snake Farm - Discover the Kingdom of Snakes in Tien Giang

Dong Tam Snake Farm - Discover the Kingdom of Snakes in Tien Giang

If you are a reptile enthusiast, you definitely have to include Dong Tam Snake Farm in your list of must-visit destinations in Tien Giang. This is considered a territory where tourists can find any snake species, no matter how rare. In particular, this destination is located in the Mekong Delta, surrounded by the lush greenery of plants. To learn more about this place in detail, don't hesitate to follow the article below.

The largest reptile territory in Vietnam named Dong Tam Snake Farm

Dong Tam Snake Farm attracts countless tourists from both domestic and international locations every year. This place does not captivate visitors with its scenery but directly draws them in with the beauty of its spiky reptiles.

Overview of Dong Tam Snake Farm

Dong Tam Snake Farm is currently one of the most beloved tourist spots in Tien Giang. Initially, it was not built for commercial or tourism purposes as many people think. The reason for the farm's establishment was to produce antivenom by extracting snake venom, while also cultivating medicinal plants for treating diseases.

Later on, when the infrastructure was upgraded, this location began to attract many tourists, especially those who love reptiles. If you visit at the right time, you might even be able to observe the snake breeding process.

Another noteworthy point is that this place also houses the only venomous snake museum in Vietnam, which has been recognized by Guinness World Records. With over 50 types of snakes (including both venomous and non-venomous), this reptile territory in Tien Giang is sure to leave you amazed.

>>> See more: Cu Lao Thoi Son - Explore the Famous Con Lan of Tien Giang

The main entrance of Dong Tam snake farm.

The main entrance to Dong Tam Snake Farm

History of establishment

Delving into the origins of Dong Tam Snake Farm, it is actually also known as the research and breeding center of the military logistics zone 9. The farm was established on September 27, 1997, at the suggestion of the late Colonel Tran Van Duoc. He was born in 1929 and passed away in 1988. Due to admiration for his talent and heart, the local people referred to this colonel as Teacher Tu Duoc.

Teacher Duoc had an extensive knowledge of snakes, even considering the study of this creature as a passion. During his lifetime, he wanted to contribute to building a snake farm with diverse species to produce antivenom and export.

Until now, the existence of the snake farm still serves the core purpose of scientific research on this reptile, in addition to preserving the genetic material of snakes and medicinal plants. This place has produced medical treatments, emergency care, and treated tens of thousands of snakebite cases for the military and civilians in the Mekong Delta region. Over nearly three decades since its establishment, the snake farm has achieved countless accomplishments in serving national defense and the people.

The snake farm has a meaningful history.

The snake farm has a meaningful history of establishment

Detailed directions from Ho Chi Minh City

If traveling from Dong Tam Snake Farm from Ho Chi Minh City, you can go by motorbike as the distance is not too far. To make it even more convenient, tourists can refer to the detailed route as follows:

>>> See more: Fruit Garden Tourism in Tien Giang: Top 6 Fruit Paradise

Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you drive along National Highway 1A towards the Mekong Delta.

After driving straight for a long distance and reaching Long An, you continue forward and then turn at Trung Luong intersection, which is about 20 kilometers away.

Once you reach Trung Luong intersection, turn left to get to My Tho city, then just drive straight a little more towards Rach Mieu bridge, and tourists will see the entrance to the snake farm.

It is easy to travel to the snake farm when departing from Saigon.

Traveling to the snake farm is easy when departing from Saigon

How the staff cares for the snakes

Perhaps many readers are curious about how the staff cares for these spiky reptiles at Dong Tam Snake Farm. To raise healthy snakes, the staff must be extremely careful to avoid harming either party. Each day, snakes are fed scientifically, with cobras primarily being fed frogs, toads, and mice.

Staff care delicately to protect the snakes.

Staff are meticulous to protect the snakes

What interesting experiences does visiting Dong Tam Snake Farm offer?

When visiting Dong Tam Snake Farm, tourists can freely explore the world of reptiles that they could only see on TV as children. In addition, the following experiences are also not to be missed.

Visiting each snake breeding area

Currently, Dong Tam Snake Farm has divided into two main snake breeding areas specifically for venomous snakes, pythons, and a water pond area.

  • Water pond area: This area has a depth of about 30-40cm, surrounded by walls that are chest-high for an adult, with a spacious entrance. In the middle of the pond, you will see a small island planted with many types of low plants. This is the habitat for snake species such as green tree snakes, red-tailed rat snakes, and water snakes. The thick grass growing on the small island is home to toads, frogs, and other small creatures, which serve as direct food for the snakes below.
  • Venomous snake breeding area: This area is extremely well-protected as it houses species of snakes with strong toxins such as king cobras, Malayan pit vipers, and reticulated pythons.
  • Python breeding area: This area is characterized by large cages made of metal, with each cage housing a massive python. Seeing pythons several meters long is completely normal, but it is enough to leave any tourist in awe during their first encounter.
The snake breeding areas are divided differently.

The snake breeding areas are divided differently

Admiring precious medicinal gardens

Additionally, when visiting Dong Tam Snake Farm, tourists can explore precious medicinal gardens that hold high value in traditional medicine. The medicinal plants here are directly used in the preparation of treatments for the community, preserving traditional medicine while helping to treat diseases.

Check in with the cute “baby snakes”

Once at Dong Tam Snake Farm, everyone wants to take pictures with the adorable baby snakes. However, when doing this, you need to follow the staff's instructions to ensure absolute safety.

Take photos with non-venomous snakes as instructed.

Taking pictures with non-venomous snakes as directed

Frequently asked questions about Dong Tam Snake Farm

Dong Tam Snake Farm is one of the keywords that many tourists search for, proving that the demand to visit here is continuously increasing. Below, NVK travel will compile frequently asked questions and provide detailed answers.

Is Dong Tam Snake Farm dangerous?

The answer is no because the areas around the snake breeding sites are equipped with tight barriers, especially with many supervising staff standing around. However, tourists should also be aware of their actions, avoiding direct contact with the snakes, and strictly adhering to the regulations set by this place.

Visit the snake farm on a tour to ensure safety.

Visit the snake farm on a tour to ensure safety

Can tourists take pictures with the snakes?

Many visitors to this snake farm hesitate to take pictures with the “baby snakes” for fear of violating regulations. Here, in the areas with non-venomous snakes, you can fully showcase your photography skills and capture beautiful moments with them under the support of the staff.

You are allowed to take photos freely with non-venomous snakes during the visit.

You are allowed to take photos freely with non-venomous snakes during the visit

Does this snake farm sell any products?

Notably, the snake farm also sells various products made from snakes, including COBRATOFOR (Cobra venom), snake oil, snake wine, and COBRATOXAN (Snake venom cream). The prices of these products are relatively "soft", and they have many more uses.

The snake farm offers many useful products.

The snake farm offers many useful products

Through following the previous article, readers must have grasped the objective information surrounding Dong Tam snake farm, the most worthwhile destination to experience in Tien Giang at this time. Unlike regular tourist spots that impress with vibrant landscapes, the beauty of this place is created by the very legless reptiles. In addition to contributing tourism value, this snake farm also receives thousands of snake cases each year, all treated successfully. Therefore, if you are interested in Tien Giang tourism and want to travel in the future, do not hesitate to contact NVK travel for tour consultation.