The snake farm at Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute claims to be the second oldest of its kind in the world, producing seven types of venom antiserum and keeping many of the 200 species of snakes found in Thailand. Travellers and locals come for exciting snake-handling demonstrations and an informative serpentarium and museum located in central Bangkok.
Travel better, travel smarter
Save money, receive our latest updates and get the most out of your travels.
Affiliated with the Thai Red Cross Society, the Institute opened in 1917 to produce vaccines for diseases like rabies and small pox as well as anti-venom for snakebite victims. While the term “snake farm” may remind you of not-so-ethical animal camps established for tourism profit, the chief aim here is to save lives while educating the public.
Sweet dreams. Photo: David Luekens
Large snakes like king cobras and reticulated pythons can be viewed in outdoor cages and pits, while the main building houses smaller and more obscure species like the Indochinese spitting cobra and dog-toothed cat-eye snake. A second-floor museum exhibits snake skeletons and snakes preserved in jars. English info boards discuss the mythology of snakes, how different types of venom affect different systems of the body and the proper steps to take if bitten.
Held in an auditorium overlooking the largest pits, the popular snake-handling demonstration features around 10 types of snakes unleashed within a few metres of elevated viewing areas. An energetic host explains each snake in Thai and English, throwing in a few jokes to ease the fear of some spectators.
Better seen here than in your bungalow. Photo: David Luekens
Lethal showstoppers include a king cobra, a pair of Siamese cobras, a green pit viper and a branded krait with black-and-yellow stripes. You’ll also see several non-venomous species like rat snakes, sunbeam snakes and a yellow albino python that kids rush to hold at the end. While handlers allow the snakes to move around a bit, they don’t perform silly tricks like kissing cobras on ... Travelfish members only (Around 300 more words) ... please log in to read the rest of this story.
Don’t miss the boat!
Please subscribe to Travelfish.org to read the rest of this article, or log in here.
Subscribing to Travelfish costs A$35 per year and it gets you access to more than 200 downloadable guides to specific destinations, fabulous discount coupons and 50% off our personalised travel planning service. Sign up here.
By
David Luekens.
Last updated on 19th January, 2017.
Popular hotels in Bangkok on Agoda
(556 reviews)
(3,207 reviews)
(3,543 reviews)
(13,118 reviews)
How to get there
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute is located on Rama IV Road, a five-minute walk east of Sam Yan MRT station. The snake farm is set 300 metres back from the main entrance and marked by signs.
Location map for Queen Saovabha Snake Farm
Popular attractions in Bangkok
A selection of some of our favourite sights and activities around Bangkok.
Best places to stay in Bangkok
A selection of some of our favourite places to stay in Bangkok.
What next?
Browse our independent reviews of places to stay in and around Bangkok.
Check prices, availability & reviews on Agoda or Booking
Check out our listings of things to do in and around Bangkok.
Read up on how to get to Bangkok, or book your transport online with 12Go Asia.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Bangkok? Please read this.
Buy a SIM card for Thailand—pick it up at the airport when you arrive.
Browse the web securely while travelling with TunnelBear. Try with a 7–day free trial.
