My brother who lives in Bangkok has a sad story involving a poisonous snake. He lives at the top of a hill and during a flood there was a snake seeking higher ground. The snake struck his dog, who subsequently died. There are 56 venomous snakes that live in Thailand, they are a real threat in the country – and around the world. The Snake Farm at the Red Cross Institute specializes in husbandry of venomous snakes, where they extract venom to create antidotes. The snakes in the farm are handled with care and using them to create antivenom is extremely important to save lives.
Quick Facts
*Venom extraction Monday-Friday 11AM
*Snake show 2:30PM daily
*Tickets are 200 baht
Experience
It’s the best when an experience exceeded expectations, and that’s just what happened here. Perfect for kids and adults alike, to see it all get there a bit before 11 to secure a good seat for the venom extraction. After the show explore the museum space and outdoor exhibits. Pop out for a nearby lunch or a walk through nearby Lumpini Park. At 2:30 watch the show, just hold on to your ticket to get back in for free. The venom extraction was really interesting. A team of four red cross members put on a show in perfect English and Thai.
They milked multiple snakes, clearly visible behind the glass – but they had a camera set for close ups.
The snakes are clearly handled with care and respect, the show was educational and fun! Outside and flanking the showroom there are terrariums with 35 species of living snakes.
You can learn all about the different species with descriptions in English and Thai.
Venomous snakes in Thailand include Cobras, Vipers, and Kraits. The museum upstairs is really informative as well speaking to snake evolution, anatomy, life cycle, reproduction, and toxicology.
There are great videos to watch and fascinating displays. Standing tall, see how long a snake is comparison to your height.
Look at the difference between the jaw of a venomous and non-venomous snake.
Oogle at various specimens up close.
Unfortunately I didn’t have the time to stay until the snake handling demonstration – but it looks phenomenal according to other accounts. A lot of people fear snakes, an understandable reaction to an animal that can kill you with just one strike. Visiting the Snake Farm can be a great way to understand these creatures and learn to appreciate them.
I doubt if such a visit would cure my fear of snakes in any form.
Such a unique Bangkok experience.
WOW!
Cool stat! I am always on the look out for those two when hiking in New York.
Very cool!
Wiki says that we have 20 species of venomous snakes here in the U.S.:
Rattlesnakes – 16
Coral snakes – 2
Cottonmouth – 1
Copperhead – 1
I think the only two where I live and hike are the timber rattler and the copperhead.