Hanoi: Le Mat Snake Village Tour With 10 Dishes

Set out on a thrilling culinary adventure in Hanoi’s Le Mat Snake Village. This 3.5-hour tour offers a rare glimpse into the world of snake cuisine, from observing snake raising to savoring 10 unique snake dishes. Discover the cultural significance of these delicacies as you indulge in snake spring rolls, stir-fried snake, and even the heart-pounding experience of snake wine. With a visit to a snake farm and an expert guide to lead the way, you’re in for an unforgettable journey that will tantalize your taste buds and expand your cultural horizons.

Key Points

• A 3.5-hour tour to Le Mat Snake Village, located 10 km from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, offering an immersive experience in Vietnamese snake cuisine.
• The tour includes a visit to a snake farm, observation of snake raising and training, and tasting of 10 different snake dishes.
• Participants can optionally taste the snake’s heart paired with a shot of unique Vietnamese snake wine, made from rice wine, snake blood, and lemongrass.
• The tour provides insights into the history and cultural significance of snake cuisine and snake wine in Vietnam, led by an English-speaking guide.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with animal allergies or vegetarians, and participants are advised to bring recommended items like hats, cameras, and insect repellent.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Le Mat Snake Village Tour takes place approximately 10 km from Hanoi’s Old Quarter and lasts 3.5 hours.

Approximately 10 km from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the Le Mat Snake Village Tour lasts 3.5 hours.

Priced from $105.13 per person, the tour has a limited group size of 15 participants.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without paying upfront.

The tour includes pickup from the Old Quarter, a 20-minute car ride to the village, a visit to the snake farm, and the opportunity to savor 10 different snake dishes.

Adventurous guests can also try snake’s heart with a shot of snake wine.

Itinerary Highlights

After being picked up from the Old Quarter, participants enjoy a 20-minute car ride to the Le Mat Snake Village.

Upon arrival, they visit the snake farm to observe the raising and training of these reptiles.

The highlight of the tour is savoring 10 different snake dishes, including snake spring rolls, stir-fried snake with veggies, snake soup, and grilled snake.

For the bold, there’s an optional opportunity to try the snake’s heart with a shot of potent snake wine.

Throughout the experience, the local guide shares the fascinating history of snake cuisine in Vietnam.

Snake Wine Experience

One key part of the tour is the unique tasting opportunity to experience the strong flavors of snake wine.

Visitors can witness the large bottles of King Cobra snake wine. This traditional Vietnamese rice wine is mixed with snake blood and lemongrass, resulting in a distinctive taste.

The snake wine experience allows participants to explore the rich culture and history of this unique beverage. As part of the tour, guests can sample the powerful flavors of the snake wine and gain insight into this captivating aspect of Vietnamese culinary tradition.

Food and Beverage Details

Included in the tour price are 10 different snake dishes, ranging from snake spring rolls to stir-fried snake with vegetables, snake soup, and even deep-fried snake skin.

Travelers can also try snake’s heart with a shot of snake wine – a unique tasting opportunity to experience the strong flavors.

The tour also includes:

• Snake wine (Vietnamese rice wine mixed with snake blood and lemongrass)

• Water, green tea, soft drinks, or beer

• Entrance ticket to the snake farm

Gratuities aren’t included, though they’re recommended for the knowledgeable local guide.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with animal allergies or vegetarians.

Visitors are advised to bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and insect repellent. Pets, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.

An English-speaking guide is available to provide insights into the history of snake cuisine in Vietnam.

The tour explores the snake farm, allowing participants to observe the snake-raising and training process.

Guests can also witness the impressive display of large bottles of King Cobra snake wine, an integral part of the unique Vietnamese culinary experience.

Pickup Location and Transportation

The tour pickup location is in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. From there, participants embark on a 20-minute car ride to the Le Mat Snake Village, located approximately 10 km outside the city center.

The transportation provided for the tour includes:

• Air-conditioned vehicles

• Experienced, licensed drivers

• Comfortable seating for the group

• Timely departure and arrival at the destination

• Smooth and safe driving throughout the journey

Upon arrival at the snake village, visitors are welcomed and immersed in the unique cultural experience of exploring the world of Vietnamese snake cuisine.

Snake Farm Visit and Observation

Upon arrival at the snake village, visitors are welcomed to the snake farm, where they can observe the intricate process of snake raising and training.

The guide provides insight into the techniques used to handle and care for the snakes. Guests watch as the snakes are skillfully extracted from their enclosures, allowing for a closer look at their unique features.

The guide shares techniques for handling and caring for the snakes, as visitors watch the skilled extraction of the reptiles from their enclosures.

This hands-on experience offers a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and culinary traditions surrounding snakes in Vietnam.

Visitors gain an appreciation for the specialized knowledge and expertise required to work with these fascinating reptiles.

Snake Cuisine Tasting

After the insightful visit to the snake farm, guests eagerly anticipate the culinary highlight of the tour – the snake cuisine tasting.

Served are 10 different snake dishes, including:

• Snake spring rolls

• Stir-fried snake with veggies

• Snake soup

• Snake porridge

• Deep-fried snake skin

Guests can also opt to try the potent snake wine, a Vietnamese specialty made with snake blood and lemongrass.

This unique tasting opportunity allows visitors to fully enjoy the vibrant snake culture of Le Mat Village.

The flavorful snake dishes and strong snake wine provide an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks to the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own food or drinks to the tour. The tour package includes 10 snake dishes and beverages like snake wine, water, green tea, and soft drinks or beer.

Is There a Vegetarian or Vegan Option Available?

Unfortunately, there are no vegetarian or vegan options available on this tour. The tour focuses on sampling various snake dishes, which wouldn’t suit those with dietary restrictions. Vegetarians and vegans may want to consider alternative experiences in the area.

How Long Is the Snake Wine Tasting Portion of the Tour?

The snake wine tasting portion of the tour isn’t specified, but it’s described as a "unique tasting opportunity to experience the strong flavors of snake wine" where visitors can witness large bottles of King Cobra snake wine.

Can I Purchase Any Snake-Related Products to Take Home?

Visitors can purchase various snake-related products to take home, such as bottles of snake wine, jars of pickled snake, and dried snake skin products. However, these items may be subject to customs regulations.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not recommended for young children. Participants must be able to walk and participate in the activities. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

The Sum Up

The Hanoi: Le Mat Snake Village Tour offers a captivating culinary adventure, delving into the fascinating world of snake cuisine. Visitors can savor 10 diverse snake dishes, taste snake wine, and observe snake raising, all while learning about the cultural significance of these unique delicacies. It’s an immersive experience that provides a glimpse into a distinctive aspect of Vietnamese gastronomy.

You can check availability for your dates here: