Le Mat Snake Village Tour With Snake Tasting

Venturing beyond Hanoi’s bustling streets, the Le Mat Snake Village Tour offers a daring glimpse into Vietnam’s more unusual culinary traditions. This 4-hour journey isn’t just about tasting snake meat; it’s an authentic peek into local customs, farming practices, and culinary ingenuity. From the moment you’re picked up in the Old Quarter to the moment you return, this tour promises an intriguing blend of culture, flavor, and adventure.

What really makes this experience stand out is its focus on personalized service—it’s a private tour, so you get the undivided attention of your guide, who’s eager to share insights about the traditional snake farming and preparation methods. Plus, the variety of snake dishes offered, including spring rolls, stir fries, and even snake soup, ensures you’re not just nibbling on the familiar but genuinely trying something new. Plus, the informative snake farm visit and the chance to see the largest bottles of snake wine in Vietnam add a flavor of authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere.

However, keep in mind that this experience is quite niche—if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of eating snake or are seeking a more conventional culinary tour, it might not be your cup of tea. The tour is best suited for adventurous foodies, curious travelers, or anyone eager to explore Vietnam’s more unusual food traditions in a safe, respectful setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Insight: Learn about traditional snake farming and local customs from knowledgeable guides.
• Culinary Variety: Taste an impressive lineup of 10+ dishes with snake meat, from spring rolls to grilled snake.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Lunch, drinks, and entrance fees are included, providing great value.
• Private and Personalized: A private guide ensures a tailored, intimate experience.
• Convenient Transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter make logistics effortless.
• Additional Attraction: Visit the snake farm to see how snakes are raised and cooked, plus the famous snake wine bottles.

Exploring the Tour Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Old Quarter to Le Mat Village

The adventure begins with a comfortable pickup from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel. The drive to Le Mat, about 10 km east of the city center, takes roughly 30 minutes. You’ll cross either the Long Bien or Chuong Duong Bridge—both iconic crossings offering fleeting views of the Red River—before arriving at Le Mat, known locally as the snake village.

This initial stop isn’t just a transit point; it’s a teaser of what’s to come. Your guide, likely a local with deep knowledge of the area, will set the stage for the experience, explaining how Le Mat has earned its reputation over generations as a hub for snake farming and culinary experimentation. Visitors often comment on how this part of the journey introduces you to a hidden side of Hanoi that most travelers never see.

Stop 2: Snake Tasting in Le Mat

Once in Le Mat, the real fun begins. Here, you’ll sit down at a local hotel where seasoned chefs are ready to serve up a spectacular lineup of snake dishes, including snake spring rolls, stir-fried snake with vegetables, snake soup, snake porridge, deep-fried snake skin, and grilled snake. The variety is impressive, and each dish is crafted with care, highlighting the subtle, distinctive flavor of snake meat—a slightly chewy, gamey taste that’s quite unlike typical meats.

Reviewers like Jason praise the “10 different dishes, all with snake”, noting the attention to detail and the thoughtful execution. The chefs emphasize freshness and authenticity, which is evident in the flavors. You might find yourself surprised by how well these dishes work together, transforming what many consider an extreme food into a memorable culinary experience.

Stop 3: The Snake Farm and Cultural Insights

After sampling the dishes, a visit to the local snake farm offers a deeper understanding of how snakes are raised, fed, and trained. This part of the tour is often highlighted by reviews for its informative nature and authenticity. You’ll see live snakes, including potentially large cobras, handled by expert snake trainers. Observers note the f friendly and knowledgeable guides who explain the farming process and the significance of snake wine in local culture.

A highlight for many is the glimpse of Vietnam’s largest bottles of snake wine, with some reviewers mentioning the “gallon-sized bottles,” which are as intriguing as they are intimidating. The farm visit adds a layer of context, making the tasting experience all the more meaningful.

Return to Hanoi

The tour concludes with a return trip to the Old Quarter, typically around 3 hours after it begins. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel, leaving with a new appreciation for Vietnam’s culinary daring and local traditions. Many guests mention how the guide’s explanations made the experience both educational and fun, making it much more than just a meal.

What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour is designed for convenience and comfort. For $99 per person, you get hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip private transportation, and all the meals and drinks. The inclusion of bottled water, coffee or tea, and even some alcoholic beverages makes it a well-rounded experience. The admission fees for the snake farm and village are covered, so there are no hidden costs.

Given the private nature of the tour, your group will have the space to ask questions and savor the experience at your own pace. Guests often remark on how the guide’s knowledgeable commentary adds to the overall value, especially when learning about the local culture and farming practices.

Timing and Duration

Spanning about 4 hours, the tour is perfect for those looking to explore an unusual aspect of Hanoi without it taking over their day. The actual tasting lasts around 3 hours, allowing ample time to enjoy each dish, learn from the guides, and take photos of the farm and the impressive snake wine bottles.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour’s private transfer removes the hassle of navigating Hanoi’s busy streets. This means you can relax during the drive and focus on the experience ahead. The pickup and drop-off service is particularly appreciated by travelers unfamiliar with Hanoi’s transport options, ensuring a seamless and stress-free outing.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Highlights

Many reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides’ ability to share local insights. Narelle mentions the “friendly farmer” and the sense of safety, which is crucial when participating in activities involving live snakes and unusual foods. The safety measures seem well observed, adding peace of mind.

Gerald, a seasoned foodie, appreciated the full range of snake dishes, including some of the more extreme items like snake gall bladder in rice wine and snake blood, which he describes as a “full deal” for culinary adventurers. Such details showcase the cultural significance of these foods and the skill of the chefs.

Unique Aspects That Stand Out

• The chance to see live snakes and snake trainers in action
• The variety of dishes that go beyond just snake meat
• The largest snake wine bottles in Vietnam, offering a visual feast
• The opportunity to learn about local snake farming practices
• The tour’s personalized, private nature, allowing for an intimate experience

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous eaters eager to try something different. It’s also ideal for culture enthusiasts interested in Vietnam’s traditional practices surrounding snake farming and consumption. If you’re open-minded about trying novel foods and want to avoid tourist traps, this offers a genuine look into a niche aspect of Hanoi life.

However, it’s not suitable for travelers who are squeamish about live animals or the idea of eating snake. The tour emphasizes safety and respect, but the concept of consuming snake meat will naturally appeal only to those with an adventurous spirit.

Final Thoughts

The Le Mat Snake Village Tour delivers an unusual yet fascinating peek into Vietnam’s culinary landscape. It combines authentic food tasting, cultural insights, and hands-on learning in a way that feels genuine and respectful. The private setting ensures personalized attention, and the inclusive price makes it excellent value considering the variety and depth of experience.

For those craving an offbeat adventure and eager to explore beyond Hanoi’s usual sights, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for foodies, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Vietnam’s lesser-known traditions.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour provides round-trip private transfer from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

How long does the tour last? It lasts approximately 4 hours, including travel, tasting, and the farm visit.

What is the cost? The tour costs $99 per person, which includes food, drinks, entrance fees, and transportation.

Can I cancel if needed? Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, but it’s best for those comfortable with live animals and unusual foods.

Are drinks included? Yes, bottled water, coffee/tea, and some alcoholic beverages are provided.

What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. Be prepared for potentially warm weather and outdoor farm areas.

Are there vegetarian options? No, as the focus is on snake dishes; vegetarians might find limited alternatives.

Can I visit the snake farm separately? The farm is part of this tour, included in the experience, not available as a stand-alone visit.

What’s the best time to book? Most travelers book about 19 days in advance, but availability varies.

In summary, the Le Mat Snake Village Tour offers a rare glimpse into a distinctive aspect of Vietnamese culture—perfect for curious, open-minded travelers seeking a memorable and authentic culinary adventure in Hanoi.