Overview:
Opened to the public in 1923, Bangkok’s snake farm, part of the Thai Red Cross Institute (formerly Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute), has large pits and trellis enclosures to house the resident reptiles. The snake farm also called “Suan Nguu”, is home to various venomous and non-venomous snakes. It is the second oldest snake farm in the world after a snake farm in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The snake farm operates on the ethical basis of using snakes as an integral part of respecting our ecology. The snakes here are left to their own devices in their new habitats.
The trainers and keepers here are well-trained in dealing with reptiles. You’ll deal with many types of snakes, including the rainbow snake, green tree snake, and even the dangerous striped krait, which is marked daily. No wonder this place attracts nearly 50,000 tourists every year!
Snake farm Activities:
Snake Farm in Bangkok specializes in breeding snakes. The process, known as “milking,” involves extracting venom, which is used to create antidotes for seven of the most common snakebites—handling demonstrations to teach visitors how to safely handle snakes in both urban and rural settings. It is considered one of the most respected antidote manufacturing facilities in Asia.
Interesting Facts about the Snake Farm
- Through its weekly exhibits and demonstrations, the Bangkok Snake Farm seeks to replace fear with respect for snakes of all species.
- Whether you’re a big fan of snakes or just curious about them, this snake farm is the best way to get all your essential information under one roof.
- It will interest you that Thailand is home to almost 200 snakes, but only 60 species are venomous.
- Most of these venomous species are aquatic, living in water with little interaction with humans.
- This means a tiny percentage of snakes pose a threat to humans.
Snake Enclosures at the Snake Farm Bangkok
The snake farm has enjoyed the patronage of the Thai royal family since its inception. His Royal Highness Prince Paribatra Sukhumbhand served as Vice President of the country’s Red Cross Society in the 1920s. Along with his brothers, HRH Princess Sasipong Prapai and HRH Prince Burachat Chaiyakorn, Prince Paribatra established the Simaseng Fund (better known as the “Four Snakes Fund”.”). This fund was used to build the Simaseng Building, dedicated to providing medical care and snake shelter here. Seven decades later, the building was demolished to make way for a larger venue.
Only the first two floors are open to the public of the building’s five floors. They serve as display areas for the farm’s more than 30 species of snakes. The levels also have a large area where demos are held, especially for poison. Extraction. The second floor houses an interactive museum that discusses the life cycle, anatomy, reproduction, first aid, and other snake-related factors. The signs are written in Thai and English to make them more accessible to tourists.
Visitor Tips:
- As snakes are most active in the morning, we recommend visiting before 11 am daily. You can easily spend two to three hours perusing the exhibits and watching a live snake show.
- Although the Snake Farm is primarily a building, the outdoor displays can get hot during the day. Remember your hat and sunscreen!
How to Reach Snake Farm
The Snake Farm, housed in the Thai Red Cross Institute, is located in the centre of Bangkok at 1871 Rama IV Road at the intersection with Henry Dunant Road next to the DTAC building, as it is a popular and well-known tourist destination among taxi drivers. It is easily accessible by public transport via the well-connected BTS or MRT systems. You can access the snake farm from Saladeng BTS station or Sam Yan and Silom MRT station. Exiting any of these stations is only a five-minute walk to reach the snake farm.
