Dong Tam Snake Farm

Dong Tam Snake Farm is a large snake breeding and research center located in Binh Duc Commune, Chau Thanh District, about 9 km west of My Tho in Dong Thap Province (formerly Tien Giang). Established in 1977 for venom research and snakebite treatment, it houses thousands of snakes including king cobras, pythons and vipers, along with a snake museum, medicinal plant garden and crocodile area. It serves as both a conservation facility and visitor attraction in the Mekong Delta.

Visitors can expect a large open-air facility with numerous snake enclosures, pits and caged areas housing thousands of venomous and non-venomous snakes, including a lake area for king cobras. The site includes a snake museum displaying specimens and information on venom research, a medicinal plant garden, crocodile enclosures, and shaded walkways. Guided explanations are often available and visitors observe snakes from safe viewing areas.

Established in 1977 as a military-run snake breeding and venom research center under the initiative of Colonel Tran Van Duoc. Initially created to breed snakes for venom extraction to produce antivenom for treating snakebites and to support research on traditional medicine, it later expanded into conservation, education and tourism.

The farm is recognized as a center for snakebite treatment and traditional medicinal research in the Mekong Delta, reflecting local knowledge of herbal medicine and the importance of venom-derived pharmaceuticals. It also serves an educational role in raising awareness about reptile conservation.