About Le Mat Snake Village
Le Mat Snake Village is a traditional craft and culinary village located in Viet Hung Ward, Long Bien District, about 7 km northeast of central Hanoi. Known for centuries for snake breeding and snake-based cuisine, the village is centered around family-run snake farms and restaurants serving snake meat and snake wine. It is notable for its long-standing legend linked to the Ly Dynasty and its annual village festival, attracting visitors interested in local food culture and rural heritage near Hanoi.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small rural village setting with family-run snake farms and specialized restaurants. The main experience is observing snake breeding areas and watching skilled handlers, followed by dining on set-menu snake dishes and snake wine in local restaurants. The village has narrow lanes, traditional houses, a communal house and temple dedicated to the village founder, and shops selling snake wine. The atmosphere is that of a working craft village rather than a formal museum.
Key highlights
- 01
Traditional snake breeding and farming households
- 02
Specialized restaurants serving snake meat set menus and snake wine
- 03
Le Mat Temple and communal house dedicated to the village founder
- 04
Annual Le Mat Festival held on the 23rd day of the third lunar month
- 05
Opportunity to learn about centuries-old snake-handling techniques
History of Le Mat Snake Village
According to local legend dating to the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century under Emperor Ly Thai Tong, a young man named Hoang from Le Mat killed a giant water monster threatening a princess, and was rewarded by the emperor. The village was granted land and its snake-catching and breeding tradition is said to originate from this event, with the village temple honoring Hoang as the founder.
Culture & Context
Le Mat is known as Vietnam's traditional snake village, preserving a centuries-old craft of snake breeding, handling and preparation of snake-based cuisine and snake wine. The culture is expressed through family-run farms, culinary practices, and the annual Le Mat Festival on the 23rd day of the third lunar month featuring processions, rituals and folk performances honoring the founder.