Hanoi’s Le Mat Snake Village offers a truly unique culinary adventure. Travelers can embark on a 3.5-hour tour, indulging in ten different snake-based dishes. From snake spring rolls to snake soup, this immersive experience provides a glimpse into the region’s snake-centric cuisine and traditions. Visitors will also explore a local snake farm, learning about the art of snake raising. With such a distinctive gastronomic journey on offer, it’s no wonder this tour has captured the attention of adventurous foodies.
Key Points
- This 3.5-hour tour from Hanoi’s Old Quarter offers an immersive culinary experience featuring 10 different snake dishes, including snake spring rolls and stir-fried snake.
- Participants will visit a snake farm to learn about snake raising and training, and observe demonstrations of snake handling and care.
- The tour includes transportation, 10 snake dishes, snake wine, and a ticket to the snake farm, with a group size limited to 15 participants.
- The tour is not recommended for individuals with animal allergies or vegetarians, and pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.
- The tour itinerary is subject to change, and it’s important to check availability for start times.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Le Mat Snake Village Tour is a 3.5-hour excursion from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, priced at $105.08 per person.
The Le Mat Snake Village Tour is a 3.5-hour excursion from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, priced at $105.08 per person.
Group size is limited to 15 participants, with tours available in English. Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later.
The tour includes transportation, 10 snake cuisine dishes, snake wine, and admission to the snake farm, as well as a tour guide.
Travellers should bring appropriate attire and prepare for a unique culinary experience, though the tour may not be suitable for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hanoi.
Itinerary and Activities
Although the tour departs from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, it takes guests about 20 minutes by car to reach the Le Mat Snake Village, located 10 km away.
The 2.75-hour itinerary includes:
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Exploring the snake cuisine and local culture
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Visiting a snake farm to learn about snake raising and training
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Enjoying a break time and taking photo stops
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Trying 10 different snake dishes, including snake spring rolls, stir-fried snake with veggies, and the unique experience of snake’s heart with snake wine.
Culinary Experience
A major draw of the Le Mat Snake Village Tour is its culinary experience. Visitors can try 10 different snake dishes, from spring rolls to grilled snake.
The tour includes a unique opportunity to sample snake’s heart with snake wine – a Vietnamese rice wine mixed with snake blood and lemongrass. Guests can also indulge in snake soup, porridge, and even deep-fried snake skin.
Throughout the experience, they’ll learn about the local culture and tradition of snake cuisine. The diverse array of snake-based delicacies offers an immersive and adventurous gastronomic journey for those seeking an authentic Vietnamese experience.
Exploring Snake Cuisine and Local Culture
What makes the Le Mat Snake Village Tour a truly immersive cultural experience is its focus on exploring the local cuisine and traditions surrounding snake-based dishes.
Visitors have the chance to:
Observe the intricate process of snake handling and preparation at the on-site snake farm.
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Observe the intricate process of snake handling and preparation at the on-site snake farm.
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Taste a variety of snake dishes, from spring rolls to grilled and deep-fried specialties.
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Partake in the unique experience of drinking snake wine, a Vietnamese specialty made with snake blood and lemongrass.
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Immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture and learn about the importance of snakes in Vietnamese culinary and medicinal practices.
Visit to the Snake Farm
During the Le Mat Snake Village Tour, visitors have the opportunity to explore the on-site snake farm.
Here, they’ll learn about the intricate process of snake raising and training. Guides demonstrate how the snakes are carefully handled and cared for, providing insights into their unique behaviors and characteristics.
Visitors can observe the snakes in their natural habitats, gaining a deeper appreciation for these fascinating creatures.
The snake farm visit offers a behind-the-scenes look at the local snake trade, complementing the main culinary experience of the tour.
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Unique Snake Wine Experience
One of the highlights of the Le Mat Snake Village Tour is the unique snake wine experience.
Visitors have the chance to try snake wine, a traditional Vietnamese drink made by mixing rice wine with snake blood and lemongrass.
The experience includes:
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Observing the process of extracting the snake’s heart and mixing it with the wine
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Trying the potent snake wine, which is believed to have medicinal properties
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Learning about the cultural significance of snake wine in Vietnamese cuisine and traditional medicine
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Discovering the distinct flavor profile of the wine, which combines the earthy notes of the snake with the citrusy lemongrass.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Le Mat Snake Village Tour package includes a variety of offerings to provide visitors with a comprehensive experience. The tour includes transportation, 10 dishes of snake cuisine, snake wine, water, green tea, soft drinks, and beer. Plus, the ticket to the snake farm and the services of a tour guide are also covered. However, any food and drinks not specified in the inclusions, as well as gratuities, are excluded from the package. Visitors should also note that the tour is not suitable for those with animal allergies or vegetarians, and certain items are not allowed, such as pets, alcohol, and drugs.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
| — | — |
| Transportation | Food and drinks not specified |
| 10 dishes of snake cuisine | Gratuities (recommended) |
| Snake wine, water, green tea, soft drink, beer | |
| Ticket to snake farm | |
| Tour guide | |
Important Information
Although the Le Mat Snake Village Tour offers a unique culinary and cultural experience, it may not be suitable for everyone. The tour isn’t recommended for people with animal allergies or vegetarians.
The Le Mat Snake Village Tour may not be suitable for those with animal allergies or vegetarians.
Guests are advised to bring appropriate attire and gear, such as:
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Hat
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Camera
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Sunscreen
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Comfortable clothes
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Insect repellent
Plus, pets, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.
It’s important to note that the tour itinerary is subject to change, and guests should check availability for starting times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food or Drink on the Tour?
The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food or drinks. All meals and beverages are provided as part of the tour package. Bringing outside food or drink is not permitted.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children are welcome to participate, though the snake cuisine may not appeal to all young palates. It’s advised to consider children’s comfort and preferences when booking the tour.
Can I Substitute the Snake Dishes With Other Options?
The tour’s snake dishes are a core part of the experience, so substitutions aren’t allowed. However, the tour provider may be able to accommodate special dietary needs with prior notice. It’s best to discuss any concerns directly with them.
Do I Need to Speak Vietnamese to Join the Tour?
No, visitors don’t need to speak Vietnamese to join the Le Mat Snake Village Tour. The tour is conducted in English, and an English-speaking guide accompanies participants throughout the experience.
Can I Take the Tour if I Have Dietary Restrictions?
Travelers with dietary restrictions like vegetarianism or allergies may not be able to fully participate in the Le Mat Snake Village Tour, as it focuses on trying different snake dishes. The tour notes it’s not suitable for these groups.
The Sum Up
The Le Mat Snake Village Tour in Hanoi offers a thrilling 3.5-hour adventure, featuring a unique culinary experience with ten different snake dishes. Visitors can explore the fascinating world of snake cuisine, learn about the art of snake raising, and enjoy the region’s rich culture and traditions. This truly unforgettable gastronomic journey is a must-try for adventurous foodies.
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