The Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute Snake Farm in Bangkok farms king cobras for antivenom – and puts on demonstrations for visitors.
Too close to king cobras in Bangkok
Ugh. His last films may have been cinematic travesties, but Indiana Jones certainly has the right idea on snakes. There’s something about them, even the feeble non-venomous ones that are about as dangerous as soppy Labrador puppies, that makes me shudder. They’re fascinating, sure, but I want them safely kept a certain distance away from me.
That distance is a little bit further than it is at Bangkok’s Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute Snake Farm. The less-than-grand stand we’re sat in looks a little too ramshackle and the barriers look a little too undeterring. Especially when the guy in the wellies starts swinging the king cobras round by the tail.
Learning about snakes
The farm is not just a tourist attraction. It’s a World Health Organisation-backed research centre. It produces antivenin and studies toxicology. It also acts, at least partly, as a natural history museum of the slithery kind.
As snakes sleep in their glass cages, stats and trivia are reeled off. The mangrove pit viper is quick to strike when disturbed; the reticulated python can grow up to ten metres long. But it’s the cobras that have that magical allure. Kipling and co have built a handsome mythology around these romanticised serpents.
The conservationists can claim what they like; as far as I’m concerned, they’re horrible, vicious bastards.
What happens when a cobra bites you
A video upstairs shows the effects a cobra bite has. Death from one goes a little like this: progressive paralysis of the skeletal and peripheral muscles, then a sleep-like paralysis, spasms and excess salivation, then fatal respiratory failure. It is not a nice way to go. Even amongst those saved in time, 25% end up with severe muscle damage. And several thousand people a year in Thailand are saved in time.
Snake-handling display
Knowing this, it’s hard to understand why the handlers are so nonchalant while conducting the show. They initially give the cobras plenty of room, but chat away as if the snakes are not there, owning the floor. Occasionally one springs into action and goes for the handler’s legs. It becomes fairly clear what those welly boots are for.
Then the handlers pick the snakes up and swing them around by the tail. Presumably it’s about momentum – if the snake is swinging fast enough, it can’t co-ordinate well enough to get into a truly dangerous position. Even so, the fury is there. They make lunges, thwarted by gravity and speed of travel.
Leaving the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute
When the king cobras come out, I feel I’ve seen enough. They are astoundingly big, although not quite as venomous as their smaller cousins. I make a cowardly skulk towards the end of the stand and make my exit. The only way to do so without walking back in front of the massed crowd and looking like a chicken is to nip round the back.
I turn the corner, and I’m suddenly met with precisely what I didn’t want to see: another giant cobra being swung around by the tail. This is where the handlers are bringing them out from, and they’re not expecting visitors.
One “Woah!” is all I need to back off as far as possible.
Things to do near the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute Snake Farm
- Visit the King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk. Around 2 miles away, this observation deck offers panoramic views over Bangkok from its glass-floored rooftop.
- Explore Siam Serpentarium. Approximately 7 miles away, this modern reptile attraction features immersive snake exhibits, educational zones and live presentations.
- Visit SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World. About 1.8 miles from the snake farm, this large indoor aquarium beneath Siam Paragon showcases sharks, rays and tropical marine life.
- See Madame Tussauds Bangkok. Located next to SEA LIFE, this wax museum features lifelike figures of international celebrities and Thai cultural icons.
- Visit Jim Thompson House Museum. Roughly 2 miles away, this historic teakwood home offers guided tours exploring Thai silk and traditional architecture.
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute Snake Farm FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute Snake Farm? | It is a research and education centre in Bangkok run by the Thai Red Cross, focusing on venomous snakes, antivenom production and public education through live exhibits. |
| What can you see at the snake farm? | Visitors can view venomous and non-venomous snakes, learn how antivenom is produced, and watch live demonstrations including snake handling and venom extraction. |
| Do I need to book Snake Farm tickets in advance? | Advance booking is not usually required. Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance on the day of your visit. |
| How long does a visit take? | Most visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits and watching the live demonstrations. |
| Where is the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute Snake Farm located? | The snake farm is located on Rama IV Road in Bangkok’s Pathum Wan district, within easy reach of Siam and Silom by taxi or public transport. |
More Thailand travel
Other Thailand travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Why plastic seats are the sign of a great Bangkok bar.
- What to expect at the Museum of Counterfeit Goods in Bangkok.
- Guide to Lumphini Park – Bangkok’s prime green space.
- Wat Rong Khun, the weird white temple of Chiang Rai.
