Travel Plan: Eating Snake in Hanoi’s Snake Village (Le Mat)

Squeezed between culinary powerhouses like China, Thailand, and Japan, Vietnamese cuisine has always punched above its weight. Scintillating phở and irresistible bánh mì are just some of the tastes and aromas that have left a deep impression on foreign palates, surprising travellers with flavours and textures they didn’t even know they craved.

Hanoi’s bright lights and buzzing streets may already include a spectrum of Vietnamese cuisine, but venture beyond the city’s limits, and you’ll stumble upon a humble village home to a cultural icon and a dark tourist rite-of-passage.

It’s a corner of Vietnam where culture, courage, and curiosity collide; a place that asks one simple question of every visitor – how far are you willing to go for a story?

Welcome to Lệ Mật, the snake-eating capital of the world, and home to a one-of-a-kind spectacle. Let’s find out everything there is to know about Hanoi’s iconic Snake Village!

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A Brief History of Eating Snakes

While dining on serpent may not be the norm for your typical Westerner, cultures throughout southern Asia (including India, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia and especially southern China and Vietnam) have a long, documented history of doing so.

In times of scarcity, these reptilian creatures – along with other unconventional animals – became crucial sources of protein. They were able to sustain communities when conventional livestock was scarce.

Yet, eating snakes was never just about survival. For centuries (and even to this day), snakes carry mythological significance. They’re thought to empower the consumer with strength, vitality, and just a touch of mysticism for good measure.

Traditional Vietnamese Medicine

Snake-derived products have played a vital role in traditional medicine throughout Southeast Asia since the dawn of civilisation. Ancient wisdom and old wives’ tales have hailed the “warm energy”, or the yang quality they bring, and claim its ability to cure ailments, boost stamina, or warm the body during harsh winters.

This unconventional remedy is also believed to improve circulation, soothe joint pain, treat arthritis, and fatigue. Most importantly, snake products are said to help give your own impotent, withered anaconda a much-needed boost!

Drink up! Photo by Jacek Karczmarczyk, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Masculinity & Virility

It’s no secret that men value their penises beyond their own well-being. Thus, there has always been a market for enhancers, both natural and otherwise.

In Vietnamese popular culture, snake products – particularly snake blood, bile, and infused rice wine (rượu rắn) – are heavily marketed towards men as natural “strength-boosters” and aphrodisiacs, which can give your venomous little fellow a bit of a kick.

Learn more about this and find out why Taipei’s own snake alley is in a red light district!
Check out The Ultimate Travel Plan: Eating Snakes in Taipei’s Snake Alley!

Symbolism

While snake meat may have some dubious health claims, the act of eating snakes and the rituals associated with it carry quite a few layers of symbolic meaning.

Acts such as drinking blood or consuming its still beating heart are seen as symbols of masculinity and courage. It’s also seen as a form of male bonding, similar to the way other cultures use strong alcohol as a social rite.

snake village hanoi — A snake’s still beating heart and a few glasses of snake blood mixed with rice wine

Consuming the creature is also thought to symbolise the “absorbing” of their strength, which in turn should make the consumer more fearless. As well as that, snakes are a common feature in Vietnamese folklore, both as protectors and bad omens. Eating them, in that case, is sometimes believed to ward off bad luck or misfortune.

All About Lệ Mật (The Snake Village)

As widespread as this historical practice once was, Lệ Mật always has and always will be the spiritual and cultural heart of snake eating in Vietnam. This humble little village (also nicknamed the Snake Village) is famed for its centuries-old tradition of snake catching, breeding, and one-of-a-kind cuisine.

Since at least the 11th century, locals in Lệ Mật have mastered techniques needed to safely handle, breed and trade serpents with the highest level of expertise. They have also naturally become the leading experts on traditional recipes that aim to bring out their unique flavours of snake meat while ensuring it’s safe to eat.

Moreover, Lệ Mật’s snake farming industry has historically contributed to the village’s economy. In modern times, there’s also been an influx of interest from outsiders wanting to experience the iconic village and cuisine for themselves. As such, snake products – including meat, skin, and venom – are still sold both locally and beyond.

Lệ Mật Snake Festival

The cultural identity of this village originated from a local legend that was also set in the 11th century. Supposedly, a courageous young fisherman from Lệ Mật bravely rescued a princess from the grips of a giant snake (dragon-serpent) living in the Duong River.

He humbly declined the king’s honours and instead requested land to settle nearby. As a token of thanks and recognition for his bravery, the king granted him a stretch of fertile land where he and his descendants could settle and thrive. This led to the founding of 13 hamlets, known as Thập Tam Trại. That brave young fisherman was also later venerated as the village’s deity.

Fun for all the family. Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Arana

For over 800 years, this tiny little village has continued to honour this story. The most significant celebration takes place during the Lệ Mật Snake Festival, which takes place annually from the 20th to the 24th of the third lunar month, with the main ceremonies held on the 23rd.

Not only does the event commemorate the heroic act of the village saint, but it’s also an expression of hope for prosperity, peace, and protection for the community.

How to Experience Lệ Mật

The village’s reputation as “Hanoi’s Snake Village” keeps it safely in guidebooks, YouTube travel vlogs, and foodie lists for years to come.

Many visitors come specifically for the novelty, as of course, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can experience the multi-course performative ritual. For others, it’s a fascinating opportunity to take part in an ancient ritual and walk in the footsteps of countless Vietnamese warriors before them.

Whatever your motivations may be, here’s what to expect!

Choosing the Right Restaurant

While there are plenty of restaurants in Lệ Mật that offer snake dishes, most don’t have a formal name or aren’t listed online or anywhere else a tourist might think to look. This is also partly intentional. With the wave of international interest and equal amounts of disgusted protestors, some prefer to keep their establishments away from the tourist trail. Additionally, while spots are simple family-run establishments, others focus on providing a more authentic or theatrical experience.

If quality, safety and pagentry are high on your list, there are only a few restaurants to choose from.

Hung Snake Restaurant is easily on top of that list! It’s recognised as one of the biggest and most famous snake-restaurants in Lệ Mật, as they’re renowned for their expertise and dramatic presentations. It’s also my personal recommendation, as I had my own private experience here with the restaurant’s owner, called Dragon, who you can book through and contact directly on WhatsApp (+84989331012).

Other options include Nguyen Van Duc Snake Restaurant, Chien Thang Snakes Restaurant, The Cobra Snake Ba Mao and Vườn Ẩm Thực Rắn Ráo.

If possible, call ahead to ensure availability, as some restaurants require advance booking for the full experience. This also ensures they have a suitable snake available for you.

To read about my own experiences in the Snake Village, check out Hanoi: A Snake’s Heart For Dinner!

Choosing the Right Snake

Another worthy consideration is what type of snake you’d like to get and how you want it prepared.

In Lệ Mật, the restaurants usually serve a few common species of snakes, chosen for their availability, size, and taste. The most commonly used are cobra (the most iconic), krait, rat snake, python and vipers.

Some places might offer a selection of snakes to choose from, like picking a lobster from a tank. The host will explain the different flavours and textures of each species (and of course, the price) before you pick one. Others work on more of a “catch of the day” system, where you’ll simply get whatever’s available at that time.

It’s also an important financial decision as the total price of the meal is based on the snake you choose. Effectively, rather than charging per head or per dish, they charge per snake, from which you’ll get several dishes.

Getting to the Snake Village

Lệ Mật is located just 7 kilometres outside of Hanoi’s city centre. From the historic Old Quarter, you could grab a ride-share or hail a cab and be there within 20 minutes.

If you’re feeling brave enough, consider going by motorbike and weaving through Hanoi’s chaotic traffic to get there.

Tours of Lệ Mật

One of the easiest and sometimes best options is experiencing Lệ Mật as part of a tour. Plenty of agencies in Hanoi run half-day or full-day trips to the snake village. These allow you to bundle snake meals with some other cultural or local experiences.

These additional activities could include a visit to a communal house, learning more about the Lệ Mật Snake Festival, or even watching the Giảo Long (Snake Dragon) dance in festival season.

Some tours also include a visit to a local snake farm, where you’ll be able to observe how snakes are raised, fed, handled, and even trained.

Tours typically cost roughly £40-85. This covers meals (possibly drinks), transport from Hanoi, a guide and any additional activity that comes with it. Check out this one as an example!

What to Expect

Now that you’ve selected your restaurant and which mouth-watering snake will become your succulent meal for the evening, the real show begins.

While some spots offer pre-selected dishes that bypass the pageantry entirely, others lean hard into the immersive theatre, drawing diners into traditional rituals that turn a meal into a full-blown performance.

Warning – Not For the Sensitive

Snake eating is far from just a novelty for locals here in Lệ Mật. These rituals and traditions are steeped in cultural and mythological beliefs. The practice is still seen as a rite of passage for some and remains a way to connect directly with the beloved folktales and legends of the past.

Yet for those more conscious of animal welfare, these practices are seen as archaic and cruel – a relic of time which belongs in the history books. It involves the live slaughter and butchering of an animal, which some viewers might find disturbing.

While the ritual still exists, these days, the dramatic moment is more often than not kept away from the eyes of the guests due to regulations and tourist sensitivity. However, many places will happily or privately allow you to witness it if you request it. Whether you see it or not, the end result will still be the same.

The Traditional Ritual

As soon as the fateful serpent has been selected, it’s time for the ritual to begin. The snake is brought to the table for you to observe and even hold if you’re brave enough.

The snake’s throat is then cut open with a sharp knife while still alive (this is considered essential for the ritual aspect). Next, the still-beating heart is quickly removed and placed in a small glass of rice wine.

The snake’s blood is then drained into a separate glass and mixed with rice wine, giving it a characteristic red tint.

Finally, the snake’s gall bladder/bile is also extracted and drained into another rice wine-filled glass, giving it an eye-catching radioactive green hue.

The last step of the ritual is to drink the tantalising drinks before you and to swallow the still-beating heart of the snake. This is traditionally considered a sign of strength and bravery, or for some of you out there, male bravado. Either way, there’s nothing quite like the sensation of feeling a gentle beating making its way down your throat.

The Snake Feast

Once the ritual is complete, the snake is then expertly prepared into a variety of dishes. The number you get depends on the size of the snake, which could be between 8 to 12 dishes! No part of the snake goes to waste, continuing the village’s age-old tradition of sustainability.

A traditional snake banquet includes:

Snake Soup (súp rắn / cháo rắn) – The icon, and still popular elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Rich, herbal, light and deeply nourishing.
Snake Spring Rolls (nem rắn) – Multiple varieties available. Typically filled with flavorful snake meat, others use the snake skin itself as the wrap.
Stir-Fried Snake with Lemongrass (rắn xào sả ớt) – A balanced dish that highlights the meat’s natural flavours.
Grilled Snake (rắn nướng)- Marinated pieces of snake, grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky, chewy texture.
Snake Skin Crisps (Da rắn chiên giòn) – The skin is fried until crispy, almost like pork crackling.
Snake Hotpot (Lẩu rắn) – A communal hotpot where diners cook snake pieces in a fragrant broth.
Snake Ribs (Sườn rắn chiên or nướng) – Small ribs fried or grilled. Chewy but rich in flavour.
Snake Congee (Cháo rắn) – A comforting, rice-based porridge infused with snake broth and shredded snake meat.
Deep-Fried Snake Bones (Xương rắn rang muối) – Surprisingly crunchy. Deep-fried or roasted with chilli salt.

Throughout the meal, expect to be served plenty of drinks (non-alcoholic or otherwise) as well as plenty of local rice wine, which is often infused with snake venom or medicinal herbs, adding another layer to the experience.

The Controversy of Snake Eating in Lệ Mật

Despite its historic significance, many eyebrows are still raised by not only the ritualistic slaughter, but also the eating of snake meat in general.

Increased criticism from both home and abroad has forced many of these traditional practices to adapt to the modern world, while others prefer to eradicate the practice altogether.

Increasing Regulation

In recent years, the Vietnamese government has tightened oversight on wildlife trade and animal welfare. While Lệ Mật primarily farmed their snakes rather than catching them, authorities now require proof of legal breeding origins.

In response, several Lệ Mật restaurants and farms now emphasise that their snakes are ethically bred in captivity. These places highlight their closed-cycle breeding programs. In these systems, snakes are raised in hygienic, controlled environments, reducing disease risk and easing pressure on wild populations. Not least, Lệ Mật has effectively turned snakes into just another form of livestock.

This “sustainable snake” branding is increasingly used in marketing in a bid to reassure eco-conscious tourists while still preserving the village’s culinary identity.

Live Displays Toned Down or Hidden

In years past, it was common for visitors to choose a snake, watch it be slaughtered on the spot, and, if one felt brave enough, consume its blood or still beating heart immediately.

While legal, public slaughter in front of tourists is increasingly discouraged, partly for animal welfare and partly to avoid negative publicity from foreign critics and animal welfare advocates.

Animal activists. Photo by Alisdare Hickson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Many of these venues must now hide this part of the process in the kitchen. Others are willing to give you the full show, as long as you’re discreet (as they don’t want to give other tourists a negative impression). Some establishments prefer to avoid the headache of bad publicity altogether and thus won’t even promote their services to foreigners.

Other venues now focus solely on pre-prepared dishes, marketing the experience more as “exotic cuisine” than a visceral extreme dining scenario.

Waning Interest Among Younger Vietnamese

Another simple reason that snakes have fallen out of fashion is because of a generational shift amongst Vietnam’s youth. Sadly, there hasn’t been any demand for serpent sausages or cobra corndogs from the masses. Why would there be when, in this modern world, the streets of Hanoi are filled with Korean BBQ and bubble tea joints? In their eyes, dining on a less-than-desired creature isn’t as hot as it used to be.

These days, it’s seen as an older generational practice, a special treat tied to tradition, medicine, and male vitality. What once held a status of courage now simply doesn’t have the same allure for Gen Z. Most of them find it to be old-fashioned, too intense, or even ethically questionable.

After the snake village, explore the other must-see attractions in Hanoi!

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Snake Tourism

As tourism in Vietnam began to boom through the late 20th to the early 21st century, eating snake meat – particularly the “Snake Village” in Hanoi – has become a unique hotspot for a subset of adventurous tourists.

Western tourists in particular have begun to seek out this cultural marvel, not just to see it through the eyes of DiCaprio in The Beach. The elaborate nature of the meal also makes it a big selling point. Not only do you get to consume its visceral body parts, but you also get to enjoy a multitude of snake-related products at once. But of course, more than anything, the “snake blood shot” ritual has become an equal right of passage for many visitors to Hanoi.

Final Thoughts

By now, you should have been able to come to your own conclusion whether or not eating snake in the Snake Village of Hanoi is a fascinating cultural custom or an archaic display of brutality.

While snakes may have been a source of energy in times of need, in a modern age of excess and on-demand sustenance, it’s no longer necessary. Phrases such as live-slaughter and eating a still beating heart don’t paint the prettiest picture either. That’s why many travellers find themselves in this moral quandary – is it ethical to eat snakes?

As a confessed meat-eater (non-organic at that), it would be highly hypocritical to wag my finger while willingly allowing one farm animal after the other to die for my own dining pleasure. If Lệ Mật’s snake farming industry truly is as sustainable as any form of livestock, who am I to judge?

In reality, as visually shocking as they may be, live slaughters have and remain an integral part of many other cultures and religions throughout the world, yet they face much less criticism or backlash; rather, it’s respected and tolerated.

The truth is, the answer doesn’t sit neatly in a travel guide. Call it savage, call it sacred, but until you’ve stared into the bottom of a blood-stained glass, you’ll never really know which side you really stand on.

In the end, Lệ Mật doesn’t care what you think. It was here before you, it’ll be here long after, and it will keep serving up its raw, beating contradictions – one snake at a time.