Queen Saowapha institute (Snake Farm )

Queen Saowapha institute (Snake Farm ) This is the second of its kind snake farm to be opened in the whole world. Thailand has around 180 kinds of snake, out of which 56 are of the deadly variety. This institute, which was originally named the Pasteur Institute, was opened primarily to produce anti-venom for national and global use. It was later renamed the Queen Saowapha Memorial Institute.

This institution houses a large variety of venomous snakes which are milked publicly for their venom from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. During this time, the public is also given the opportunity to handle snakes themselves. King cobra, Siamese Cobra, Russell’s viper, banded krait, Malayan pit viper, Green pit viper and Poe’s pit viper are milked everyday.
They also breed the snakes at this farm for research purposes. Another offering of this amazingly unique farm is education regarding snakes. There is an informative slide show about the snakes and the production of anti-venom everyday for those who are interested enough to catch it.
Apart from anti-venom you can also find vaccines for cholera, smallpox, typhoid, hepatitis and rabies here.
This is definitely an amazing and unique tourist destination. A chance to handle these serpentine beauties is a huge attraction for many. It is located at Chulalongkorn Hospital, on the corner of Henri Dunant and Rama IV Roads, half way between the Sam Yan and Silom Skytrain (BTS) Stations. Admission fee is only 70 B. The place is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays and from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on weekends and public holidays.