Le Mat Snake Village Tour With Snake Tasting

Exploring Le Mat Snake Village with Snake Tasting: An Authentic and Unusual Hanoi Experience

Our review of the Le Mat Snake Village tour offers a window into one of Hanoi’s most unique culinary adventures. This 4-hour private experience invites travelers to step outside the usual food scene and venture into the intriguing world of snake cuisine, all guided by knowledgeable locals. From tasting a variety of snake-based dishes to exploring the snake farm, this tour promises a memorable blend of culture, cuisine, and a dash of the unusual.

What we truly love about this experience is how it combines authentic local flavors with educational insights. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Hanoi’s snake farming traditions, see live snakes, and get to try ten different snake dishes, many of which you probably haven’t encountered elsewhere.

A notable consideration is that this experience involves tasting live snake meat, which might not suit everyone’s palate or comfort level. It’s definitely an adventure for those open to trying new things, especially if you’re a foodie eager for out-of-the-ordinary experiences. This tour is best suited for travelers interested in local culture, culinary explorers, or those curious about Vietnam’s more unconventional dishes.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience with a focus on Hanoi’s snake cuisine and culture
• Educational aspect at the snake farm, including how snakes are raised and fed
• All-inclusive: lunch, beverages, entrance fees, and transport are covered
• Flexible private tour tailored to your schedule and interests
• Unique tasting lineup with 10 different snake dishes and drinks
• Perfect for adventurous eaters and culturally curious travelers

An In-Depth Look at the Le Mat Snake Village Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter—a strategic choice that ensures a smooth start and saves you the hassle of navigating transport. The drive across the Long Bien or Chuong Duong bridges takes about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the sights en route to Le Mat, known as Hanoi’s snake village.

Le Mat, located just 10 km east of Hanoi, is famous locally for its snake farms and culinary traditions. You’ll arrive in Viet Hung ward in Long Bien District, where the atmosphere feels both authentic and lively—an ideal setting for such a niche experience. Once there, your guide will lead you through the village, sharing insights about the local snake farming industry and its cultural significance.

The second stop involves a focus on Vietnamese snake cuisine. Here, you’re introduced to an array of 10 carefully prepared dishes, including snake spring rolls, stir-fried snake with vegetables, snake soup, porridge, deep-fried snake skin, and grilled snake. Each dish offers a distinctive flavor and texture, with the snake meat providing a slightly chewy, yet tender bite that’s quite unlike more familiar meats.

Many reviewers highlight that the culinary presentation is well thought out and executed. Jason_B, one of the guest reviewers, appreciated the variety: “The meal consisted of like 10 different dishes, all with snake and all unique and well executed.” Meanwhile, Gerald_S, another traveler, enjoyed the experience as a true foodie: “Being foodies, we needed to experience the full deal, 7 courses + 2 drinks.”

Visiting the Snake Farm

The final part of the tour takes you to a snake farm, where you’ll see how snakes are raised, fed, and trained. This behind-the-scenes look adds depth to your understanding of the local industry. You might witness some of the largest bottle of King Cobra snake wine in Vietnam, which offers a glimpse into the traditional practices of snake-related products.

This part of the experience is especially valued by reviewers like Narelle_M, who mentioned that the guide and farmer are friendly and informative. The visit also reassures travelers about safety and hygiene standards, which is crucial when dealing with live animals and exotic ingredients.

Transport and Convenience

The private round-trip transfer from your Hanoi hotel is a significant plus, especially for those unfamiliar with Hanoi’s traffic or logistics. The tour, which lasts approximately 4 hours, is tailored to your schedule, and the small group setting ensures personalized attention. Plus, bottled water, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages are included, making sure you stay refreshed throughout.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out

Beyond the food, the knowledgeable guide enhances the experience by sharing stories about local snake culture—something you might not find in typical Hanoi tours. The opportunity to learn about the traditional use of snake products and see live animals adds an educational layer that appeals to curious travelers.

Authenticity and Value for Money

At $99 per person, the tour offers considerable value. It combines culinary exploration, cultural insight, and hands-on experiences—all in a compact 4-hour package. When you compare this to the cost of dining out for a single meal in Hanoi, the variety and educational aspect make it a worthwhile investment.

The all-inclusive nature—covering lunch, drinks, entrance fees, and transportation—means no hidden costs, which can be common in more niche tours. Plus, the private nature of the experience ensures a comfortable, intimate environment, perfect for asking questions and engaging fully.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous eaters, culture enthusiasts, and curious travelers eager to explore an unusual aspect of Hanoi’s culinary scene. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate detailed, guided experiences rather than generic group tours. However, it’s important to note that the tasting involves snake meat, which may not be suitable for vegetarians or those squeamish about live animals.

Final Thoughts

The Le Mat Snake Village Tour offers an unconventional glimpse into Hanoi’s culinary traditions, blending taste, culture, and education in one package. The opportunity to try 10 different snake dishes—from spring rolls to grilled meats—paired with insights from friendly guides makes it a memorable outing for adventurous food lovers.

While the idea of consuming snake meat might seem extreme to some, many reviewers highlight the quality of the food and the safety and professionalism of the experience. The visit to the snake farm adds an educational layer, giving you a better understanding of the local industry and traditional practices.

This tour balances authenticity and entertainment, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking something offbeat yet informative. It’s especially suited for those interested in Vietnamese cuisine’s outliers and eager to add a story to their Hanoi trip that friends probably won’t believe.

Who Should Book This Experience?

If you’re a culinary explorer, culture enthusiast, or just someone with an insatiable curiosity about unusual foods, this tour will likely delight you. It’s also a fantastic choice if you want a private, flexible experience with all logistics taken care of, allowing you to focus solely on the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
No, this experience involves tasting snake meat, so it isn’t appropriate for vegetarians or vegans.

How long does the tour last?
The entire tour is approximately 4 hours, including pickup, travel, and stops.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip private transfer from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is part of the package, making logistics hassle-free.

What is the cost per person?
The tour costs $99 per person, which covers lunch, beverages, entrance fees, and guide services.

Are drinks included?
Yes, bottled water, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages are included in the price.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Is it a group or private experience?
This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What kind of dishes will I taste?
Expect a variety of snake-based dishes, such as snake spring rolls, stir-fried snake with vegetables, snake soup, porridge, deep-fried snake skin, and grilled snake.

Do I get to see live snakes?
Yes, as part of the snake farm visit, you’ll observe live snakes and learn about their care and cultivation.

To sum it up, the Le Mat Snake Village Tour offers an authentic, educational, and gastronomic adventure that will appeal to travelers open to trying something different. With excellent guides, well-organized logistics, and a variety of dishes, it’s a memorable way to discover a hidden side of Hanoi’s culinary landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious about local traditions, this experience promises a story to tell long after your trip ends.