Thai Red Cross Snake Farm (Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute)

Rating: 3.5/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Monday – Friday / Public Holidays (as announced)

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 08.30 – 15.30 / Public Holidays 09.30 – 13.00

 

Thai Red Cross Snake Farm (Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute) is one of those Bangkok attractions that genuinely feels “different from the usual.” The core of this place isn’t entertainment — it’s a real-world public health and science facility directly connected to venomous snakes. In simple terms, venomous snakes are kept here so venom can be collected and used in the process of producing antivenom for treating snakebite victims. At the same time, parts of the institute are open to visitors so people can learn about snakes, snake venom, and how to coexist with nature in a more informed way. That’s what makes the visit both “safe excitement” and “practical knowledge” you can actually carry back into everyday life.

 

What makes the Thai Red Cross Snake Farm memorable is the feeling that you’re seeing a behind-the-scenes world most people never get to witness. When snake venom comes up, fear is usually the first reaction. But once you walk through the exhibits and viewing enclosures, you start seeing snakes in a more systematic, grounded way — species differences, basic traits, a more sensible way of thinking about venomous versus non-venomous snakes, and the role snakes play in ecosystems by helping regulate populations of smaller animals. As that foundation clicks into place, a lot of the “panic fear” softens and shifts into a more rational kind of caution.

 

The experience here usually falls into 2 main “moods.” The first is the exhibit walk-through — ideal for taking your time to read, observe, and understand, especially if you’re visiting with school-age kids. It feels like a hands-on nature classroom where you see real specimens rather than just pictures. The second mood is the scheduled, time-based activities that many visitors plan their trip around, including slide presentations with narration and live demonstrations that make everything feel more tangible. Instead of only reading information boards, you get to see how professionals work and hear explanations delivered step-by-step.

 

If you want the visit to feel “worth it” without running around and exhausting yourself, the best approach is to lock in the demonstration times first, then fill the gaps with exhibit viewing. The Snake Farm has live demonstrations that function as the highlights, and if you miss them, the experience can feel like it’s missing its backbone. On weekdays, there is typically a venom extraction demonstration around 11.00 and a snake-handling demonstration around 14.30. On public holidays, there is usually a snake-handling demonstration around 11.00. (It’s a good idea to check the latest official announcement before you go, as schedules may change.)

 

Watching venom extraction is the moment many people suddenly understand the institute’s true value. You see that venom isn’t treated as “something terrifying” alone — it’s handled with knowledge, caution, and strict safety standards, all aimed at producing something that benefits real patients. Meanwhile, the snake-handling demonstration helps people see the difference between risky bravado and a skillset built through serious training and procedure. It’s another angle that deepens respect for the professionals working here.

 

If you’re visiting with young kids or someone who is quite afraid of snakes, a plan that tends to work well is to start with the calmer exhibit areas from a comfortable distance, then gradually move closer as they feel ready. Don’t begin the day by going straight into the most intense highlight, because some people will freeze up and the rest of the visit can feel unpleasant. If you treat it like a slow, guided exploration, many people who are scared of snakes end up surprising themselves — they can cope, and they often enjoy the learning more than they expected.

 

Another thing the Snake Farm does well is making the idea of “living alongside snakes” feel practical and manageable, not like a matter of luck or scary folklore. You leave with a clearer mindset: if you ever encounter a snake, what matters isn’t being fast enough to try and kill it — it’s staying calm, keeping distance, and seeking help in the right way. In a big city like Bangkok that still has green spaces and occasional wildlife encounters, that kind of knowledge is a surprisingly valuable bonus for a short, city-based trip.

 

Getting There The Thai Red Cross Snake Farm is located at the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Thai Red Cross Society, on Rama IV Road in Pathum Wan District. Traveling by train is generally convenient because it’s in a central area. Many visitors use MRT or BTS and then walk or take a short taxi ride to avoid the hassle of parking. If you’re driving, it’s smart to allow extra time for traffic on Rama IV Road, especially during peak hours. And if you want to catch a specific demonstration, arriving at least 20 – 30 minutes early helps you buy tickets and find a good spot without stress.

 

Overall, if you’re looking for a Bangkok attraction that offers genuinely useful knowledge, the Thai Red Cross Snake Farm is a distinctive and worthwhile option. It helps you understand snakes as living creatures with real ecological roles, and it shows how scientific knowledge can turn something dangerous into a system that saves lives. With the right timing, this isn’t just a place to “see snakes” — it’s a visit that can reshape how you think about risk, nature, and safety. And it’s easy to continue your day around Rama IV – Sam Yan – Lumphini without having to travel far.

 

 

A: If you want to explore the exhibits without rushing and catch at least 1 demonstration, plan for about 2 – 3 hours. If you want to see both venom extraction and snake handling on a weekday, allowing a half-day makes the visit far more relaxed.

 

A: Venom extraction helps you understand how venom connects to antivenom production, while snake handling focuses on safe control techniques and educational communication. If possible, plan around the demo times first and fit exhibit viewing around them, since the demonstrations are the core highlights.

 

A: In general, weekdays often offer more complete programming (such as both venom extraction and snake handling), while public holidays commonly focus on the snake handling demonstration. Details can change, so it’s best to check the latest official notice before visiting — especially if venom extraction is your priority.

 

A: Yes — and it can be great for kids who are starting to enjoy animals and science. Begin with calmer exhibit areas from a comfortable distance, teach a simple rule like “look with your eyes, not with your hands,” and gradually move closer based on the child’s comfort.

 

A: If you want to reduce fear in a safe, structured environment, this can actually be a good place. Start by listening to the narration or watching from the back before moving closer. Don’t force yourself to stand right up front immediately — that tends to shut down learning and turn it into stress.

 

A: Photos are generally allowed in many areas, but you should avoid disturbing others or doing anything risky — like tapping glass, pointing too close, or blocking walkways. During demonstrations, follow staff instructions first for everyone’s safety.

 

A: Focus on 3 things: (1) basic principles for thinking about venomous vs. non-venomous snakes (2) how venom connects to antivenom and saving lives (3) the right mindset if you ever encounter a snake in real life: stay calm, keep distance, and seek proper help — rather than trying to handle it yourself.

 

A: For group visits, it’s typically recommended to notify the venue in advance so timings and support can be arranged appropriately. Contact the main number before your trip to confirm the best approach.

 

A: Yes, it’s relatively easy since it’s in central Bangkok. To avoid missing demonstrations, allow extra time for walking/short transfers plus ticketing — at least 20 – 30 minutes, especially if you’re arriving close to popular demo times.

 

A: A great route is Snake Farm → Lumphini Park for a reset walk, or head toward Sam Yan for food and city wandering. If you want shopping or cafés, you can keep going without needing to change areas far.