Generally speaking, a trip to a snake farm or zoo can be rather dull. Looking at snakes that are behind glass or in a cage is about as exciting as watching paint dry (or grass grow or World Cup Soccer or some other cliche that is indicative of boredom). So with that in mind, I had low expectations for Bangkok's own snake farm, the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute.
Fortunately, my trip to the Institute (which is run by the Thai Red Cross Society) turned out to be pretty fun, because I got to see a live snake demonstration that features some of Thailand's most poisonous (cobras and vipers) and non-poisonous (boa constrictors) inhabitants.
Having never seen a cobra in person, it was pretty interesting to watch them bob and weave and lunge forward at the slightest movement.
The occupation "snake handler" is not one I aspire to, but thankfully there were several brave gentlemen on hand to make sure these deadly snakes got put back where they belong.
All of the handlers at the Institute have been bitten more than once and one guy there had some visual proof that shows just how dangerous these snakes are.
Throughout the show, a presenter was on hand to talk about the snakes and answer questions from the audience (she also hosted a brief slide show before the demonstration).
Later, they let people touch the snakes (thankfully, these were the non-poisonous ones).
The main reason the Institute exists is to manufacture vaccines and serum for unfortunate folks who are on the receiving end of a poisonous snake bite. This medication is made from actual snake venom and the handlers demonstrated how the snake is milked.
While I found the trip to the Institute interesting and kind of entertaining, it really isn't worthwhile unless you watch the show. It takes place at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm daily, so make sure you plan your trip around those times.
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