Description of the attraction
Le Mat Snake Village is the main supplier of healing potions and gourmet snake meat to all of Vietnam. This striking landmark is called a village, rather out of habit. Le Mat has long been one of the outlying districts of Hanoi.
Residents of Le Mat traditionally keep special snake farms, where they breed vipers, cobras, asps and water snakes - reptiles that are deadly to humans and animals. Famous healers - serpentists live here. Like most attractions, the village has its own legend. A terrible huge snake that lived in the river terrified the entire area. One day a monster attacked a boat carrying a beautiful princess and turned her over. Fortunately, a young fisherman was nearby, who defeated the river reptile, saved the princess, and also saved the local population from a constant threat. Until now, the profession of a snake hunter is surrounded by honor.
In the village you can see how reptiles are bred, buy medicine with snake venom. Oriental medicine recognizes them as effective in the treatment of many serious diseases - from articular and vascular to male reproductive diseases. Local healers claim that treatment with snake venom heals any ailment.
When visiting the village, you can try natural snake liqueur or fresh snake blood diluted with ginger water. The main action awaits tourists in one of the local family restaurants. The guest chooses the snake himself, in his presence they make an incision, draining the blood into a glass of rice vodka. The still beating heart is lowered there. Snake bile is fed into the next glass. The guest is invited to drink both glasses and swallow the heart. It is quite difficult for a European to do this. It is motivated by the fact that all contents improve blood circulation, male potency, mental performance. And in general it is good for the whole organism. After that, the snake meal is really delicious.
In the spring, the village hosts an annual snake festival. An impromptu scene presents a re-enactment of a local legend, while guests are treated to gourmet snake dishes.
