Just across the Red River, about 7 km from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, lies Lệ Mật — a village with centuries of history tied to snake catching and snake cuisine. Locals have long regarded it as the “snake village” of Vietnam, where folklore, tradition, and gastronomy come together.
For adventurous travelers, Lệ Mật offers a chance to glimpse an unusual cultural practice, explore village life, and, if you’re brave enough, sample snake dishes ranging from crispy fried skin to snake wine. It’s a mix of heritage, legend, and culinary daring that you won’t find in the typical tourist path.
What to Expect
The Legend
The story goes back to the 11th century when a young man from Lệ Mật saved a princess from a giant snake in the Red River. As a reward, the king granted him land outside Hanoi, and he returned with fellow villagers to settle there. From then on, snakes became part of their livelihood and identity.
Snake Farming and Cuisine
Today, Lệ Mật is known for its snake farms and restaurants. Snakes are bred in controlled environments, then prepared in dozens of ways: grilled, deep-fried, stir-fried, stewed, or simmered into medicinal broths. Even the blood, bile, and gall are traditionally used in rice wine, believed to boost vitality.
A typical snake feast can feature up to 10 or more dishes, showcasing the animal “nose to tail.” Some visitors come just for the unique flavors, while others are drawn by the tradition and folklore behind the cuisine.
Village Atmosphere
Beyond the restaurants, Lệ Mật still feels like a northern Vietnamese village, with narrow lanes, ancient banyan trees, communal houses, and locals who have passed down snake-related knowledge through generations. Exploring on foot between meals gives you a deeper sense of place.
I crossed Long Biên Bridge by motorbike and wound through dusty roads until a bold sign announced “Lệ Mật Snake Village.” Inside a modest courtyard restaurant, glass tanks glimmered with coiling serpents.
The host invited me to choose one. Minutes later, a tray arrived: small cups of ruby-red snake blood mixed with rice wine, followed by dishes arriving in rapid succession — crispy fried skin that crunched like pork crackling, tender snake spring rolls, spicy stir-fry with lemongrass and chili, even a fragrant soup that tasted both earthy and herbal.
It was intense, sometimes challenging, but also unforgettable. Between courses, I stepped outside and saw children cycling past rice paddies — a reminder that this is still, at its heart, a quiet village, even with its unusual claim to fame.
After a day in Le Mat village, many foreign tourists happily leave their advice on new travelers that: “It might be astonishing at first but you will have a fantastic adventure here if you are not “shocked” at snake”. Join us to discover Le Mat snake village.