The Siam Serpentarium is a long way out from the central hub of Metropolitan Bangkok. However it's no longer than a 30 minute taxi ride, so long as the traffic is agreeable.
From the outside the place looks a little bit dated, as many attractions do initially in Thailand, however once inside it is pleasantly spacious and well maintained. We spent about five minutes queuing for tickets.
At the time (pre COVID) my son was in a stroller and this posed no problems when navigating the exhibits and corridors.
The "tour" starts with a walk through some infographic exhibits about reptiles and snakes.
Once you are in the actual snake viewing area, the glass enclosures are what you would expect from this kind of attraction. Well maintained vivariums with varying amounts of foliage and ground cover. Most of the snakes are visible, and those that aren't are fun to try and spot.
The amount of species at this place was decent. Plenty of venomous and highly venomous species from Thailand and the local region, as well as harmless, back-fanged, and large pythons species.
We were lucky enough to see a banded krait feeding vigorously on some dead mice.
Could there have been more to do? Yes. Is it a big deal? No. There was a great canteen and covered reading area, with a very (you hope) docile, very large Burmese python on a bench supervised by handlers, kids (and big kids) could go up and touch.
There were also small harmless snakes the public could handle in a room off from the canteen. The staff I chatted with had decent English skills, and were knowledgeable of the reptiles in their care.
The food was decent, and there is a small play area for toddlers. Be aware that as usual for Thailand, there are quite a few cement items kids can easily climb, and fall off, so supervision is best at all times. The car park and coach turning point is also right next to this part of the place.
A nice enough half day out if you like snakes. Far from the city. One of those places that tourists might miss, but if like me, you lived in Bangkok, and you had a free day with no plans, it...
Read moreI recently visited Siam Serpentarium, and unfortunately, my experience was far from enjoyable. The place seems to primarily focus on aggressive marketing rather than providing an educational or entertaining experience. The main objective appears to be the promotion and sale of various medicinal products, with extravagant claims about their effectiveness.
The advertising is over the top, and the tactics used can be misleading, especially targeting elderly visitors who may be more susceptible to these claims. The staff were persistently pushing us to listen to the promotional talks, leaving little time to actually explore and enjoy the exhibits, especially the snake displays.
The snake performances felt more like street art with a primary goal of soliciting money from visitors. It was quite disheartening to see such blatant attempts to pressure guests for donations.
Furthermore, it seems that many tours from China and Vietnam are funneled into this venue with the main intent of selling these dubious medicinal products rather than providing a genuine cultural experience.
As a tourist, I would highly recommend avoiding Siam Serpentarium. There are many other more worthwhile attractions in the area that provide a more authentic and...
Read moreSiam Serpentarium is an incredible destination for families and anyone interested in learning more about snakes. The facility boasts an impressive collection of snakes from around the world, with detailed information about each species that is both educational and fascinating. The exhibits are well-designed, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures in a safe and controlled environment.
One of the highlights of the visit was the petting zoo in the food area, where children (and adults) can interact with some of the friendlier reptiles. This hands-on experience is both fun and educational, making it a hit with kids. The staff at Siam Serpentarium are knowledgeable and passionate about their work, providing informative talks and demonstrations that enhance the overall experience.
The facility is clean and well-maintained, with plenty of amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. There is also a café on-site that offers a variety of snacks and refreshments, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring the exhibits. Overall, Siam Serpentarium is a fantastic place to visit, offering a unique and engaging experience that is both fun and...
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