Located amid lush greenery in Kim Son Commune, the farm has drawn crowds seeking close encounters with reptiles under the supervision of trained staff in the run-up to Tet, which lasts a week from Tuesday.

Before any contact, visitors, including foreign tourists, are carefully instructed by the farm’s staff on how to distinguish venomous snakes from non-venomous ones, as well as on safe handling techniques.

They are reminded to remain calm throughout the experience.

With such guidance, snakes commonly associated with danger become unlikely ‘co-stars’ in festive holiday snapshots, especially for international visitors holding small snakes for photos.

The farm, also known as the Center for Rearing, Research and Processing of Medicinal Materials, operates under the Logistics and Technical Department of Military Region 9.

The facility is home to hundreds of snake species and tens of thousands of individual specimens, serving both scientific research and eco-tourism.

It originated from the Medicinal Farming Team, which was established on October 27, 1977 at the initiative of physician Tran Van Duoc, a specialist with extensive knowledge of and passion for reptiles.

Covering nearly 12 hectares, the farm now conducts scientific research, treats snakebite victims, produces traditional medicine, and offers ecological tours.

Behind the scenes, caretakers often likened to ‘nannies’ for snakes monitor behavior, clean enclosures, and regulate feeding schedules.

They remain constantly vigilant, especially when handling highly venomous species.

Captain Nguyen Danh Hieu, an officer at the farm, said the facility is raising thousands of snakes representing about 50 species, including king cobras and other cobra species, as well as Malayan kraits and red-tailed green pit vipers.

Non-venomous species such as rat snakes are also bred at the facility, while the king cobra, listed in Vietnam’s Red Book, is being conserved there as part of efforts to protect valuable genetic resources.

Captain Hieu noted that caring for venomous species requires extreme caution at every stage, from enclosure maintenance and feeding to health monitoring.

He added that king cobras prey on other snakes, while cobras typically feed on toads, frogs, and rodents.

The reptiles are generally fed once a week to ensure proper digestion.

Beyond research and gene conservation, particularly for king cobras and other cobra species, the farm also educates residents and students on how to identify dangerous reptiles and respond calmly if they encounter them in the wild.

Within the tree-shaded grounds, the sight of smiling visitors holding non-venomous snakes has become common, the farm said.

For many visitors, initial worry mixed with curiosity gradually gives way to excitement and delight, especially among foreign tourists.

Behind these moments lies the quiet dedication of soldiers and scientists who care for and preserve these reptiles, helping shift public perception from fear toward understanding and appreciation of an important part of biodiversity.