Vietnam has more than 200 species of snakes, but anacondas are not one of them. There are only about 50 types of snakes in the country that are venomous and threaten humans.
Even though Vietnam has some of the highest numbers of reported snakebites in the world, it’s still a moderately small number.
Top Venomous Snakes in Vietnam
When planning to spend some time in Vietnam’s jungle regions or rural areas, it’s essential to keep an eye out for these reptiles. Some are more dangerous than others, but certain ones should undoubtedly be avoided when possible. These snakes contain poisonous venom.
King Cobra
King Cobras are iconic and one of the most recognized snakes on Earth. They are present all over Asia, including Vietnam. These black, hooded creatures can get as long as 5 meters/16 feet long, but luckily most cobras won’t attack unless they are provoked.
Malayan Krait
The Malayan Krait is highly venomous and one of Asia’s most dangerous snakes. It’s identified by white and dark black or blue vertical stripes across its body and reaches about 108 cm/42 inches long in adulthood. Bites from these critters have one of the lowest survival rates on Earth, as they have enough venom in each strike to kill a large mammal.
Fea’s Viper
If you’re planning on doing any hiking in Vietnam’s bamboo forests or heavily vegetated areas, be on the lookout for these slithering creatures. Fea’s Viper isn’t too big, only reaching about 1 m/3 feet long, but it is venomous and will bite. There are many Fea’s Vipers in Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Red-headed Krait
Even though the Red-Headed Krait is rare to find in the wild, it’s perilous and should be avoided if ever crossing paths with one. With a long black body and bright redhead, it is an unusual specimen and resembles a lot of less deadly, non-venomous snakes. For that reason, it’s best to stay clear from any snake in Vietnam’s jungles and forests.
Thai Spitting Cobra
Also known as the “Indochine Spitty Cobra,” this snake is incredibly harmful to people and animals. During the daytime, it’s more likely to avoid conflict, but in darkness, it will be more prone to attack anything it considers a threat. Not only does this snake bite, but it spits, and its venom is corrosive to flesh and can lead to blindness if it makes contact with eyes. Bites that are left untreated from this cobra are usually lethal.
Anaconda Vietnam War Memorial (in US)
Although unrelated to snakes, the Anaconda Vietnam War Memorial is a structure completed at the end of 2020 in Montana. It’s located in Kennedy Commons Park in the town of Anaconda and has eight fallen American soldiers’ names who lost their lives in battle, engraved on a 10-ton black marble obelisk.
This is one of several Vietnam War memorials in the United States honoring their fallen peers.
Anaconda snakes might not be in Vietnam, but be sure to keep a good lookout for the ones mentioned and more. When possible, play it safe and don’t approach any snakes found in Vietnam’s jungles, forests, and fields.
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