“Witness a thrilling demonstration of a fight between a man and a king cobra, see displays of various snake species, and witness the unique human-snake relationship characteristic of this community.”
The King Cobra Village, formally known as "Ban Khok Sa-nga" in Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen, is a world-renowned destination famous for its unique and extraordinary relationship between humans and snakes. Almost every household in this village keeps king cobras as pets under their traditional elevated wooden homes. This tradition dates back to 1951, when a local herbalist named "Ken Yongla" began taming king cobras to perform shows as a way to attract crowds and promote his herbal medicines. The shows became so successful that the practice was adopted by other villagers, eventually becoming a primary source of income and a cultural identity passed down through generations.
Today, the village has evolved into the "King Cobra Club of Thailand," featuring a dedicated stadium and standardized performance areas to ensure safety while maintaining an adrenaline-pumping experience. Visitors can witness breathtaking demonstrations, including "boxing matches" between men and cobras, bare-handed snake catching, and displays of intimacy between handlers and these formidable reptiles that are rarely seen elsewhere. Beyond the thrill, the village functions as an educational hub regarding the life cycle and behavior of the king cobra—the world's longest venomous snake. Various snake species are also displayed in enclosures around the site to provide ecological knowledge to students and tourists.
Beyond the snakes, Ban Khok Sa-nga remains true to its roots as a center for authentic Thai herbalism. The villagers are experts in traditional herbs, particularly antidotes for snake venom and various health tonics derived from ancestral wisdom. The atmosphere of the village reflects a traditional Isan agricultural lifestyle that coexists harmoniously with nature in an astonishing way. The bond between the residents and the snakes is profound; they view these creatures not merely as dangerous predators but as family members or spiritual companions. Consequently, the King Cobra Village is more than just a performance venue; it is a fascinating cultural tapestry of belief, survival, and the remarkable adaptation of humanity to its environment.
How to Get There
- From Khon Kaen city, take Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) towards Udon Thani for approximately 33 kilometers. At kilometer marker 428 (before reaching Nam Phong), turn right onto Highway 2039 towards Kranuan District. After about 14 kilometers, you will see a sign for the King Cobra Village on your left.
Travel Tips
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Please check the show schedule before traveling (there are usually consecutive shows during holidays).
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Please dress respectfully and strictly follow the instructions of the staff.
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Do not touch the snakes without permission.
Admission Fees:
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Entrance to the general village area and the snake exhibits is free of charge.
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For viewing the "King Cobra Catching Show" at the main stage, there is usually a small entrance fee to cover site maintenance and snake food. This is typically around 20–40 baht per person, or in some cases, a voluntary donation may be placed in a donation box near the stage entrance.
Opening Hours:
- Open daily (including public holidays) from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.