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Another unique industry in this region is the
snake farm in the area of My Tho township. In 1977, Lt. Colonel Tran Van
Duoc (Tu Duoc), a reptile enthusiast, created Dong Nam Snake Farm.
Initially created strictly as a research site for medicinal uses of
reptile venom, Dong Nam Snake Farm today is the largest of its kind in
Vietnam. The farm boasts 20 different varieties of venomous snakes and
is home to other species such as boas, turtles.
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Cobras are often soaked along with herbs in large
flasks of whisky which can be bought in the snake market in Phung Hiep. This
potent drink reportedly will increase your libido as well as cure all sorts
of illnesses. Live snakes are also for sale in the market and are exported
to other Asian countries to be used as food and medicine.
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In a typical snake full-course meal, the
gallbladder is extracted from the freshly-killed snake and together with some blood
and whisky a drink is made. The snake is then chopped off and cooked in
various ways. Most tourists opt for a curry stir-fried snake dish just
for the thrill of it. General comments are "too much bone and no taste!".
More adventurous travelers have reported severe stomach cramps after
swallowing down the snake drink.
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