Top 10 Venomous Snakes In Vietnam: Identification and Distribution

In Vietnam, there are many interesting animals, including some dangerous ones, such as venomous snakes. Let’s follow VTJ to learn about the venomous snakes in Vietnam, so we can recognize their features and know where they live!

King Cobra

• Scientific name: Ophiophagus hannah
• Vietnamese name: Rắn hổ mang chúa
• Identifying characteristics: The king cobra is one of the longest venomous snakes, with adults typically measuring between 3.7 and 4 meters (12 to 13 feet) long and weighing around 6.8 kg (15 pounds). It has a distinctive V-shaped mark on the back of its neck and a body that is olive green or black with lighter horizontal bands. Its belly is a pale yellow or cream color.
• Distribution area: The king cobra is found throughout Vietnam, thriving in the country’s diverse habitats.

Monocled Cobra

• Scientific name: Naja kaouthia
• Vietnamese name: Rắn hổ đất
• Identifying characteristics: The monocled cobra has a dark or olive-yellow body with two white and black rings on the back of its neck that resemble glasses, and a dark brown stripe in the middle.
• Distribution area: It is found throughout Vietnam in plains, midland areas, and mountainous areas.

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Siamese Spitting Cobra

• Scientific name: Naja siamensis
• Vietnamese name: Rắn hổ mèo
• Identifying characteristics: This snake often has a cat-face or V-shaped mark on its head, with a gray-brown or light yellow-green body. It spreads its hood vertically rather than to the sides like other cobras.
• Distribution area: Predominantly found in the southern regions of Vietnam.

Malayan krait

• Scientific name: Bungarus candidus
• Vietnamese name: Rắn cạp nia
• Identifying characteristics: The malayan krait is marked by alternating black and white bands along its body. Adults can grow over 1 meter, with some individuals reaching up to 2.5 meters. Its body has a triangular cross-section, and it tapers to a pointed tail.
• Distribution area: Mainly found in wet plains of central and southern Vietnam.

Banded krait

• Scientific name: Bungarus fasciatus
• Vietnamese name: Rắn cạp nong
• Identifying characteristics: The banded krait features black and yellow bands along its body. It has a black tongue, a yellow V-shaped mark on its head, and a pronounced triangular-shaped spine.
• Distribution area: Common in various terrains across Vietnam, including plains, midland areas, and mountains.

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White-Lipped Pit Viper

• Scientific name: Trimeresurus albolabris
• Vietnamese name: Rắn lục đuôi đỏ
• Identifying characteristics: This viper is easily recognizable by its bright green body and red or pale orange tail. It is relatively small, with a maximum length of about 60 cm.
• Distribution area: Found mainly in high mountainous areas of central Vietnam, including Can Tho, Da Nang, and Quang Ngai.

Malayan pit viper

• Scientific name: Calloselasma rhodostoma
• Vietnamese name: Rắn chàm quạp
• Identifying characteristics: This snake has a brown or reddish-brown body, with an average adult length of 0.2 to 1 meter. It has a triangular head and symmetrical brown triangles along its back, resembling butterfly wings.
• Distribution area: Primarily found in rubber forests in the southeastern region of Vietnam.

Horned pit viper

• Scientific name: Trimeresurus cornutus
• Vietnamese name: Rắn lục sừng
• Identifying characteristics: The horned pit viper has a distinct triangular head with small scales, and a well-developed scale over the eyes that resembles horns. It typically grows to about 50 cm in length.
• Distribution area: Mainly found in limestone mountain areas of central Vietnam.

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Fea’s pit viper

• Scientific name: Azemiops feae
• Vietnamese name: Rắn lục đầu bạc
• Identifying characteristics: This viper has a white or cream-colored head with large black stripes running symmetrically along it. Its body is dark with red or orange patterns, and adults typically reach an average length of around 80 cm, with a slightly flat head.
• Distribution area: Found primarily in Cao Bang, Lang Son, and Vinh Phuc provinces.

Peron’s sea snake

• Scientific name: Hydrophis peronii
• Vietnamese name: Rắn biển sừng
• Identifying characteristics: Peron’s sea snake is one of the few sea snakes with horn-like projections on its head. Its body is cream-colored with brown or gray scales on its back, sometimes with small dark spots along the spine.
• Distribution area: Commonly found along the coasts of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, the Gulf of Tonkin, Binh Thuan, and Ca Mau.

The venomous snakes in Vietnam are a testament to the country’s rich biodiversity. From the deadly King Cobra to the elusive Peron’s Sea Snake, each species has unique traits and an important place in its habitat. Awareness and knowledge about these snakes can help prevent accidents and contribute to the protection of these remarkable creatures.

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