Origin and history

Dong Tam Snake Farm: The Story Behind Cobratoxan in Vietnam

Discover how Dong Tam Snake Farm developed from a small snake-breeding operation into a Vietnamese centre associated with wildlife conservation, scientific research, medicinal development and the history of Cobratoxan.

  • Health & Wellness
  • Vietnamese product history
  • Updated July 2026
Entrance to Dong Tam Snake Farm in Tien Giang, Vietnam
1977 Historical beginning

Dong Tam Snake Farm in Tien Giang Province, southern Vietnam.

Location Tien Giang Province, Vietnam
Origins Enterprise 408
Main activities Conservation and research
Product connection Cobratoxan and Dong Duoc 408

Dong Tam Snake Farm is one of Vietnam’s best-known institutions associated with snakes. It is commonly described as a snake farm, but its role extends beyond animal display or tourism. The centre has been connected with snake breeding, wildlife conservation, public education, medicinal-material research and the development of selected Vietnamese products.

Its history is also closely linked with Cobratoxan, a Vietnamese topical cream associated with Dong Duoc 408. Learning about the farm helps explain the product’s origin, the significance of the number “408,” and the broader institutional background behind the Cobratoxan name.

Why This History Matters

Cobratoxan is not simply a product with snake imagery on its packaging. Its identity is connected with a Vietnamese institution that has a long history involving snake breeding, research, conservation and medicinal development.

More than a tourist attraction

What Is Dong Tam Snake Farm?

Dong Tam Snake Farm, known in Vietnamese as Trại Rắn Đồng Tâm, is a snake-breeding, conservation, education and research centre in southern Vietnam.

01

Snake Breeding

The centre maintains and breeds different snake species under controlled conditions, supporting institutional knowledge about their biology and care.

02

Wildlife Conservation

Its work contributes to the conservation of snakes and other wildlife while promoting greater awareness of their ecological importance.

03

Research and Education

Dong Tam is associated with the study of snakes, venom, medicinal materials and public education about venomous animals.

04

Medicinal Development

The institution’s history also includes the cultivation and processing of medicinal materials and the production of selected Vietnamese medicinal products.

From modest beginnings

The History of Dong Tam Snake Farm

The story of Dong Tam began in 1977 and developed over several decades as its responsibilities expanded from snake breeding to research, conservation, education and medicinal production.

1977

The Original Snake-Breeding Operation

The centre’s history began on a former military site through the initiative of Colonel Tran Van Duoc. The early operation was modest, with limited facilities and a small collection of snakes.

408

Enterprise 408

The original organisation was known as Enterprise 408. This number later remained an important part of the institution’s identity and eventually appeared in the name Dong Duoc 408.

1988

Expansion into Medicinal Materials

The organisation developed into a larger centre involved in the cultivation, research and processing of medicinal materials.

Today

A Multi-Purpose Institution

Dong Tam is now recognised for wildlife care, snake breeding, scientific activity, public education and medicinal development.

A historical identity

Why Is the Number 408 Important?

The number 408 appears in both the early history of Dong Tam Snake Farm and the name of the production facility associated with Cobratoxan. It is more than a random factory code or product number.

The original snake-breeding operation was known as Enterprise 408. As the organisation developed and its work expanded into medicinal materials and finished products, the historical number continued in the name Dong Duoc 408.

408

A Link Between the Past and Present

The number connects the early Enterprise 408 operation with the medicinal-production activities associated with Dong Duoc 408 and Cobratoxan.

It helps explain why the Cobratoxan story cannot be separated from the institutional history of Dong Tam Snake Farm.

Wildlife and science

Snake Conservation and Research at Dong Tam

Snake conservation and controlled breeding are central parts of Dong Tam’s identity. The centre maintains different species and contributes to institutional knowledge about snake care, behaviour, reproduction and biology.

Snakes play important ecological roles, including helping control populations of rodents and other animals.

  • Controlled breeding and specialist animal care
  • Conservation of snakes and related wildlife
  • Study of snake biology and venomous species
  • Education about venomous-animal safety
  • Preservation of institutional knowledge
Snake breeding and care at Dong Tam Snake Farm in Vietnam

Snake breeding, animal care and conservation form an important part of Dong Tam Snake Farm’s work.

Important Distinction

Raw snake venom is dangerous and must never be handled or used outside appropriately controlled professional settings. A manufactured topical product is different from raw venom and should only be used according to its supplied instructions.

Traditional materials and production

Dong Tam Snake Farm and Vietnamese Medicine

Medicinal research became part of Dong Tam’s development alongside its snake-breeding work. The organisation expanded into the cultivation, study and processing of selected medicinal materials.

This history reflects an intersection between traditional knowledge and organised institutional research. A finished commercial product requires a defined formula, controlled production, appropriate packaging and clear directions.

Natural Resources

Knowledge of local animals, plants and natural materials forms part of the institution’s historical background.

Traditional Knowledge

Vietnamese medicinal traditions provide historical context for the research of selected materials.

Institutional Research

Organised study distinguishes historical use from controlled and documented production.

Finished Products

Cobratoxan is a manufactured formulation rather than the uncontrolled use of raw natural materials.

The product connection

How Is Dong Tam Snake Farm Connected to Cobratoxan?

Cobratoxan is connected with Dong Tam through the institution’s historical development, snake research and the Dong Duoc 408 production identity.

Step 01 Enterprise 408

The original operation carried the number 408.

Step 02 Broader Research

Activities expanded into snakes and medicinal materials.

Step 03 Dong Tam Centre

The organisation developed into a conservation centre.

Step 04 Dong Duoc 408

The historical number continued in the production name.

Step 05 Cobratoxan

The cream became associated with this background.

This connection explains Cobratoxan’s origin as a Vietnamese product, its association with an institution known for snake research, and the historical meaning of the Dong Duoc 408 name.

Medicinal production

What Is Dong Duoc 408?

Dong Duoc 408 is the name associated with the medicinal-production side of this institutional history. The Vietnamese expression “đông dược” generally refers to traditional or herbal medicinal products.

The name combines the organisation’s medicinal work with the historical number inherited from Enterprise 408.

What the Name Tells Us

Dong Duoc reflects the medicinal-product activity, while 408 preserves the historical identity of the original enterprise.

Cobratoxan topical cream 20g tube and original Vietnamese box
Vietnamese topical cream

What Is Cobratoxan?

Cobratoxan is a Vietnamese topical cream supplied in a 20g tube. Its listed formulation includes cobra venom, methyl salicylate and peppermint oil in a cream base.

The product is intended for external application. Users should follow the current packaging and supplied directions.

View Cobratoxan Product
Planning a visit

Visitor and Official Information

Dong Tam Snake Farm is located in Tien Giang Province in southern Vietnam. It serves as both a working institutional centre and a destination where visitors can learn about snakes and wildlife.

Visitor hours, ticket arrangements and available activities may change. Travellers should verify current details through the official website before visiting.

Visit Official Website
Vietnamese name Trại Rắn Đồng Tâm
Province Tien Giang, Vietnam
Known for Snake breeding, conservation and education
Before visiting Confirm current opening hours and admission information
Important note Volga Trading is an independent retailer and does not operate Dong Tam Snake Farm.
Frequently asked questions

Dong Tam Snake Farm FAQ

01 Where is Dong Tam Snake Farm located?

Dong Tam Snake Farm is located in Tien Giang Province in southern Vietnam.

02 When was Dong Tam Snake Farm established?

Its history dates to 1977, when the original operation was established as a small snake-breeding facility.

03 What was Enterprise 408?

Enterprise 408 was the early snake-breeding operation from which Dong Tam Snake Farm later developed.

04 Why does Dong Duoc 408 use the number 408?

The number preserves the historical connection with Enterprise 408.

05 How is Dong Tam connected with Cobratoxan?

Cobratoxan is associated with Dong Tam’s history of snake research and medicinal development through Dong Duoc 408.

06 Does Cobratoxan contain cobra venom?

Cobra venom is listed as one of the ingredients in the finished Cobratoxan topical formulation.

07 Is Dong Tam only a tourist attraction?

No. It is also associated with snake breeding, wildlife conservation, research and medicinal development.

08 Can international customers order Cobratoxan?

Volga Trading offers Cobratoxan for delivery to supported international destinations.

The origin behind the product

Dong Tam Snake Farm and the Story of Cobratoxan

From its beginnings as Enterprise 408 in 1977, Dong Tam Snake Farm developed into an institution combining snake breeding, conservation, scientific work, medicinal-material research and public education.

Cobratoxan represents one of the clearest product connections with this history. The Dong Duoc 408 name preserves the identity of the original enterprise.

Medical disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always read the current product packaging and consult a qualified healthcare professional when appropriate.

Editorial note: Historical, visitor and institutional information may change. Volga Trading is an independent retailer and is not the operator of Dong Tam Snake Farm.