“I ate a raw, still-pumping snake heart”: This hidden snake village near Hanoi offers one of Vietnam's wildest travel experiences

Ever thought of eating a still-pumping snake heart? If you're an adventurous traveller who loves testing your boundaries, this is one of those experiences reserved for the truly daredevils.

Across the world, curious travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that challenge their perceptions of culture, food, and tradition. So adventure travel is now not only limited to climbing mountains or swimming with sharks! Now it also includes eating dangerous animals alive or not (under supervision only)! One such place where travellers are testing their limits is Le Mat or Snake Village. It is situated on the outskirts of Hanoi, Vietnam, where snake-catching, snake farming, and dishes made of snake have been part of local life for centuries now.The village recently gained global attention on social media after travel creator Jaxon Ferrer (@jax.ferrer) shared a video on Instagram. In the video, he can be seen swallowing the still-beating heart of a snake. The clip has sparked fascination online and many are calling it one of the world's most extreme travel/food experiences.The viral video

Well this tradition isn't for everyone. Le Mat is a historic and fascinating hamlet which offers an insight into Vietnam's rural heritage and traditional medicine beliefs.

In the video, the traveller visits Le Mat Snake Village. He sees a big snake being turned into a dish by experienced handlers. However, before cooking the snake, the handler offered the traveller still-beating heart of the snake. It is a ritual that some restaurants still follow.“Eating an alive snake’s heart in the snake village of Vietnam. I am about to eat a raw still pumping, snake heart.” The handler brings out a big snake from a bag.

“Wow, that’s a big snake”, he says.The traveller first hesitates but then swallows the heart, which can be seen beating. After consuming it, he makes faces (not a happy one). After consuming it with water, he takes a moment and says, "I can feel a second heart beating within me”. The experience is followed by a plate of stir-fried snake meat, which is among the village's signature dishes.According to the snake handler featured in the video, consuming the fresh snake heart is believed in traditional folk medicine.

In his broken English, the handler explains, “This is my medicine, it’s very good for back pain and stuff like that”.But there is no strong scientific evidence supporting these health claims.Where is Le Mat Snake Village

Le Mat Snake Village is about 7 kilometres from Hanoi, in Long Bien District. It is among the easiest unusual day trips from the capital of Vietnam. The village has been associated with snake catching and snake breeding for over a thousand years.

It is counted among the world’s most unique destinations offering out-of-the-box experiences.How to reach Le Mat Snake VillageLe Mat is easily accessible from Hanoi. Travellers often choose it for a half-day excursion.By taxi or ride-hailing app: The fastest way to reach here is by taxi which takes around 20–30 minutes.By bus: Several Hanoi public buses serve the Long Bien area near Le Mat.More than just a snake village

The village is so much more than its traditional snake cuisine. The village is home to some historic houses, temples and streets. Besides, the annual Le Mat Festival is one of the popular highlights where travellers can witness a colourful snake dance. During this time, performers recreate the legendary war between the village hero and the giant serpent. Hanoi authorities have recognised Le Mat an official tourist destination. While it may not be Vietnam's most comfortable tourist attraction, it is certainly one of its most unforgettable for many reasons.