King Cobra Village
The King Cobra Village is located at Ban Khok Sa-nga, Sai Mun Sub-district of Nam Phong District. Locals of Ban Khok Sa-nga has long sold medical herbs as well as been rice farmers since the time of their ancestors. In the past, the villagers would arduously travel to other villages to sell herbs. But, in 1951, the local doctor, Ken Yongla, introduced the Cobra show to Ban Khok Sa-nga which drew a lot of people to the village where villagers could sell them herbs instead of travelling far. But with the dangerous fact that the cobra can spit its poison for two meters, Ken decided to use king cobra for the show instead and also teach skills in conducting the show to the villagers who were free. Some villagers would gather in group and travel to other villages to perform king cobra show and sell medical herbs. In the village, the show is held at Wat Si Thamma and there are also historical exhibitions on king cobra and their nursery located nearby. Nowadays, almost every household in the village owns a king cobra. The show consists of different demonstrations include a snake dancing and boxing between king cobra and man. Famous people in performing king cobra show in the village include Karong Noi Muang Isan and Thongkham Lookthongchai. To get there, by car, the King Cobra Village is located at Ban Khok Sa-nga, approximately 50 kilometers away from Khon Kaen town, on Mittraphap Raod (Highway No.2). At the 33rd kilometer of the route, in the area of Nam Phong District, proceed onto Highway No. 2039 leading to Kranuan District, for 16 kilometers. There will be a sign for the village and turn right onto the route for 2 kilometers. You will arrive at Wat Si Thamma. Alternatively, by public bus, take bus Dao Singha-Kranuan, and drop off at Nam Phong intersection. Then, take a tuk tuk to the King Cobra Village. King cobra show and the exhibition are held daily, 8.00 -17.00, at Wat Si Thamma. Other king cobra shows conducted by local people can also be seen in other area of the village. Audience can pay as much as they wish for the show.
