The likelihood of being bitten by a venomous snake is rather slim. Nevertheless, it must be said that there are relatively many poisonous snakes in Laos. These even include some that can be dangerous to humans. The risk of getting bitten is low within large cities and in tourist regions. Snakes are rarely seen, unless you’re really traveling in rural areas or in the jungle. Nonetheless, it can of course not hurt if you are prepared. For this reason, we want to introduce you to 5 venomous snakes in Laos, which you definitely don’t want to be bitten by. But be aware that there are a few more. In any case, you should get help immediately in the event of a snake bite.
Banded Krait
A black and yellow striped snake with a maximum length of 2.1 meters. Bites from this snake are really rare. Especially during the day, since the snakes are mainly nocturnal. However, due to their high toxicity, a bite can have fatal consequences. Most krait bites occur at night. There are even cases where people have been killed by baby snakes of this type.
Latin Name | Toxicity | Characteristics | Max. Length |
bungarus fasciatus | very high | black and yellow striped, nocturnal | 2.1 meters |
Malayan Krait
A black and white striped snake with a maximum length of about 1.1 meters. Untreated the poison of this snake has a mortality rate around 60% to 70%. Bites from this snake are often fatal. The snakes like to stay near rice fields and water points. Special caution is required there.
Latin Name | Toxicity | Characteristics | Max. Length |
bungarus candidus | very high | black and white striped, | 1.1 meters |
Malayan Pit Viper
Be careful with this brownish colored snake in any case. It has a reputation for being bad tempered and quick to strike. Bites from this snake aren’t that rare but they’re relatively rare in Laos. In other countries in Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia, bites from this snake are far more common. Fortunately, only a few bites of this snake are fatal. The mortality rate is in the low single digits. Although rarely fatal, bites can cause severe pain, swelling and necrosis. Since the vipers often hide under dry leaves and wood, unpleasant surprises may occur occasionally.
Latin Name | Toxicity | Characteristics | Max. Length |
calloselasma rhodostoma | high | very aggressive, | 0.9 meters |
Monocled Cobra
One of the main peculiarities of this cobra is its monocellate or O-shaped hood pattern. Because of its neurotoxin, the snake is feared throughout Southeast Asia. The cobra has the highest fatality rate among snake bites in Thailand. We can’t say exactly what the situation in Laos looks like. As this is a direct neighboring country, the situation is likely to be comparable. The babies of the monocle cobra are also dangerous. Since the nerve poison, if left untreated, usually leads to death within a short time, prompt treatment in the event of a bite is highly recommended.
Latin Name | Toxicity | Characteristics | Max. Length |
naja kaouthia | very high | specific hood pattern, | 1.5 meters |
King Cobra
The size of this snake is already impressive. The infamous snake is known to eat other snakes. With an impressive length of up to 5.5 meters, this isn’t very surprising. Especially since its poison is among the deadliest in the world. Bitten people can die within half an hour, making immediate treatment necessary. Despite its dangerous nature, the snake is generally not out for confrontation with humans. It’ll rather avoid you than attack.
Latin Name | Toxicity | Characteristics | Max. Length |
ophiophagus hannah | very high | eats other snakes, | 5.5 meters |
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