Hon Son Island Herping Tour Report 2025
* Note: Images from our most recent herping adventure are below — scroll down to bottom to check them out!
How A Typical Hon Son Island Herping Adventure Looks Like
Herping on Hon Son Island: A 3-Day Eco-Tourism Expedition in Vietnam’s Snake Paradise
For passionate nature explorers and wildlife photographers, Hon Son Island in Vietnam is quickly becoming a must-visit destination. Known as the Snake Island of Vietnam, this eco-tourism paradise is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating reptiles and amphibians, including the endemic Trimeresurus honsonensis. With its untouched natural beauty, primary forests, and diverse ecosystems, Hon Son is a sanctuary for biodiversity and one of the top herping destinations in Southern Vietnam and all of Vietnam.
Why Hon Son is One of the Best Herping Spots in Vietnam
Our 3-day Herping Tours on Hon Son Island allow you to explore the island’s rich habitats, from coastal forests to dense, lush interiors. You’ll have the chance to experience Herping Hon Son Island and observe Vietnam’s endemic snake species, including the Trimeresurus honsonensis, along with countless other rare reptiles and amphibians. This island is a must-see for any serious herper or wildlife enthusiast, providing the perfect environment for wildlife tours in Kien Giang.
What to Expect from a 3-Day Herping Tour on Hon Son Island
Considered one of the best herping spots in Vietnam, Hon Son provides an ideal setting for exploring herpetofauna highlights. Guided by expert herpetologists, our tours maximize your opportunities to encounter a remarkable variety of species, from snakes and lizards to frogs and more. Our extensive experience in the area allows us to uncover the most biodiverse hotspots in this eco-tourism paradise.
Day 1: A Rain-Soaked Adventure in Search of Endemic Reptiles
The relentless rain seemed determined to dampen our spirits, but nothing could deter us from our mission: finding endemic snakes on Hòn Sơn Island in Kiên Giang province. Our first target, the legendary python, supposedly resided atop Ma Thiên Lãnh mountain (Hon Son Island).
Soaked to the bone, we tackled the slippery slope. The climb was a battle against the elements, each step a test of perseverance. Finally, we reached the peak, the wind whipping at our rain-battered faces. Our primary goal was to locate a reticulated python, but luck wasn’t on our side. We had heard stories of a python living in a cave at the mountain’s foot, but we were unfortunate this time.
Dejected but not defeated, we descended towards a gurgling stream, hoping for better luck. As if in response to our dampened mood, a flash of color caught our eye. Not one, but two vibrantly colored snakes slithered across the path near the stream. Their scales, a kaleidoscope of greens and yellows, shone brilliantly under the gloomy sky. This unexpected encounter was a welcome reward for our persistence.
Our spirits lifted as we continued our exploration, spotting a magnificent Asian water monitor basking on a nearby rock. Its massive size and unique appearance added wonder to the day. Despite the initial setback, Hòn Sơn Island proved to be a treasure trove of reptilian diversity. Though the monitor had only three legs, possibly due to a trap or a birth defect, it was beautiful nonetheless. After taking some photos, we wished it well and moved on to our next target.
Day 2: The Pit Viper Discovery and a Cave of Surprises
On the second day, our true objective awaited us – the elusive Hon Son pit viper. We navigated towards a dark cave entrance nestled beneath the mountain, the rain drumming steadily on the rocks. With headlamps lighting the way, we cautiously entered the damp cavern. The only sounds were the occasional drip of water and the rasp of our boots on the wet ground.
Suddenly, amongst the rocks, we spotted a Hon Son pit viper! Its beauty was undeniable, a true marvel of the island’s hidden fauna. But the surprise wasn’t over. Curled beside the first viper, perfectly camouflaged, was another one! Finding even one pit viper would have been a triumph, but encountering a pair exceeded all expectations. We meticulously documented the encounter, our initial disappointment replaced by excitement.
As we emerged from the cave, the rain felt less harsh, and the air seemed lighter. While Hòn Sơn Island didn’t yield a python, it gifted us with a dazzling array of reptiles – from the vibrant snakes to the imposing monitor, and finally, the stunning pair of pit vipers. A truly unforgettable wildlife experience!
Since the beginning of 2025, we’ve organized many successful herping adventures in Hon Son. You can check out our latest trip reports here.
Date
March 20, 2025
Species encountered
Hon Son Pit Viper (Trimeresurus honsonensis)
Common Wolf Snake (Lycodon capucinus)
Sunbeam Snake (Xenopeltis unicolor)
Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko)
…and many other species
