Hong Kongs 8 Most Venomous Snakes

It may be surprising to learn that a metropolis like Hong Kong is home to 52 different species of snakes, with the majority occupying the city’s numerous country parks. Here’s our guide to the city’s eight most venomous snakes you’d rather not encounter.

Although Hong Kong is best known for being one of the world’s metropolises, with more skyscrapers than anywhere else, about three quarters of the city is in fact natural. Hong Kong is home to 24 natural parks and a variety of wildlife; wildlife that includes snakes.

Of Hong Kong’s 52 different snake species, 46 are land snakes and six are sea snakes. According to the local government, 14 species of land snakes are venomous, eight of which can inflict fatal bites if not treated in time.

On average, there are more than 100 snake bites every year in Hong Kong, the majority are caused by bamboo snakes, but, according to the city’s Hospital Authority, the last recorded death from a snake bite was over 20 years ago. The public is encouraged to be vigilant, especially if hiking or walking near vegetation. Any case of snakebite should report to a hospital as soon as possible for professional medical treatment.

Bright green with a triangular shaped head, the bamboo viper is Hong Kong’s most common venomous snake and is found throughout the territory at all altitudes. Mostly nocturnal, it can give a nasty bite, which causes a large amount of swelling. However, death is rare among healthy people who get treatment.

The bright green bamboo viper is the most common venomous snake in Hong Kong.

Red-necked keelback

Identified by a red patch on the neck, the red-necked keelback is one of the city’s most common venomous snakes and the one you are most likely to see if you go hiking in the Hong Kong hills. Mostly active during the day, this snake only has venom in its back teeth.

Many-banded krait

With its distinctive black and white bands (often 30 or more), the many-banded krait is Hong Kong’s most deadly snake, and it has been known to cause fatalities. Averaging 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) in length, its neurotoxic venom attacks the nervous system and can lead to respiratory paralysis and heart failure. It also has the ability to flex its neck in different directions to twist and bite. At first their bite may not cause serious swelling or pain, symptoms usually only occur one to six hours afterward.

Banded krait

Now rare in Hong Kong due to loss of habitat, the banded krait can be identified by its large alternating black and yellow bands. It’s bite can also be fatal and cause death within 15 hours.

Chinese Cobra

Another common species of snake found in Hong Kong, the Chinese cobra is usually black, grey or light brown with a distinctive white monocle pattern on its neck. Once again, it’s extremely venomous and has caused fatalities in Hong Kong.

King cobra

As the world’s largest venomous snake, the king cobra can grow up to 6 meters (almost 20 ft), and its lethal bite can lead to death within thirty minutes. Although not common in Hong Kong, sightings are occasionally reported. Perhaps most menacingly of all, the king cobra can literally stand up to look a full grown person in the eye.

Coral snake

With its distinctive reddish-brown colour, the coral snake is another of Hong Kong’s extremely venomous species. Mostly nocturnal, it tends to hide in the soil and leaf litter of the forest floor during the day. Watch your step.

Mountain pit viper

Grey in colour with brown blotches on its body, the mountain pit viper is very rarely encountered in Hong Kong. Mostly nocturnal, it tends to inhabit the higher elevations of the mountains and is rarely seen. It is venomous and may strike if provoked, but it has never been known to cause a human fatality in Hong Kong.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.