APOPO Visitor Center
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APOPO Visitor Center

4.9
·1k reviews·Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Discover the incredible HeroRATs trained to detect landmines and TB, making Cambodia safer. An educational and heartwarming experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning tours

Rats are most active

CrowdMedium
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APOPO Visitor Center

APOPO Visitor Center

Best Time

Morning tours

Rats are most active

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the incredible HeroRATs trained to detect landmines and TB, making Cambodia safer. An educational and heartwarming experience.

4.9
(1k reviews)

"A must visit if you’re in Siem Reap. Take the tour to see how rats are used for clearing mines all over Cambodia."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Ahead for Tours

Tours are popular! Book your spot in advance to guarantee entry and a great learning experience.

💰 Support the Cause

Your $10 admission fee directly funds APOPO's life-saving work. It's an investment in a safer Cambodia.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 1,460 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

HeroRAT Demonstration

HeroRAT Demonstration

Demonstration Area

Witness firsthand how trained rats detect landmines in a live, engaging demonstration. It's fascinating and educational!

Meet a HeroRAT

Meet a HeroRAT

Interaction Zone

Get up close and personal with the incredible rats! You can even hold one and learn about their unique abilities.

Educational Presentation

Educational Presentation

Presentation Room

Gain deep insights into APOPO's mission, the history of landmines in Cambodia, and the science behind rat detection.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours at the APOPO Visitor Center are highly recommended and can fill up, especially during peak season. Booking ahead ensures your spot and helps the center manage visitor flow. The experience is educational and entertaining, making it a worthwhile stop in Siem Reap.

Support a Noble Cause

Your visit directly contributes to APOPO's vital work in de-mining Cambodia and detecting tuberculosis. The admission fee is a small price for an impactful experience that helps save lives and make communities safer. It's a chance to learn and give back.

Best Times

When
Morning tours
Why
Rats are most active
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Less crowded
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is Valerie and she is a very special rat! In Siem Reap there is a place to visit that shows you how Herorats work detecting landmines. APOPO are an NGO that operate in Cambodia, training giant african rats just like Valerie to detect the scent of TNT in the ground. These practices are vital for the removal of landmines, landmines still pose a seeious hazard to Cambodians lives. This is de...
@annaslittleadventures_
649.9K likes • 3.3M views

🎯 Book Ahead for Tours

Tours are popular! Book your spot in advance to guarantee entry and a great learning experience. Reddit

💰 Support the Cause

Your $10 admission fee directly funds APOPO's life-saving work. It's an investment in a safer Cambodia. Reddit

This rat is a lifesaver, literally! ✨👇 At the APOPO Visitor Center in Siem Reap, you’ll discover the incredible work of HeroRATs—specially trained rats that sniff out hidden landmines in Cambodia. These intelligent animals are light enough to avoid triggering explosives, making them perfect for safely clearing land. Cambodia has one of the highest concentrations of landmines in the world, a tragic...
@jetsetemmaa
162.2K likes • 2.8M views
If you’re in Siem Reap, don’t miss the APOPO Visitor Center, home of the incredible Hero Rats! 🐀 Since Cambodia’s genocide, thousands of landmines remain buried, especially in rural areas where farmers and children are at constant risk. @herorats are light enough to safely detect landmines without setting them off. They have helped safely clear landmines and save countless lives, not just in Camb...
ninoshkatravels
0 likes • 726 views

🐀 Hold a HeroRAT!

Don't miss the chance to interact with and hold a trained rat – a truly unique and memorable experience. Reddit

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Grab a drink or snack at the on-site cafe after your tour. Reddit

Meet Sambat, our Visitor Center Manager! We asked him about what brought him to APOPO. Visiting #Cambodia soon? Add the #APOPO Visitor Center to your list of places to visit in Siem Reap. Book a tour: https://bit.ly/4j3YyZB (clickable link in bio) #HeroRATs #SavingLives #landmines #cafe #mineaction
herorats
3.4K likes • 42.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead for Tours

Tours are popular! Book your spot in advance to guarantee entry and a great learning experience. Reddit

💰 Support the Cause

Your $10 admission fee directly funds APOPO's life-saving work. It's an investment in a safer Cambodia. Reddit

🐀 Hold a HeroRAT!

Don't miss the chance to interact with and hold a trained rat – a truly unique and memorable experience. Reddit

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Grab a drink or snack at the on-site cafe after your tour. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

Bring your camera to document this incredible and educational visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the APOPO Visitor Center, calling it a 'must visit' for its educational and entertaining tours. The chance to see HeroRATs in action and even hold one is a unique highlight. Many appreciate that their admission fee supports a crucial humanitarian cause, making the experience both fun and impactful.

"Go! If you are reading this and considering it, well just go there! Great experience learning about the Hero Rats and their work in Cambodia. The tour takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour and includes holding one of their special rats 🐀."

Ben Jones

"Very well executed tour with lots of interesting information. They had a live demonstration and you got to pet the rats if you wanted to. Would highly recommend!

The cost for the guided tour was 10 USD per person and they use the money for a good cause.

There is a souvenir shop and a café where you can get drinks and snacks."

Oscar Larsen

"Wonderful experience! It's very educational and entertaining learning about the heroic work of these rats, dogs, and humans working to de-mine Cambodia. #MineFreeCambodia

The tour gave you very insightful explanation and demonstration. Our guide (a young woman) is also funny, making this tour such an edutainment! It's totally worth the price! And you know this is all for a good cause."

Monileak Ean

What People Like

HeroRAT demonstrations
Holding the rats
Educational and funny guides

What People Dislike

Limited dining options nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The APOPO Visitor Center is located a short drive from central Siem Reap. Many visitors opt for a tuk-tuk, which is readily available and affordable. You can also arrange transport through your accommodation. The journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the visitor center for those arriving by private vehicle or motorcycle. Tuk-tuks will drop you off right at the entrance. Reddit

While possible, walking might be a bit far depending on your starting point in Siem Reap, especially in the Cambodian heat. A tuk-tuk is generally the most convenient option. Reddit

The visitor center typically operates during standard daytime hours, with tours running throughout the day. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening hours and tour schedules. Reddit

Direct public bus routes to the APOPO Visitor Center are not common. Tuk-tuks and private taxis are the primary modes of transport recommended by visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The guided tour at the APOPO Visitor Center costs $10 USD per person. This fee is crucial as it directly supports APOPO's humanitarian work. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot. You can usually do this via their website or by contacting them directly. Reddit

The admission fee includes a guided tour that lasts approximately 45-50 minutes. This tour features an educational presentation, a live demonstration of the HeroRATs' capabilities, and the opportunity to hold a rat. Reddit

Information on specific discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring directly with the APOPO Visitor Center if you are part of a large group or have specific circumstances. The standard $10 fee is considered very reasonable for the experience and cause. Reddit

The primary way to experience the APOPO Visitor Center and learn about their work is through the guided tour. This ensures visitors receive the full educational and interactive experience. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The tour is a highly engaging 'edutainment' experience. You'll learn about APOPO's mission, see a live demonstration of how rats detect landmines, and have the chance to hold a HeroRAT. Guides are often described as funny and informative. Reddit

The guided tour typically lasts around 45 to 50 minutes, providing a comprehensive overview of APOPO's work and the impact of landmines in Cambodia. Reddit

Yes, the rats are specially trained and handled by professionals. Visitors are guided on how to safely and gently interact with them. The rats are clean and accustomed to human contact. Reddit

Mornings are often recommended as the rats tend to be more active. However, afternoon tours might be less crowded, offering a more intimate experience. Reddit

There are no strict age restrictions mentioned, and the experience is generally suitable for all ages. Children often find the rats fascinating, and the educational content is presented in an accessible way. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the APOPO Visitor Center has a small cafe where you can purchase drinks and snacks. It's a convenient spot to relax after your tour. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally polite to consume your own food and drinks outside the main visitor areas. The on-site cafe offers refreshments. Reddit

The visitor center is a bit outside the main tourist hub of Siem Reap, so dining options immediately nearby are limited. Most visitors eat before or after their visit in the city center. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the APOPO Visitor Center, especially during the presentation and when interacting with the rats. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide. Reddit

It's advisable to avoid using flash photography, especially when interacting with the rats, as it can startle them. Your guide will likely provide guidance on photography etiquette. Reddit

The live demonstration and the opportunity to hold a HeroRAT are prime photo opportunities. Capturing the interaction between visitors and the rats is a highlight. Reddit

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