APOPO Visitor Center - a street view of a kopigo restaurant with cars parked in front of it
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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 - a street view of a kopigo restaurant with cars parked in front of it

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

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

reddit.com

Visited the apopo visitor center of Siem Reap and met a mine detecting hero rat!

🎯 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

reddit.com

Visit to APOPO in Cambodia (HeroRATs)

reddit.com

Things I found in Siem Reap

🐀 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

reddit.com

TIL about APOPO, a non-profit organization that trains African giant pouched rats to save lives by detecting landmines and tuberculosis.

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

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The APOPO Visitor Center is a fantastic outing for families. Children are often captivated by the HeroRATs, and the chance to hold a rat is a highlight they'll talk about for ages. The demonstrations are visually engaging, and the guides make the educational content fun and easy to understand for younger audiences. It's a great way to teach kids about important global issues in a positive and interactive way. Reddit

Consider booking a morning tour when the rats are most active. The center also has a cafe for snacks, which is always a plus with kids. The overall experience is safe, informative, and provides a unique perspective on animal intelligence and humanitarian work. Reddit

🌍 Budget Travelers

At just $10 USD per person, the APOPO Visitor Center offers incredible value for money. It's an affordable way to have a deeply educational and unique experience in Siem Reap. The admission fee directly supports a vital cause, making your visit feel even more worthwhile. Reddit

This is a perfect activity for those looking to engage with meaningful initiatives rather than just typical tourist sights. Combine your visit with a tuk-tuk ride for an authentic and budget-friendly exploration of the area. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Solo Travelers

For couples and solo travelers seeking an enriching experience, the APOPO Visitor Center offers a profound connection to Cambodia's past and future. The intimate tours allow for meaningful engagement with the guides and a deeper understanding of APOPO's mission. Holding a HeroRAT is a unique shared experience or a memorable personal encounter. Reddit

It's an opportunity to learn about critical humanitarian efforts and support a cause that directly impacts local communities. The center provides a thoughtful and impactful break from the usual tourist trail, offering a chance for reflection and connection. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The HeroRATs: Cambodia's Unsung Heroes

The APOPO Visitor Center showcases the incredible work of HeroRATs, specially trained African giant pouched rats, in their mission to make Cambodia mine-free. These intelligent rodents are trained to detect the scent of explosives in landmines, a task they perform with remarkable speed and accuracy. Their small size and light weight mean they can safely sweep areas without triggering the mines, a significant advantage over traditional metal detectors. This innovative approach is not only effective but also cost-efficient, making it a sustainable solution for mine clearance. Reddit

Visitors get to witness this process firsthand during a live demonstration. The rats are guided over a simulated minefield, sniffing out hidden targets. The experience is both educational and awe-inspiring, highlighting the dedication of both the rats and their human trainers. The center also educates visitors on the devastating impact of landmines on Cambodian communities and the ongoing efforts to create a safer future. Reddit

Beyond landmines, APOPO also utilizes these remarkable animals for tuberculosis detection. Their keen sense of smell allows them to identify TB bacteria in sputum samples with high accuracy, offering a vital diagnostic tool in resource-limited settings. The visitor center provides insights into this dual role, emphasizing the versatility and importance of these 'HeroRATs' in humanitarian efforts across developing countries. Reddit

An Educational and Entertaining Experience

The APOPO Visitor Center is lauded for its ability to blend education with entertainment, creating a truly memorable experience for visitors. The guided tours are described as 'edutainment,' with guides who are not only knowledgeable but also funny and engaging. This approach ensures that complex topics like landmine detection and humanitarian work are presented in an accessible and captivating manner. Reddit

One of the most popular aspects of the visit is the opportunity to hold a HeroRAT. This hands-on interaction allows visitors to connect with these amazing animals and understand their gentle nature. It’s a unique chance to overcome any preconceived notions about rats and appreciate their intelligence and role in saving lives. The guides provide clear instructions on how to interact safely and respectfully with the rats. Reddit

Reviews consistently praise the insightful explanations and demonstrations, highlighting how the visit provides a deeper understanding of the challenges Cambodia faces and the innovative solutions APOPO offers. It's more than just a tourist attraction; it's an opportunity to learn about a critical global issue and support an organization making a tangible difference. Reddit

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