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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rats are most active
APOPO Visitor Center
Best Time
Rats are most active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the incredible HeroRATs trained to detect landmines and TB, making Cambodia safer. An educational and heartwarming experience.
"A must visit if you’re in Siem Reap. Take the tour to see how rats are used for clearing mines all over Cambodia."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Presentation Room
Gain deep insights into APOPO's mission, the history of landmines in Cambodia, and the science behind rat detection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Support a Noble Cause
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
💰 Support the Cause
Your $10 admission fee directly funds APOPO's life-saving work. It's an investment in a safer Cambodia.
Visit to APOPO in Cambodia (HeroRATs)
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.
☕ Relax at the Cafe
Grab a drink or snack at the on-site cafe after your tour.
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.
💰 Support the Cause
Your $10 admission fee directly funds APOPO's life-saving work. It's an investment in a safer Cambodia.
🐀 Hold a HeroRAT!
Don't miss the chance to interact with and hold a trained rat – a truly unique and memorable experience.
☕ Relax at the Cafe
Grab a drink or snack at the on-site cafe after your tour.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera to document this incredible and educational visit.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
Mornings are often recommended as the rats tend to be more active. However, afternoon tours might be less crowded, offering a more intimate experience.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🌍 Budget Travelers
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.
❤️ Couples & Solo Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The HeroRATs: Cambodia's Unsung Heroes
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.
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.
An Educational and Entertaining Experience
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit