Nestled on Koumai Road in the vibrant city of Siem Reap, APOPO - Humanitarian Demining offers a fascinating and heartwarming glimpse into a unique effort to make the world safer. This pioneering center is renowned for its innovative use of highly trained Tanzanian Giant Rats, affectionately known as HeroRATs, that detect landmines and unexploded ordnance, saving countless lives and resources across Cambodia and beyond.
Visitors consistently praise APOPO for its engaging and educational guided tours that last about 45 minutes to an hour. The tours, conducted by knowledgeable guides with excellent English skills, provide intriguing insights into the history of landmines in Cambodia as well as the groundbreaking methods of mine detection using rats. These gentle, clean, and highly trained animals systematically scan for explosives in a demonstration that is both captivating and deeply meaningful. For a memorable experience, you even have the chance to hold a HeroRAT yourself and appreciate their calm and docile nature.
APOPO’s commitment to humanitarian work shines through every aspect of the visitor experience, combining education, compassion, and cutting-edge technology to help communities recover from the ravages of past conflicts.
The APOPO center features a small gift shop where you can find unique souvenirs such as bamboo water bottles, perfect for eco-conscious travelers. After the tour, visitors can relax in the on-site café offering a variety of snacks and both hot and cold beverages—an ideal spot to reflect on the inspiring work you’ve witnessed. The center’s air-conditioned environment makes for a comfortable visit, especially as a refreshing stopover after exploring the nearby Angkor temples.
- What are the operating hours of the APOPO Visitor Center? The center is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with the last tour beginning at 4:30 pm.
- How much does a tour cost? A joint tour costs $10 per person. Private tours are available at $30 per person for 1-4 people and $20 per person for 5-20 people.
- Is it necessary to book a tour in advance? It is recommended to book online in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Can children visit the center? Yes, children under 10 years old can join the tour for free.
- Where is the APOPO Visitor Center located? The center is located at Trapeang Ses Village, Kouk Chauk Commune, Koumai Road, Siem Reap 171253, Cambodia.
The sentiment surrounding APOPO's humanitarian work is overwhelmingly positive. Visitors often express admiration for the center’s educational value, the dedication of its staff, and the unique opportunity to engage with the HeroRATs. This experience is frequently described as eye-opening and inspiring, blending compassion with cutting-edge science to bring real change to communities affected by war.
For over a quarter of a century, APOPO has pioneered a revolutionary approach in Cambodia, training African Giant Pouched Rats—affectionately known as HeroRATs—to detect landmines and unexploded ordnance. This innovative method has transformed hazardous landscapes into safer communities, saving countless lives and bringing hope to affected regions.
The journey began in 2015 , when APOPO introduced the Mine Detection Rats (MDR), or HeroRATs, to Cambodia. These remarkable rodents quickly demonstrated their ability to detect explosives with precision and speed far beyond conventional methods.
The following year, in 2016 , the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining officially endorsed the HeroRATs, affirming their effectiveness and reliability in mine clearance operations. This endorsement validated APOPO's innovative approach on the global stage.
Building on this momentum, APOPO established the Visitor Center in Siem Reap in 2017 . This center serves not only as a hub for education about the dangers of landmines but also offers visitors a unique chance to witness the HeroRATs in action, deepening public awareness and support.
In 2019 , APOPO expanded its arsenal against unexploded threats by deploying Technical Survey Dogs (TSDs). These highly trained dogs complement the rats by speeding up the identification and clearance of hazardous areas, enhancing overall efficiency and safety.
Most recently, in 2023 , the organization launched the visionary 'Minefields to Rice Fields' initiative. This project transforms cleared minefields into fertile agricultural land, empowering local farmers by increasing their incomes by over 30%, and fostering sustainable development.
- 2015 - Introduction of HeroRATs to Cambodia.
- 2016 - Endorsement by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining.
- 2017 - Opening of the APOPO Visitor Center in Siem Reap.
- 2019 - Deployment of Technical Survey Dogs for enhanced clearance.
- 2023 - Launch of 'Minefields to Rice Fields' converting cleared land to farmland.
APOPO's dedicated work in Cambodia exemplifies how innovative technology and compassionate humanitarian efforts can come together to address the lingering dangers of war. With their expert teams and specially trained animals, they continue to clear the path toward a safer, more prosperous future for communities once shadowed by the threat of landmines.
Nestled conveniently near the iconic Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, APOPO - Humanitarian Demining stands out as a remarkable center dedicated to a noble cause. This establishment offers visitors an educational and insightful tour showcasing the incredible work of their HeroRATs—specially trained giant rats that detect landmines and unexploded ordnance, saving lives and resources across Cambodia.
Visitors can embark on a well-priced, approximately 45-minute to one-hour guided tour that blends education with compassionate storytelling. The guides speak excellent English and provide detailed explanations about the history of the region's conflict and how the rats systematically scan for explosives. What makes the experience truly special is the chance to interact directly with these gentle and clean rodents, even holding one if desired. This personal touch highlights the animals’ extraordinary contribution to humanitarian efforts.
Beyond the educational tour, the center features a small gift shop and a cozy café offering snacks and hot and cold beverages, perfect for a refreshing break. The facility is air-conditioned, providing a comfortable retreat from the tropical heat of Siem Reap. Its convenient location just a short tuk-tuk ride from the city centre makes it an accessible stop when exploring the famed temples.
While the center offers a deeply rewarding visit, there are some practical points to keep in mind. The tours have limited time slots, so advance booking is strongly recommended to secure your spot. This helps to manage visitor flow and maintain the quality of the intimate, informative experience. The admission fee is affordable and contributes directly to supporting this meaningful humanitarian mission.
- Educational and informative tours: Gain a deep understanding of landmine clearance and humanitarian innovation.
- Opportunity to interact with HeroRATs: Experience the unique chance to hold and learn about these remarkable animals.
- Supports a meaningful cause: Your visit contributes directly to saving lives and rebuilding communities affected by landmines.
- Affordable admission: Entry fee is reasonable, making it accessible for travelers on various budgets.
- Convenient location near Angkor Wat: Easily incorporated into your itinerary when exploring Cambodia’s prime attractions.
Nestled on Koumai Road in the vibrant city of Siem Reap, APOPO - Humanitarian Demining offers a unique, eye-opening experience that blends education, innovation, and compassion. This center is renowned for training remarkable HeroRATs — specially trained giant African pouched rats — to detect landmines and unexploded ordnance, a life-saving mission that has transformed communities in Cambodia and beyond.
For just 10 USD, visitors can embark on an engaging guided tour lasting about 45 minutes to an hour. These tours are crafted to educate guests about the devastating impact of landmines and the innovative techniques HeroRATs use to detect explosives. Expert guides, fluent in English, lead the journey through informative exhibits and live demonstrations, showcasing how these gentle creatures systematically scan for dangerous devices buried beneath the soil.
A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to hold a HeroRAT yourself. These surprisingly clean and docile animals offer a rare chance to connect with a true humanitarian hero.
For visitors seeking a more intimate experience, APOPO offers private tours for 1 to 4 people at 30 USD. These exclusive tours provide personalized insights and the chance to interact closely with the dedicated handlers and HeroRATs themselves.
Don’t miss the chance to adopt a HeroRAT for 60 USD, a meaningful souvenir that supports the ongoing humanitarian mission. Adopters receive regular updates about their HeroRAT’s activities, forging a lasting connection to this life-saving cause.
- Educational and eye-opening tours that deepen your understanding of post-conflict recovery and humanitarian innovation.
- Interact with gentle HeroRATs that play a vital role in saving lives and clearing dangerous landmines.
- Support a noble cause by contributing to ongoing landmine clearance and humanitarian efforts in Cambodia.
- Convenient location just a short tuk-tuk ride from Siem Reap city center, making it easy to fit into your travel itinerary.
