Siem Reap Guided Tour & Hero RATs at APOPO Visitor Center
Description
Explore the poignant history of Cambodia with a half-day tour in Siem Reap that visits the APOPO Visitor Center and the Wat Thmei Killing Fields. This tour offers insight into the country’s struggles and triumphs, highlighting the ongoing efforts for a safer future. Engage with local narratives that shape Cambodia's resilience and hope through powerful stories and educational experiences at these significant sites. - Visit the APOPO Visitor Center, dedicated to landmine detection and education - Reflect at the Wat Thmei Killing Fields, a site of remembrance - Gain profound insights into Cambodia's modern history and recovery efforts - Ideal for history enthusiasts and those seeking to understand Cambodia's journey
Tour Options
Itinerary
The APOPO Visitor Center offers a unique and inspiring experience. Discover how our remarkable African Giant Pouched Rats are trained to detect landmines and unexploded ordnance in Cambodia and beyond—helping to make communities safer. Watch these clever heroes in action, learn about Cambodia’s recent history with landmines, and even get the chance to hold one of our friendly rats! Conveniently located on the way back from Angkor Wat, it’s the perfect stop after a morning at the temples. Fun, educational, and family-friendly—kids especially love meeting the rats!
Wat Thmei (Thmey) — Siem Reap’s Killing Fields & Genocide Memorial Located just south of Siem Reap (about 10–15 minutes by tuk‑tuk or 20–30 minutes by bike), Wat Thmei is one of several sites in Cambodia known as "Killing Fields" from the Khmer Rouge e From 1975 to 1979, Wat Thmei—a Buddhist pagoda—was repurposed as a Khmer Rouge prison and execution site. Prisoners were brought in, coerced into false confessions, and tragically executed and buried nearby in mass graves and wells. It’s estimated that around 8,000 innocent Cambodians—including intellectuals, former officials, and farmers—died here during the regime’s brutal rule.
Constructed in 1904 during the French protectorate, this elegant Khmer-style villa serves as the official royal residence for the King of Cambodia when he visits Siem Reap. Though often mistaken for the "Royal Palace," it's actually a modest yet historically significant villa nestled alongside the Royal Independence Garden
Made in Cambodia Market – Siem Reap A gem in central Siem Reap, the Made in Cambodia Market is a curated artisan bazaar showcasing locally crafted goods—with purpose. Located on Oum Khun Street, across from Shinta Mani Angkor, it’s open daily from around 12 pm to 8 pm (some list until 9 pm
Wat Preah Prom Rath – A Jewel in Downtown Siem Reap Nestled along Pokambor Avenue by the Siem Reap River and a short stroll from Pub Street and Old Market, Wat Preah Prom Rath is a stunning Khmer-style Buddhist temple complex that serves as an active monastery.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please be ready at your hotel lobby for pickup service at least 10mn before departure. Please provide us your hotel name and address upon making reservation.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(18)
The guide was the kind of person who actually loves what they d you can tell. Well organized, not rushed, and completely worth it. Already told my friends to add this to their list
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the guide’s passion and dedication. It means a lot to know the experience felt well organized, relaxed, and worthwhile for you. We truly appreciate you recommending us to your friends and hope to welcome you back again in the future. Best regards, Chhun
This visit makes her a historian, so everything they tell is professional, as well as pleasant and enjoyable. Thank you Ana for your work, a very interesting and pleasant visit
Thank you very much indeed for choosing our trip recently. We look forward to welcome you and your family again. Best regards, Chhun
Fascinating and educating, what amazing work this charity does.
Dear Thomas, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted you found the experience fascinating and educational. The impactful work of the charity truly makes a difference, and your support means a lot to us. Best regards, Chhun
This guided tour was truly fascinating and meaningful. Learning how trained rats detect landmines and save lives was eye-opening. The live demonstration was engaging, and the guide shared valuable insights, making it an unforgettable and educational experience in Siem Reap.
Thank you for your kind words! We're glad you found the experience fascinating and meaningful. Hope to welcome you again soon! Best regards, Chhun
Discover the fascinating world of HeroRATs at the APOPO Visitor Center in Siem Reap. This guided tour shows how trained giant rats detect landmines, save lives, and support communities through educational presentations and live demonstrations.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted you enjoyed the inspiring experience with the HeroRATs at the APOPO Visitor Center and hope to welcome you again soon. Best regards, Chhun
The guided tour at the APOPO Visitor Center was fascinating and inspiring. Watching the HeroRATs demonstrate how they detect landmines was unforgettable. The guide explained everything clearly, making it both educational and enjoyable. A meaningful experience supporting lifesaving humanitarian work.
Thank you very much for your kind feedback! We’re delighted you enjoyed the visit to the APOPO Visitor Center and the inspiring HeroRATs demonstration. We hope to welcome you again on your next trip to Siem Reap! Best regards, Chhun
I joined the Siem Reap Guided Tour and visited the APOPO Visitor Center as a solo traveler, and it was a truly interesting experience. Learning about the HeroRATs and how they help detect landmines and save lives was both inspiring and educational. The tour was well organized, and the guide explained everything clearly. It was a unique and meaningful visit that I would definitely recommend.
Thank you very much for your kind feedback. We are happy to hear you enjoyed the Siem Reap tour and your visit to the APOPO Visitor Center. It’s great that you found the experience inspiring and educational. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in the future. Best regards, Chhun
Visiting APOPO Visitor Center was both educational and inspiring — the guided tour clearly explains how trained HeroRATs help save lives by detecting landmines, and you even get to see a RAT demonstration up close. It’s a worthwhile stop in Siem Reap that supports a valuable humanitarian cause and makes for a memorable, impactful hour on your trip.
Thank you for your kind words. We’re honored that your visit to the APOPO Visitor Center was meaningful and memorable. Helping visitors understand and support this important humanitarian mission is something we’re proud of. We truly appreciate your feedback. Best regards, Chhun
An eye-opening and heart-warming experience where you learn how the incredible HeroRATs save lives every day. The guide was excellent, the demonstration fascinating, and it’s a truly meaningful stop in Siem Reap.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so happy you enjoyed the tour, especially the inspiring work of the HeroRATs and the engaging demonstration. Your kind words about our guide mean a lot to us. Best regards, Chhun
This guided tour offers a powerful and educational insight into how HeroRATs save lives by detecting landmines, presented in a clear and engaging way. The knowledgeable staff and live demonstrations make the visit both moving and truly memorable.
Thank you for sharing such wonderful feedback! We’re so happy you enjoyed learning about how the HeroRATs save lives. Your kind comments about our team and the live demonstrations truly encourage us. We hope to see you again soon. Best Regards, Chhun
