War Museum, Killing Field, and APOPO Hero RATs Tour
Description
Discover Siem Reap beyond the temples on a meaningful cultural journey. Visit the War Museum and Wat Thmei Killing Field to understand Cambodia’s modern history, meet the remarkable APOPO HeroRATs trained to save lives by detecting landmines, explore the tranquil Royal Residence gardens, and experience authentic Khmer craftsmanship at Satcha Cambodian Handicraft Center.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Located along National Road 6 between Siem Reap city center and the international airport, the War Museum Cambodia (formerly the Siem Reap War Museum) spans over 2 hectares. It was founded in 2001 and rebranded in 2013 with major renovations beginning in 2015 to preserve and restore exhibits
Wat Thmei is a small but important memorial site in Siem Reap, built to honor the victims of Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime. Located within the grounds of a functioning Buddhist pagoda, it contains a glass stupa filled with the skulls and bones of those who lost their lives. Visitors can see displays that explain Cambodia’s dark history, while also experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of the temple grounds where monks continue their daily life. Unlike the larger Killing Fields near Phnom Penh, Wat Thmei is a more intimate place of remembrance, offering both reflection and cultural insight
The APOPO Visitor Center offers an inspiring and educational experience where visitors learn how specially trained African giant pouched rats, known as HeroRATs, detect landmines and save lives in Cambodia. The guided tour includes an introduction to Cambodia’s landmine history, a live demonstration of the rats at work, and stories of how APOPO has helped clear vast areas of land for local communities. It’s an eye-opening visit that combines history, humanitarian work, and hope for the future — showing how innovation and compassion are making Cambodia safer, one landmine at a time.
Launched in March 2023 and located at #256 BBU Road, Satcha serves as Cambodia’s first handicraft incubation center. It empowers and trains local artisans through intensive multi-year programs combining traditional Khmer techniques with contemporary design. Spanning approximately one hectare, the site includes workshops, landscaped gardens, a showroom, and a café—all built with sustainable, eco‑friendly materials like bamboo.
The Royal Residence (Preăh Réachôdâmnăk) is a royal villa built in 1904, serving as the official residence of the King of Cambodia when he visits Siem Reap It has historical significance from the French protectorate era, when King Norodom Sihanouk is said to have planned his independence campaign from there in the 1950s Just Siem Reap A major fire in March 2023 damaged one of the buildings in the complex, though the main residence was spared; restoration work is underway
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please be ready at your hotel lobby for pickup service. Please provide your hotel name and address.
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(25)
Really enjoyed this tour. The historical sites were very informative and gave a deeper understanding of the country’s past. The APOPO Hero RATs visit was fascinating and added something different to the experience. Everything was well organised and easy to follow.
Thank you for your kind feedback! We're glad you enjoyed learning about Cambodia's history and found the APOPO Hero RATs visit unique and interesting. We appreciate your support and hope to see you again on another tour soon! Best regards, Chhun
The tour was one of the most meaningful parts of our trip. Visiting the War Museum and Killing Fields felt emotional and thought-provoking, while the APOPO Hero Rats added a unique and hopeful touch. Everything was well organised and informative, making it a short but unforgettable experienc
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that the tour was such a meaningful part of your trip. The War Museum and Killing Fields offer important insights into Cambodia’s history, while the APOPO Hero Rats provide an inspiring story of hope and recovery. We're glad you found the experience well organized, informative, and memorable. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you again on another adventure. Best regards, Chhun
We enjoyed our day however I was about disappointed with the war museum.
Dear Sally, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed your day overall. At the same time, we’re sorry to know that the War Museum visit did not fully meet your expectations. Your comments are truly appreciated and will help us improve the experience for future guests. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again on another memorable tour in Siem Reap. Best regard, Chhun
This tour really stayed with me. The War Museum and Killing Field were very emotional and gave me a clear picture of the past, while the APOPO Hero RATs visit was something different and uplifting. Everything was well organized and the guide made it easy to understand. It felt more than just a tour, it was a real experience.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We’re truly happy to hear that the tour left such a meaningful impression on you. The War Museum and Killing Field are indeed powerful places to visit, and we’re glad the APOPO Hero RATs experience brought a more uplifting perspective to the day. It’s wonderful to know you found the tour well organized and easy to follow, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with our guide. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in Siem Reap. Best regards, Chhun
This tour was a deeply moving and eye-opening experience. Visiting the War Museum and Killing Fields gave us a better understanding of the country’s history, while the APOPO Hero RATs were truly inspiring to see in action. The guide was knowledgeable and respectful, making the whole journey meaningful and well-organized. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn something impactful.
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We’re glad you found the tour meaningful and informative. It’s wonderful to hear that the War Museum, Killing Fields, and APOPO Hero RATs made such a strong impression. We truly appreciate your recommendation! Best regards, Chhun
This tour offered a powerful mix of history and inspiration, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Exploring the War Museum and the Killing Fields was deeply moving and gave a meaningful understanding of Cambodia’s past, while the visit to the APOPO Hero RATs added a unique and hopeful perspective by showcasing their life-saving work; the guide was professional and informative throughout, which made the entire journey even more engaging and worthwhile.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We’re very happy to hear that the tour gave you a meaningful insight into Cambodia’s history while also highlighting the inspiring work of APOPO Hero RATs. Your kind words about our guide and the overall experience truly mean a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again in Siem Reap! Best regards, Chhun
We were looking for something to do in Seim Reap that did not involve a temple or ancient ruin. That is exactly what we found we in this highly educational tour about the killing fields and what Cambodia has gone through as a country. It also highlighted the importance of the Appoca organization and their training of rats to find land mines in the country. And some of the artillery that is laying around in Cambodia at the war museum. Make sure to visit the royal palace and gardens to see the tree bats and release a bird to bring good karma for the rest of your trip
Dear James, Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re glad you enjoyed exploring beyond the temples and found the visit to the Killing Fields and APOPO meaningful. It’s great to hear the War Museum Cambodia added depth to your experience as well. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in Siem Reap! Best regards, Chhun
This tour was a powerful and emotional experience from start to finish. The visit to the War Museum and Killing Fields gave deep insight into the country’s history, and the guide explained everything clearly without rushing. The APOPO Hero Rats visit was surprisingly interesting and added a unique touch to the day. Everything was well managed, and the transport was comfortable. Definitely worth doing if you want to understand the real story behind the place.
Thank you for your kind words. We’re glad you found the experience meaningful and well organized, and that the visit to the War Museum, Killing Fields, and APOPO Hero Rats added value to your journey. We truly appreciate your recommendation. Best regards, Chhun
Our tour was truly a great experience from start to finish. Everything was well organized, and it was very convenient that the admission fee was already included in the price, which made the whole trip smooth and hassle-free. Our guide was excellent—very friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to answer questions, making the tour both informative and enjoyable. We felt well taken care of throughout the journey. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and we would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a memorable and well-arranged trip.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted you had a smooth and enjoyable experience—especially with our guide. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon! Bes regards, Chhun
This tour was a deeply moving and educational experience, giving real insight into Cambodia’s history through the War Museum and Killing Fields. It was emotional but very important to witness. The APOPO Hero Rats were a unique highlight—seeing how they help detect landmines was truly impressive. The guide was informative and respectful, making the whole experience well-organized and worthwhile.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful experience. We’re glad the tour provided meaningful insight into Cambodia’s history and that you found it both educational and impactful. It’s great to hear the APOPO Hero Rats were a highlight and that our guide made the journey informative and respectful. We truly appreciate your recommendation! Best regards, Chhun
