Visiting APOPO in Siem Reap: The HeroRATs You Don’t Expect to Meet

When people think of Siem Reap, they usually think of Angkor Wat, temples, markets and Pub Street.

But one of the most memorable places I’ve visited here was completely different. APOPO is home to Cambodia’s famous HeroRATs — trained African giant pouched rats that help detect landmines and save lives.

It’s surprising, emotional, educational, and somehow far cuter than you expect.

A Different Side of Siem Reap

Siem Reap is known for its ancient temples, but APOPO shows you another side of Cambodia’s story.

The visit gives you a gentle but powerful look at Cambodia’s landmine history, the impact it still has on local communities, and the incredible work being done to make land safer again.

It is serious, but it is also hopeful. You leave understanding more about Cambodia — not just its past, but the work still happening today.

What Are HeroRATs?

The stars of APOPO are the HeroRATs.

These African giant pouched rats are trained to detect the scent of explosives. Because they are light, they can move across searched areas safely without setting off landmines, and their sense of smell helps them identify where dangerous items may be hidden.

One of the things I loved about the visit was how much it changed the way I thought about rats. They are calm, clever, well cared for, and genuinely fascinating to watch.

What the Visit Is Like

The tour is easy to follow and really interesting. You learn about Cambodia’s landmine problem, see displays of different types of landmines and unexploded ordnance, and watch a demonstration of how the HeroRATs are trained to search.

There is a small simulated minefield area where you can see how the process works. Watching the rat move across the sand with its handler nearby makes the whole thing feel very real.

It is one thing to read about landmine detection. It is another thing to stand there and watch a tiny animal doing work that can help save lives.

Meeting a HeroRAT

For me, the most memorable part was getting to hold one.

I did not expect to come away from APOPO thinking a rat was cute, but honestly, they are. The HeroRAT I held was calm, gentle and much bigger than I expected.

It was one of those travel moments that feels unusual in the best way — not something you planned your whole trip around, but something you remember long after.

Is APOPO Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely.

APOPO is a great choice if you want to do something meaningful in Siem Reap beyond the temples. It is especially good if you are interested in Cambodia’s history, humanitarian work, or slightly unusual travel experiences.

It does not take up your whole day either, so it is easy to fit around other Siem Reap plans. You could visit in the morning, then still have time for temples, cafés, markets or a slower afternoon.

It is the kind of place that stays with you because it gives you a deeper understanding of Cambodia — while also introducing you to some very clever little heroes.

Final Thoughts

APOPO is one of those places that reminds you travel is not only about beautiful views and famous landmarks.

Sometimes the most meaningful experiences are the ones that help you understand a country more deeply.

Siem Reap has temples, sunsets, markets and nightlife — but it also has places like APOPO, where you see hope, recovery and some very clever little heroes at work.

And yes, I left with a completely new respect for rats.

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