When you think of heroes, you might picture caped crusaders or firefighters rushing into burning buildings. In Cambodia, however, some of the biggest heroes are small, furry, and have an incredible sense of smell. They are the HeroRATs of APOPO, specially trained African rats that help detect landmines and unexploded ordnance across Cambodia.

While the temples of Angkor Wat draw millions, the APOPO Visitor Center offers something entirely different: a glimpse into how innovative thinking and animal intelligence are saving lives.  This is a must visit destination, and one of the most unique and meaningful Siem Reap experience.

Here is why the APOPO Visitor Center should be at the top of your itinerary.

A Personal Realization

Before visiting Siem Reap, I had no idea how widespread landmines still are in Cambodia.

Like many travelers, I came for Angkor Wat — but I left with a much deeper understanding of the country’s recent history.  Over the decades of conflict, it’s estimated that millions of landmines and unexploded ordnance were left across Cambodia.

Since the 1990's about 4 million mines have been found, yet there are about 1-2 millions mines left!

The Mission: Clearing a Path to Safety

Cambodia has a tragic history of conflict, leaving it as one of the most landmine-impacted countries in the world. Millions of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) remain buried in the countryside, posing a daily threat to farmers, children, and rural communities.

This is where APOPO steps in. Founded in the 1990s, this global non-profit organization researches, develops, and implements detection rat technology for humanitarian purposes.

These rats are trained to detect the scent of TNT in landmines. Because they are lightweight, they can safely move across minefields without triggering explosives.

Why Rats?

• Speed:  Plain and simple they are speedy! 
• Precision:  This is actually the most important part - Metal detectors beep at every scrap of metal—old nails, coins, bottle caps.  This would take hours/days/weeks to clear.  The HeroRATs are trained to ignore scrap metal and only scratch the ground when they smell TNT (explosives).  
• Safety: Because they are lightweight, they can walk right over buried landmines without triggering them

What to Expect at the APOPO Visitor Center Siem Reap

The Guided Tour

When you arrive, you will be guided by an expert who explains the history of landmines in Cambodia and the devastating impact they have had on the population. You will learn about the rigorous nine-month training process every rat undergoes before they are deployed to the field.

The Live Demonstration

The highlight of the visit is the live demonstration. You will watch the handlers work with a HeroRAT in a simulated minefield. They scurry across the ground, sniffing intently, and stop to scratch the earth when they locate a target. 

Meet and Greet

After the demo, you often get the chance to meet a HeroRAT up close.  The rats at the center are retired rats.  After about 7 years they retire from service and live at the center.

How to Plan Your Visit to APOPO

• Located about 12 minutes from Siem Reap city center
• Take a Tuk Tuk there
• Tours run throughout the day.  Each tour is about 1-2 hours.  
• You can purchase ticket directly from there website: https://apopo.org/support-us/apopo-visitor-center/

🌍 APOPO’s Global Impact Beyond Cambodia

While Cambodia is one of the most well-known locations for their work, APOPO operates in multiple countries around the world. Their HeroRATs are helping clear landmines and detect tuberculosis in places like:

• Cambodia
• Laos
• Vietnam
• Angola
• Mozambique
• Tanzania

Across these regions, APOPO’s work has helped return vast areas of land to local communities — making it safe for farming, building, and everyday life.

What makes this even more powerful is that the same techniques you learn about in Siem Reap are being applied globally, saving lives far beyond Cambodia.

So when you visit the HeroRAT center, you’re not just learning about one country’s history — you’re supporting a worldwide effort to make communities safer and healthier.

FAQs About the Rats That Detect Landmines in Cambodia

Are the rats safe around landmines?

Yes. They are too light to trigger the mines.

What kind of rats are used?

African giant pouched rats — intelligent, trainable, and highly effective scent detectors.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes. The visitor center is educational and family-friendly.

Is it Ethical?

Yes — the rats are treated humanely and trained using reward-based systems. APOPO focuses on animal welfare and humanitarian impact.

By visiting, you help fund landmine clearance efforts that protect local communities.

Final Thoughts

This was an extremely educational tour that I highly recommend.  Most people, I included, don’t realize that millions of mines are still buried in the countryside, posing daily risks to farmers, children, and rural communities.  

 A visit to the APOPO Center is about looking forward to a safer future - It is a humbling reminder that solutions to the world's biggest problems can come in small packages.