Cambodia is still living with the legacy of landmines and unexploded ordnance, and one of the most unusual answers to the problem works out of a small visitor centre outside Siem Reap. APOPO, a Belgian-founded non-profit organisation, trains African giant pouched rats, known as HeroRATs, to sniff out the explosive in buried mines. The animals are light enough not to set the devices off and have such a keen sense of smell that they can search an area far faster than a person with a metal detector. At the visitor centre, you meet the rats and their handlers, watch a demonstration of how they are trained to scratch the ground when they smell explosive, and learn about the scale of the problem and the progress made so far. The exhibits explain how mines were laid, why they remain a danger to farmers and children, and what happens after a field is cleared and returned to the community. It is a moving but hopeful visit, and one of the more memorable half-days in Siem Reap.
How to visit
The guided tour collects you from your hotel and takes you to the centre, which is a short drive outside the town. Visits normally include a presentation, a walk through the exhibits and a live demonstration by the rats and their trainers. The centre accepts donations and sells small items, with proceeds supporting the programme. Check the operator for the schedule, the transfer and whether the tour combines other stops, since some packages add a village visit or the silk farm.
What you will see
The rats are trained from a young age to associate the smell of explosive with a reward, usually a piece of banana or a peanut, and a click marks the right behaviour. In the demonstration you see them working on a practice field, moving quickly along a line and stopping to scratch when they find a target. The guides explain that each rat is small enough to walk over a mine without triggering it and that a trained rat can clear a field in a fraction of the time a deminer would need.
The exhibits also describe the broader work of humanitarian demining in Cambodia, which includes manual deminers, machines and detection dogs, and they give an honest picture of how many hectares still need clearing.
Making the most of it
Ask questions, since the staff are used to curious visitors and happy to talk about the rats’ lives, diet and retirement. The visit is gentle enough for children, who often love meeting the animals, but small ones should be supervised near the rats. Wear closed shoes and bring a hat and water for the outdoor demonstration. The APOPO visit makes a thoughtful pairing with the Cambodia Landmine Museum, which tells the human side of the story, and with the nearby silk farm.
It is also a good way to spend a rest day without feeling you have missed out on culture, and a visit supports a cause that benefits rural communities directly. Take time to reflect on what you have seen before heading to a bar or restaurant afterwards.
Finally, remember that the visit is about a serious subject treated with care, so keep conversation respectful and follow the handlers’ instructions around the animals.
What to expect
The experience
A hotel pick-up, a presentation and exhibits at the visitor centre, and a live demonstration of the rats at work.
Best time
Mornings, when the rats are most active and the weather is cooler.
How long
About three to four hours including the transfer.
Tips
Wear closed shoes, bring a hat and water, ask the handlers questions and consider a donation to support the programme.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious travellers who like animals, science and stories with a purpose.
- Families
- Children usually love meeting the rats, and the demonstration is gentle and educational.
- Couples
- A thoughtful half-day that gives a different view of Cambodia.
- Pair with
- The Cambodia Landmine Museum for the human story, or the silk farm for a day of community visits.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What are HeroRATs?+
They are African giant pouched rats trained by APOPO to detect the explosive in landmines. They are too light to set the mines off and work faster than humans with metal detectors.
Is it safe to visit the rats?+
Yes. The visit is supervised by trained handlers, and the rats are used to visitors. Small children should be supervised near the animals.
How does the visit support the programme?+
Visitor income and donations help fund demining and training. You can also buy small items at the centre.
How long is the tour?+
Allow about three to four hours including the transfer. Check the operator, since some packages add extra stops.
Is the content upsetting for children?+
The visit focuses on the animals and the solution, with an honest but gentle explanation of the landmine problem. Parents of young children may wish to prepare them first.
