APOPO Rats

APOPO in Siem Reap is honestly one of the most unexpectedly brilliant and educational things we’ve done with our 3 year old.

This is where you can learn about their famous Hero Rats — specially trained rats that sniff out landmines and unexploded bombs, helping make land safe for communities across Cambodia and beyond. It sounds unusual at first… but trust us, kids are absolutely fascinated.

The visit lasts around an hour, which we found to be the perfect length with young children — long enough to be interesting, but not so long that attention spans disappear. You get to watch demonstrations, learn how the rats are trained, and see just how precise (and impressive) they are in action. If you’re brave enough you even get the opportunity to hold one of the hero rats!

We were actually a bit hesitant before going with our toddler the first time — but we couldn’t believe how much he enjoyed it. There’s something about seeing animals working that really hooks kids, and the staff explain everything in a really clear, engaging way so that works for kids and adults.

What also makes it extra special is the feel-good factor. Knowing that APOPO’s work directly saves lives and helps communities makes the whole experience feel meaningful, even for younger visitors who might not grasp every detail but definitely sense how important it is.

If you’re in Siem Reap with children and want something different, educational, and genuinely memorable, APOPO is a fantastic option.