Private Tour: HERO Rats & Angkor National Museum

Explore the captivating world of "Hero Rats" and uncover Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage on this private tour in Siem Reap. Explore the innovative landmine detection program at the APOPO Visitor Center, where you’ll learn about these remarkable rodents’ life-saving work. Then, visit the poignant Wat Thmei memorial, reflecting on the country’s Khmer Rouge history. With an expert guide and comfortable transportation, this tour offers an enriching blend of education and culture. What’s more, you’ll get the chance to visit the renowned Angkor National Museum, expanding your understanding of Cambodian history and art. Intrigued? Read on to discover the full itinerary.

Key Points

• This private tour in Siem Reap, Cambodia, allows visitors to learn about the "Hero Rats" trained by Apopo for landmine detection.
• The tour includes a visit to the Apopo Visitor Center, where visitors can gain insight into the organization’s innovative landmine clearance program.
• Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the Angkor National Museum, featuring Khmer artifacts from the 9th-14th centuries (currently closed).
• The tour includes a stop at Wat Thmei, a lesser-known Khmer Rouge killing field, providing educational context on Cambodia’s tragic history.
• The tour is priced from $85 and includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and bottled water.

Tour Overview

This private tour in Siem Reap, Cambodia, offers visitors an opportunity to explore the country’s unique efforts in landmine detection and cultural heritage.

Priced from $85, the full-day tour features a visit to the Apopo Visitor Center to learn about the "Hero Rats" trained to sniff out landmines. Guests will also explore the Angkor National Museum, currently closed, to discover 9th-14th century Khmer artifacts.

Along the way, the tour includes a stop at the Wat Thmei memorial, a lesser-known Khmer Rouge killing field.

With an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned private transportation, and a bottle of water, this tour provides an immersive experience in Cambodia’s history and modern-day achievements.

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights an array of fascinating experiences, beginning with a visit to Cambodia’s "Hero Rats."

Trained by the Apopo organization, these remarkable rodents have been tasked with detecting landmines, a critical effort to make the country’s landscapes safer. Visitors can learn about this innovative program at the Apopo Visitor Center.

Plus, the tour explores lesser-known Khmer Rouge killing fields, including the Wat Thmei memorial, which contains a stupa with skulls and bones of victims.

Wat Thmei (Killing Fields)

Wat Thmei, a sobering memorial site, features a stupa containing the skulls and bones of Khmer Rouge victims who perished between 1975 and 1979. The visit lasts approximately 30 minutes, and admission is free.

This site offers a poignant look into Cambodia’s tragic past:

• The stupa serves as a somber reminder of the horrific violence experienced during the Khmer Rouge regime.

• Visitors can reflect on the resilience of the Cambodian people and their journey towards reconciliation.

• The site provides an opportunity to learn about this dark chapter in the country’s history.

• Exploring Wat Thmei can deepen one’s understanding of the challenges Cambodia has faced and continues to overcome.

APOPO Visitor Center

At the APOPO Visitor Center, visitors can learn about the remarkable work of the "Hero Rats" trained to detect landmines.

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, and admission is included in the package. Visitors will gain insight into how these rats, with their exceptional sense of smell, are used to locate and identify landmines.

The experience may be replaced by a visit to the War Museum on weekends or public holidays.

The APOPO Visitor Center provides an engaging and educational opportunity to learn about this innovative approach to landmine detection and clearance, which has had a significant impact on communities affected by these deadly remnants of war.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup for the tour takes place at the hotel lobby, either at 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM.

The transportation provided is wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessibility for all participants.

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of reservation, allowing guests to plan their day accordingly.

Plus, the tour may be subject to adjustments due to the temporary closure of the Angkor National Museum, providing flexibility to ensure a memorable experience.

• Pickup time: 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM
• Wheelchair accessible transportation
• Booking confirmation received
• Tour adjustments possible due to museum closure

Additional Information

Most travelers can participate in this private tour, which features Cambodia’s renowned Hero Rats and the Angkor National Museum.

Confirmation is received at booking, and the tour may be subject to adjustments due to the temporary closure of the Angkor National Museum.

While the itinerary highlights the APOPO Visitor Center, this experience may be replaced by a visit to the War Museum on weekends and public holidays.

Guests should note that transportation is wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessibility for all participants.

Guest Reviews

Positive guest feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and engaging experiences with the Hero Rats. Reviewers praised:

• The opportunity to interact with the landmine-detecting rats and learn about their vital work

• The guide’s deep knowledge of the Khmer Rouge history and ability to provide context around the Wat Thmei memorial

• The smooth logistics, such as timely pickups and comfortable transportation

• The overall value of the tour, which combines unique cultural elements and educational components

While some suggestions were made to reduce outdoor historical standing time, the tour generally received high marks for its insightful and impactful itinerary.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a visit to Wat Thmei, a memorial containing a stupa filled with the skulls and bones of Khmer Rouge victims from 1975-1979. This somber site provides a glimpse into Cambodia’s tragic past, and the visit lasts approximately 30 minutes with no admission fee.

Next, the tour heads to the APOPO Visitor Center, where guests can learn about the Hero Rats trained to detect landmines. This interactive experience takes around an hour and is included in the tour.

The itinerary may be adjusted if the Angkor National Museum is closed, with the War Museum potentially visited on weekends and public holidays instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size, suggesting it’s a private tour. Therefore, the group size is likely flexible to accommodate the needs of individual travelers.

Are Photography and Video Allowed at the Apopo Visitor Center?

Photography and video are generally allowed at the APOPO Visitor Center. Visitors can capture the Hero Rats in action and learn about the organization’s landmine detection efforts, though specific restrictions may apply during certain demonstrations or activities.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Meet Specific Needs or Interests?

The tour can be customized to meet specific needs or interests. Travelers can discuss preferences with the tour operator, who may adjust the itinerary or activities to accommodate individual requirements within the tour’s scope.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Activities?

There may be options to extend the tour duration or add additional activities, though details are not explicitly provided. Travelers should contact the tour provider to inquire about customizing the itinerary to meet their specific needs or interests.

What Safety Precautions Are in Place for Visitors During the Tour?

The tour includes several safety precautions. Visitors are accompanied by an English-speaking guide throughout the tour, and transportation is wheelchair-accessible. The APOPO Visitor Center experience is supervised to ensure visitor safety around the landmine-detecting rats.

Recap

This private tour offers a unique blend of cultural and educational experiences in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Visitors can learn about the innovative "Hero Rats" landmine detection program, reflect on the country’s tragic past at the Wat Thmei memorial, and explore the renowned Angkor National Museum. With an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and bottled water, this tour provides an enriching and insightful exploration of Cambodia’s history and modern efforts.