Siem Reap: Elephants & Apopo Rat Demining Private Trip

Siem Reap: Elephants & Apopo Rat Demining Private Trip offers a chance to see two of Cambodia’s most meaningful conservation projects in one day—ethical elephant encounters and life-saving landmine detection rats. For just around $15 per person (excluding entry fees), you’ll spend roughly 12 hours exploring these impactful sites with a small group, guided by friendly local experts.

What we love most? First, the hands-on experience with elephants, including feeding and watching them wash in the pond—an intimate encounter, not a touristy ride. Second, the uplifting work of the hero rats, who are trained to detect landmines, transforming lives and unlocking land for farmers.

A potential consideration? The entry fees are separate—you’ll need to budget an additional $10 for the rat center and around $75 for the elephant sanctuary if you choose the full experience. Also, the tour’s duration is long, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day’s outing.

If you’re after meaningful, family-friendly activities that combine wildlife interaction with a real sense of purpose, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who value ethical tourism and want an authentic look at Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to heal and restore its environment and communities.

Key Points

• Ethical encounters: No riding elephants, but meaningful interaction like feeding and observing them in natural surroundings.
• Educational guides: Knowledgable local guides offer insights that go beyond the usual tourist fare.
• Impactful work: Witness the specialized training of hero rats who help clear landmines and save lives.
• Flexible scheduling: Available in both morning and afternoon options to fit your trip.
• Separate entry fees: Entry to sanctuaries is not included, so plan accordingly.
• Small groups: Limited to about 10 participants, making the experience more personal and engaging.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

This tour is a well-structured way to spend a day outside of Siem Reap, combining two very different but equally impactful experiences. It begins with a pickup from your hotel, usually in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, which helps you settle into the day without stress. The drive takes about 40 minutes outside the city, into a quieter part of Cambodia where these sanctuaries are located.

Visiting the Elephant Sanctuary

Once at the sanctuary, you’ll join an expert guide who provides a warm, informative introduction to the elephants and the sanctuary’s mission. We appreciated how guides emphasize the elephants’ well-being, showing that they are no longer used for labor but are cared for with respect and compassion.

A standout moment is making handmade elephant snacks—simple rice and banana balls—that you can feed them directly. Watching the elephants respond to your offerings is both charming and fulfilling, especially knowing they are living in a space that prioritizes their happiness. The elephants often enjoy wallowing in the pond or dusting themselves with mud—activities you can observe up close, providing genuine insight into their behaviors.

During the visit, you’re offered a small snack and hot drink, a chance for a quick rest before the next part of your day. For many, this part of the trip feels like a refreshing break in nature—a chance to connect with animals in a respectful environment, away from the crowds.

Transition to the Apopo Rat Center

After returning to Siem Reap, you’ll head to the Apopo Demining Rat Centre, which is equally inspiring. The center trains Giant African Pouched Rats to detect landmines, and it’s a sight to see these “heroes” in action. The work they do is vital—landmines still scar Cambodia’s landscape—and witnessing their training and work in person shows how such small creatures are making a big difference.

You might even get to hold a rat, which is surprisingly adorable and very clever. The guides explain how the rats are trained to alert handlers to dangerous landmines, helping to reclaim land for safe farming and community use. Many reviews highlight how kids love meeting the rats, making this tour particularly family-friendly.

Flexibility and Timing

The tour offers both morning and afternoon options—your choice depends on your sightseeing schedule. The sequence is flexible: the morning tour visits the Elephant Sanctuary first, then the rat center; the afternoon does the reverse. This flexibility helps ensure you can incorporate the experience into your broader travel plans.

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Entry Fees and Costs

It’s important to note that entry fees are not included in the base price. The sanctuary costs around $75 for adults (or $45 for an hour, $62 for children), while the rat center is $10 per person. These fees contribute directly to the ongoing care of the elephants and the heroic work of the rats. While this adds to the overall cost, many travelers see it as a worthwhile investment in conservation and humanitarian efforts.

What the Reviews Say

Travelers consistently praise the personalized attention, knowledgeable guides, and authentic experience. One reviewer called it “a rare combination,” noting how the small group size (limited to 10 participants) allows for meaningful interaction. Many mention the warm friendliness of guides like Lucky and Daniel, who go out of their way to enrich the experience with local insights.

The elephants’ care is frequently highlighted—many travelers appreciate seeing elephants in their natural behaviors, not forced into rides or performances. The rat center also receives high marks for being both informative and fun, especially for kids who love holding and learning about the clever rats.

Why This Tour Matters

By choosing this experience, you’re supporting ethical tourism that prioritizes animal welfare and community impact. Instead of visiting crowded tourist sites, you get to see what Cambodia is doing to heal itself, whether through caring for rescued elephants or removing landmines that threaten livelihoods.

This tour isn’t just sightseeing; it’s witnessing Cambodia’s resilience and ongoing efforts to create a safer, kinder environment. The work at the sanctuaries demonstrates how small actions—like feeding an elephant or holding a hero rat—can have profound ripple effects.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to families, animal lovers, and those interested in humanitarian work. It’s ideal for travelers who want a meaningful connection with the places they visit, not just a quick photo op. If you appreciate guided tours with knowledgeable locals and enjoy seeing animals in respectful environments, you’ll find this trip rewarding.

It’s also perfect for anyone wanting to escape the crowds and experience Cambodia’s compassionate side, especially if you have a full day to dedicate.

Final Thoughts

This private tour offers a unique blend of heartfelt animal encounters and meaningful landmine work, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. For a modest fee, you gain insight into Cambodia’s ongoing recovery, meet animals that symbolize resilience and hope, and support projects that truly make a difference.

While you’ll need to budget separately for entry fees, the value lies in the authentic interactions, expert guides, and the chance to witness Cambodia’s progress firsthand. It’s a treasure for travelers seeking an enriching, educational, and uplifting experience.

If you’re after a tour that’s about more than just sightseeing, and instead offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s heart and soul, this trip is a wonderful choice.

FAQs

Are the entry fees included in the tour price?
No, the entry fees for both the Elephant Sanctuary and Apopo Rat Center are separate. You should budget around $75 for the sanctuary and $10 for the rat center.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 12 hours, with both morning and afternoon options available, including transportation, visits, and free time at the sanctuaries.

Is this a family-friendly activity?
Yes, many reviews highlight how suitable it is for families, with kids loving the opportunity to hold and learn about the hero rats and elephants.

Do I get to feed the elephants?
Absolutely. You’ll make handmade snacks to feed the elephants and observe their natural behaviors, like bathing and playing.

Are riding elephants part of this experience?
No, this tour explicitly emphasizes ethical treatment and no riding—the focus is on observing and caring for the animals respectfully.

What language is the tour guide?
Guides speak English and Cambodian, ensuring clear communication and insights about the sites and their work.

Can I participate in holding a rat?
Yes, many travelers have the opportunity to hold a hero rat, which is a highlight for kids and adults alike.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the pick-up is in a climate-controlled SUV, making the journey comfortable and hassle-free.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its combination of ethical animal encounters and life-saving humanitarian work, guided by passionate locals, makes it a truly memorable and impactful experience.

To sum it up, this tour is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a deep, authentic connection with Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to protect its wildlife and ensure safety. It offers not just sights but stories of resilience, compassion, and hope—real experiences that will stay with you long after you leave Siem Reap.

You can check availability for your dates here: