Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option worth booking?
Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option is a 3-hour experience in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from $45 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $45 per person
Enjoy Discova’s perfect After-Angkor afternoon: meet APOPO’s hero rats, explore Theam’s Gallery’s serene garden pavilions, and elevate your evening with an optional ticket to the famed Phare Circus. • Experience Siem Re
What you get
- Admission at Тheam's Gallery
- Licensed, English-speaking tour guide
- Local Transportation -Tuk Tuk
- Tour insurance
- Admission at APOPO Visitor Center
- Phare Cambodian Circus show tickets-Seat C (Phare Circus included option)
About this experience
Enjoy Discova’s perfect After-Angkor afternoon: meet APOPO’s hero rats, explore Theam’s Gallery’s serene garden pavilions, and elevate your evening with an optional ticket to the famed Phare Circus. • Experience Siem Reap’s cultural side beyond the temples on a relaxed afternoon • Meet APOPO’s HeroRATs and learn how they detect landmines fast • Explore Theam’s Gallery’s serene pavilions and Khmer art collections
What's included
Included
- Admission at Тheam's Gallery
- Licensed, English-speaking tour guide
- Local Transportation -Tuk Tuk
- Tour insurance
- Admission at APOPO Visitor Center
- Phare Cambodian Circus show tickets-Seat C (Phare Circus included option)
Not included
- Personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Meet your guide at Streats by ibis Styles Siem Reap at 2:30 PM and begin with a visit to APOPO.
10 minutes here · Admission included
APOPO Visitor Center
At the Visitor Center, you’ll learn how trained “HeroRATs” help detect landmines quickly and safely. During the demonstration, you’ll see how a single rat can search an area the size of a tennis court in under 30 minutes, a task that would take a human deminer several days! Clear, clever, and unexpectedly engaging, the visit gives you a rare insight into a challenge most travellers never see!
50 minutes here · Admission included
Theam's Gallery
Next, continue to Theam’s Gallery, an artistic sanctuary created by master artist Lim Muy Theam. Set within a series of serene, open-air pavilions, the gallery blends home, atelier, and museum. Wander through lush courtyards, ancient-style structures, and a curated collection of Khmer objects, instruments, and everyday artifacts. It’s a beautifully designed space that feels both intimate and immersive and the perfect place to get a glimpse into Cambodian culture, symbolism, and craftsmanship.
50 minutes here · Admission included
Royal Independence Gardens
Your final stop is the Royal Independence Garden, one of Siem Reap’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by historic architecture, like the colonial-era Raffles Hotel d’Angkor, the garden is famous for its enormous fruit bats resting in the treetops. Beside the garden lies Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine, an important place of worship for locals.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Siem Reap
Guests selecting the Phare Circus option are dropped off directly at Phare Circus for the early evening performance. Created by the artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak, the show blends acrobatics, theatre, dance, and live music into an expressive, high-energy experience. Each performance tells a modern Cambodian story through impressive physical talent and strong artistic style, making Phare one of Siem Reap’s most highly rated evening activities. Guests not attending the circus return to Streats by ibis Styles Siem Reap around 5:30 PM. This easygoing half-day tour is the perfect way to explore Siem Reap beyond its temples: engaging, thoughtful, and just the right pace for the afternoon.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Siem Reap
Our Tour Guide will be waiting for you at Streats by ibis Styles Siem Reap at 2:30 PM, please kindly arrive on time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Tour with Phare Circus option: Our driver will dropped off directly at Phare Circus for the early evening performance.
Ends at
Tour without Phare Circus option: our driver will take care you back to Streats by ibis Styles Siem Reap around 5:30 PM.
Options you can book
Excluded Phare Circus ticket
Included Phare Circus ticket
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Discova Southeast Asia
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not suitable for customer has a strong phobia or intense sensitivity to rats
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Apopo rats, Theams gallery and the royal residence park.
We visited the Apopo hero rats and were very impressed with the work they do. If dogs can seek out items, illnesses etc why not rats. The hero rats have saved a lot of lives with the work they do along with their ‘keepers’. Our guide Hueng, also took us to Theams Gallery which was like a cultural museum, and very interesting to hear about it. This was followed by a trip to the park near the royal residence where we saw the fruit bats, apparently the only place you see them in Siem Reap, the honeycombs high up in the tree branches of the large bees and the Angkor Wat Statues. Hueng was happy to talk to us about the Cambodian culture and history, both Angkor Wat and the more recent conflict that happened in his family’s lifetime.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. We’re delighted to hear you were impressed by the APOPO Hero Rats and their important work, as well as the meaningful stops at Theam’s Gallery and the park near the Royal Residence. It’s wonderful that Hueng was able to share both cultural and historical insights and make the experience so engaging. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in Siem Reap.
via Viator
Nice experience 👌
Great activity , lots of information shared about the country and these rats are amazing!! I strongly recommend this activity!!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your great feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed the activity and learning about the country. Happy to hear our rats impressed you too! 🐀✨ We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again!
via Viator (translated)
Recommended
I had a truly memorable afternoon on the tour to APOPO in Siem Reap. I was the only guest that day, which made the experience feel especially personal. I was promptly met at Ibis Styles Siem Reap by my guide, Heang, who immediately made me feel welcome. It was just a short drive to APOPO, where I joined a small group for the main tour. We were introduced to one of the remarkable “HeroRATs” and watched a live demonstration of how these incredible animals are trained to detect explosives. Seeing firsthand how calmly and methodically they work was fascinating. There was also an opportunity for photos, followed by a short but impactful video outlining the life-changing humanitarian work APOPO carries out in clearing landmines and saving lives. If I had one small criticism, it would be that I would have loved to spend a little more time watching the rats in action. That said, I completely understand that the welfare and wellbeing of the animals must always come first. The tour then continued to the Themes Gallery, showcasing traditional Cambodian art. Unfortunately, there was a power outage during our visit, but I was still able to browse and make a purchase from their shop. They have some wonderful pieces on display — I’m particularly fond of their beautifully colourful elephant artworks, which I collect. Our final stop was a pleasant stroll near the Royal Palace area, a nice way to round off the afternoon and take in a bit more of the city’s atmosphere. Ultimately, it was my guide Heang who truly made the experience exceptional. He is knowledgeable, personable, and clearly passionate about what he does. My five stars go to him without hesitation.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your detailed review. We’re delighted to hear that your visit to APOPO was memorable and that Heang made the experience exceptional with his knowledge and passion. We’re glad you enjoyed meeting the HeroRATs, exploring the gallery, and strolling near the Royal Palace. Your feedback is much appreciated.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 3+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $45 to $59
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Discova Southeast Asia, who run 38 experiences we rank across 12 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.2.
See everything Discova Southeast Asia runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Siem Reap.
How much does Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option cost?
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Prices start at $45 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Siem Reap usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Siem Reap is not rushed.
Is Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Siem Reap, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 3-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Siem Reap can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Siem Reap and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Siem Reap within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Siem Reap?
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On Outty we rank every Siem Reap experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Angkor Wat Sunrise or Sunset Tour with Guide from Siem Reap, 2 Days Guided Historical Tour in Angkor, Angkor Wat full Day 'Small Group with sunset & Tour Guide. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Siem Reap?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Siem Reap?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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