Siem Reap: Afternoon APOPO Rats Tour + Phare Circus Option
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
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
• Offer a lotus flower and learn about local blessings and traditions
• Watch an incredible show that blends traditional and modern theater
Available options
Included Phare Circus ticket
Excluded Phare Circus ticket
What's 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)
A lotus flower for the Buddhist shrine
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your guide at Streats by ibis Styles Siem Reap at 2:30 PM and begin with a visit to APOPO.
2
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!
3
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.
4
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. Here, you’ll take part in a simple but meaningful activity: offering a lotus flower for prosperity and good luck, just as Cambodian families do every day.
5
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.
What's not included
Personal expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
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
Meeting point
Our Tour Guide will be waiting for you at Streats by ibis Styles Siem Reap at 2:30 PM, please kindly arrive on time.
About Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the vibrant gateway to the ancient Angkor temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This charming city offers a blend of rich history, vibrant markets, and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination in Cambodia.
Top Attractions
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic temple complex is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and a symbol of Cambodia.
Historical
Half to full day
USD 37 for 3-day pass
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom is a walled city and the last capital of the Khmer Empire. It features several impressive temples, including the Bayon Temple with its famous smiling faces.
Historical
Half to full day
USD 37 for 3-day pass
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is a temple complex overgrown by jungle, featuring a unique blend of nature and architecture. It was famously used as a filming location for the movie 'Tomb Raider'.
Historical
1-2 hours
USD 37 for 3-day pass
Pub Street
Pub Street is the heart of Siem Reap's nightlife, offering a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, and street food vendors. It's a great place to experience the city's lively atmosphere.
Entertainment
Evening
Free to explore, budget for food and drinks
Siem Reap Night Market
The Siem Reap Night Market is a bustling market offering a variety of local crafts, souvenirs, and street food. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts and experience local culture.
Shopping
1-2 hours
Budget to moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Amok
A creamy, coconut-based curry with fish, chicken, or tofu, steamed in banana leaves. It's a traditional Khmer dish with a unique flavor.
Main dish
Vegetarian options available
Nom Banh Chok
A popular breakfast dish consisting of rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry gravy and fresh vegetables.
Breakfast
Vegetarian options available
Bai Sach Chrouk
Grilled pork served with broken rice and pickled vegetables. It's a popular breakfast dish in Cambodia.
Breakfast
Contains meat
Lok Lak
A stir-fried beef dish with a tangy lime and pepper sauce, served with rice and fresh vegetables.
Main dish
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Angkor Archaeological Park
Exploring the bamboo train in Battambang
Visiting spas and wellness centers
Enjoying a traditional Khmer massage
Exploring temples and historical sites
Attending traditional dance performances
Boat tours on Tonlé Sap Lake
Swimming in waterfalls
Best Time to Visit
November to February
The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the temples. The cooler temperatures make it comfortable for long days of sightseeing.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Khmer
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Time Zone
Indochina Time (ICT), GMT+7
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of scams and overcharging.
- • Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.
Getting there
By air
- Siem Reap International Airport • 5 km from city center
By bus
Siem Reap Virak Buntham Express Terminal, Siem Reap Giant Ibis Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Tuk-tuks are the most popular and affordable mode of transport in Siem Reap. They are widely available and can be negotiated for short or long trips.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PassApp, Grab
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Wat Bo
Wat Damnak
Sivatha
Day trips
Battambang
150 km from Siem Reap • Full day
Battambang is a charming colonial town known for its well-preserved French architecture, bamboo train, and nearby temples. It's a great destination for a day trip from Siem Reap.
Kampong Phluk
16 km from Siem Reap • Half day
Kampong Phluk is a floating village on the edge of the Tonlé Sap Lake. It offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the local community and the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Kbal Spean
25 km from Siem Reap • Half day
Kbal Spean is a remote archaeological site featuring ancient carvings and a beautiful river setting. It's a great destination for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Festivals
Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) • April 13-15 (dates vary)
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) • November (dates vary)
Angkor Photo Festival • December (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Hire a local guide for the Angkor Archaeological Park to gain a deeper understanding of the temples' history and significance.
- Visit the temples early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
- Try local street food like nom banh chok and bai sach chrouk for an authentic culinary experience.
- Bargain for better prices at markets and street stalls, but do so respectfully and with a smile.
- Use a map app like Google Maps for navigation, as street signs can be limited and confusing.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
