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Capybara Stories 1 min read

Siem Reap’s Most Famous Rodents — From APOPO’s Hero Rats to Casa de Capybara’s Molly & Alex

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Published September 14, 2026

Siem Reap is home to two of the most remarkable rodent stories on the planet. One involves rats that save lives. The other involves the world’s most relaxed giant rodents living their best life minutes from Angkor Wat.

The Rats That Save Lives — APOPO and the HeroRATs

APOPO trains African giant pouched rats to detect landmines buried in Cambodian earth. Their small size means they never trigger the mines. Their extraordinary sense of smell clears in minutes what takes a human deminer hours. A visit to APOPO is one of the most quietly moving experiences in Siem Reap.

The Capybaras That Heal Hearts — Molly & Alex at Casa de Capybara

Molly and Alex are the only two capybaras in Cambodia, living in a private habitat designed by a qualified animal husbandry specialist. $10 individual / $30 family package. Open daily 7am-9pm. cms.casadecapybara.com/

Two Rodents. Two Stories. One Extraordinary City.

Visit APOPO in the morning. Meet Molly and Alex in the afternoon. Let capybara energy heal, refresh and make you unreasonably happy to be alive. Two rodents. Two stories. One unforgettable day in Siem Reap.

By Manet Sisamouth | cms.casadecapybara.com/ | apopo.org

Planning a trip to Siem Reap?

Visiting Siem Reap? Casa de Capybara is located on Ring Road, minutes from Angkor Wat. Meet Molly & Alex ($10 day pass) or stay in our themed boutique rooms from $50/night.

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Cambodian Travel Writer & Explorer

Manet Sisamouth

Manet Sisamouth is a Cambodian travel writer, food lover and lifelong explorer of Siem Reap's hidden gems. From ancient temples to the city's most unique new experiences, Manet has spent years uncovering the stories that make Cambodia truly extraordinary.