Central Park
Central Park, a National Historic Landmark, lies at the heart of Manhattan, New York City, covering a vast 843 acres. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the 19th century, Central Park is much more than just a park—it’s a world-renowned cultural icon and a beloved green haven amidst the city’s skyscrapers. It’s not only a place to escape city life but also an essential part of New York’s identity, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Central Park Key Attractions
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
The Mall and Literary Walk
This tree-lined promenade, flanked by statues of famous writers, leads visitors to Bethesda Terrace. It’s a perfect path for a leisurely stroll and one of the most iconic walkways in the park.
Strawberry Fields
This tranquil garden serves as a memorial to John Lennon, with its famous "Imagine" mosaic attracting visitors from around the world who come to pay tribute to the legendary musician.
Central Park Zoo
Situated in the southeastern corner of the park, the zoo offers a family-friendly experience with a diverse collection of animals, including sea lions, snow leopards, and tropical birds.
Bow Bridge
One of the park’s most romantic spots, Bow Bridge arches gracefully over the lake, providing panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s a favorite for photographers and couples alike.
The Great Lawn and Belvedere Castle
This expansive open space is perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and outdoor games. Nearby, Belvedere Castle offers sweeping views of the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, and beyond.
Opening Hours
Most temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park can be visited from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. However, some specific sites have extended hours to allow for sunrise and sunset viewing:
- Angkor Wat and Srah Srang: 5:00 AM – 5:30 PM (ideal for sunrise views)
- Phnom Bakheng: 5:00 AM – 5:30 PM (for both sunrise and sunset)
- Pre Rup: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Note: Visiting hours may vary slightly on public holidays or during special events.
Admission and Ticket Information
Non-Cambodian residents need an Angkor Pass to access the temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park and other nearby monuments, including Phnom Krom, Wat Athvea, Kbal Spean, Beng Mealea, and the Roluos Group.
Where to Buy the Angkor Pass
The Angkor Pass can be purchased at the official ticket center located on Road 60, about 4 km from Siem Reap. The ticket office is open daily from 4:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Tickets can be bought in cash (USD, Cambodian Riel, Thai Baht, or Euro) or by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Union Pay, JCB, and Diners Club). An on-site ATM is available for cash withdrawals. Passes are also available online through the official Angkor ticket website, where digital or printed tickets are accepted at checkpoints.
Angkor Wat Entrance Fees
There are three types of Angkor Passes available:
- 1-day pass: $37
- 3-day pass: $62 (valid for 10 days from the issue date)
- 7-day pass: $72 (valid for one month from the issue date)
Note: The entrance fee includes a $2 donation to the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital. Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, and printed with the pass owner's name and photo.
Good to Know Before Visiting Angkor Wat
- Children under 12 years old can enter for free, but a passport must be shown as proof of age.
- Admission passes are non-negotiable and there are no discounts for groups.
- Special permits are required for commercial photography or filming.
- Separate passes are needed for Phnom Kulen National Park and the Koh Ker temples.
- Guides are available for hire and can greatly enhance the visitor experience.
Best Time to Visit
To make the most of your visit to Angkor Wat and avoid the peak crowds, consider the following tips:
- Early Morning for Sunrise: Visiting at 5:00 AM allows you to witness the iconic sunrise over Angkor Wat and explore before the midday heat and larger crowds arrive.
- Cooler Months (November to February): These months offer pleasant temperatures and less humidity, ideal for exploring the extensive park without the discomfort of high heat.
- Mid-Week Visits: If possible, plan your visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, as weekends and holidays tend to attract larger crowds.
- Sunset Views: For a unique experience, visit Phnom Bakheng at sunset (5:00 PM) to capture stunning panoramic views of the temples illuminated by the setting sun.
Planning your visit during these times will help you enjoy Angkor Wat at its best, whether it’s for the beautiful sunrise, pleasant weather, or peaceful mid-week exploration.
Getting Here
Angkor Wat is located about 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) north of Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is accessible by several modes of transport:
Other Ancient Wonders
Angkor Wat is part of a remarkable legacy of ancient wonders around the world. Similar to the grandeur of Angkor Wat, temples like Borobudur in Indonesia, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt showcase humanity’s quest to create spiritual and cultural landmarks that withstand the test of time.
Cambodian Culture & Cuisine
After exploring Angkor Wat, experience Cambodia’s rich culinary traditions in Siem Reap. Popular dishes include amok trey (a creamy coconut fish curry), loc lac (stir-fried beef), and nom banh chok (Khmer noodles). Many local restaurants offer these dishes, giving visitors a taste of authentic Cambodian flavors alongside views of the temple surroundings.
Nearby Attractions to Angkor Wat
The Angkor Archaeological Park offers a wealth of historical sites to explore beyond Angkor Wat. Visit Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, home to the famous Bayon Temple with its colossal stone faces. Another must-see is Ta Prohm, also known as the “Tomb Raider Temple,” where ancient stone ruins are intertwined with massive tree roots, creating a unique and atmospheric site. For sunset, head to Phnom Bakheng, a hilltop temple with panoramic views over Angkor Wat and the surrounding jungle.