Although Bangkok is the largest city in Thailand today, Phitsanulok was once a very important place and is one of the oldest cities in the country. Located in the north of Thailand, Phitsanulok is quite small compared to Bangkok, but deserves as much attention as the capital. There are many beautiful temples here, including Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat, the city’s main attraction, as well as a fantastic night market and houseboats on the Nan River. Enjoy a change of pace at this laid-back destination that is easily accessible from the Thai capital. Don’t miss this guide to find out how to get from Bangkok to Phitsanulok.
Options to go from Bangkok to Phitsanulok
The shortest road distance from Bangkok to Phitsanulok is around 380 kilometers, so these cities are not too far away. Traveling by road is just one option and you won’t have to go alone as there are regular buses from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, although you can also spend more and take a private taxi. To fly faster, you can choose a plane. Finally, there are also trains that connect both destinations and take about the same time as traveling by bus. Prices for each transport option vary, and here we’ll tell you which is the best and cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Phitsanulok.
Flights from Bangkok to Phitsanulok
Thai Lion Air, Nok Air and Thai AirAsia at Don Mueang Airport, north of Bangkok © Camera_Bravo / Shutterstock.com
A flight from Bangkok to Phitsanulok is a great option for several reasons. The plane is the fastest way, with scheduled flight times ranging from 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, and surprisingly, the tickets are not as expensive as you might imagine. Yes, it costs about twice as much as a train ticket, but considering that the train is quite cheap, the flight prices are very affordable.
When considering flying from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, you need to consider the time it takes to get to the airport. Flights depart from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, which is located northeast of the city center, and three airlines serve this route: Thai Lion Air, Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. The prices of the three companies are similar and they have several departures per day, so there are usually many flights to choose from. Tickets do not include checked baggage, so keep this in mind when packing. You can save some money if you are flexible about the time and day of departure. In general, early morning flights are cheaper. Check out the website 12Go.asia compare and book flights from Bangkok to Phitsanulok. You will be able to see the results from the three airlines to easily compare prices. Upon arrival in Phitsanulok, you will land at Phitsanulok Airport which is located south of the city. There are buses and tuk tuks that will take you to your accommodation.
From Bangkok to Phitsanulok by bus
Express bus with two rows of standard seats
The biggest advantage of taking the bus from Bangkok to Phitsanulok is the cost. It is a very cheap travel option, ideal for travelers on a budget. Buses are the cheapest means of transport to get from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, but for the price it takes longer to get to your destination. The scheduled departure time for buses from Morchit Bus Station in Bangkok is approximately 6.5 hours.
You will probably find several bus companies that sell tickets for the route from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, but we recommend making a reservation at 12Go. All tickets sold on this site are from Phitsanulok Tour, a company that specializes in this tour, which has many daily departures, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting your schedules to the bus schedule. Of the fifteen daily departures, fourteen are by express buses and one by VIP bus. Express buses should be comfortable enough for such a long journey, but don’t expect onboard services. The VIP bus offers slightly more comfortable seating and services such as bathrooms, televisions, a hostess and snacks. Of course, the VIP bus is more expensive than the Express bus, but there is not a huge difference in price.
Train from Bangkok to Phitsanulok
Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. Accessible from the MRT. The metro station bears the same name
Not all cities in Thailand are connected by rail. Therefore, if you have the option to travel by train (if you haven’t done so before), we believe this is an option you should consider. Trains in Thailand are not fast, but this allows you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes you travel through. The train travel time from Bangkok to Phitsanulok is similar to the bus travel time, although some are faster than others. The shorter ones reach their destination in 5 hours, the slower ones in about 6 hours and 40 minutes.
Trains are much more expensive than buses and depending on the type of ticket you choose for the train, this option can be even more expensive than the plane. If you opt for a second-class seat or bed, the cost will be reasonable. Second class seats are the cheapest. If you want to travel with more style and comfort, you can opt for a First Class bed for twice the price of a Second Class seat.
Trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station and arrive at Phitsanulok Railway Station, which is practically in the center of the city. This is one of the biggest advantages of traveling by train, as you don’t have to worry about finding a way to get to your accommodation once you’re in the city.
From Bangkok to Phitsanulok by taxi
Toyota 9 seater van © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com
The last option, ideal for groups or families, is to travel from Bangkok to Phitsanulok by private taxi. Taxis are the most expensive option, but you pay a fixed price per vehicle, which means the cost can be shared among all passengers so that the price per person is reasonable. Premium cars, minivans and nine-passenger vans can be booked at 12Go with the renowned taxi company Thailand Limo by Datum. Taking a taxi is very practical as you can enjoy door-to-door service.
As you can see, there are many options that cover the route from Bangkok to Phitsanulok. Your decision will depend on the number of travelers and your budget. If you don’t have a preference, the train is always a good option.