Phitsanulok Airport

Overview

Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) is a domestic airport serving the city of Phitsanulok and the surrounding lower northern region of Thailand. It is operated by the Department of Airports (DOA) and primarily handles scheduled flights from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, operated by low-cost carriers such as Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. The airport is relatively compact, designed for efficiency, and is a key transport hub for travellers heading to Phitsanulok city, the historic city of Sukhothai (about 60 km away), and other provinces like Uttaradit and Phetchabun. While it mainly serves tourism and business travel within Thailand, some passengers use it as a connecting point for onward ground journeys to northern Laos or Myanmar.

Location & Access

Phitsanulok Airport is located about 7 km south of Phitsanulok city centre, in the Mueang Phitsanulok District. The airport sits on the eastern bank of the Nan River, surrounded by agricultural land and suburban developments. The main access road is Highway 12, which connects the airport directly to the city and to major highways heading north (towards Uttaradit and Nan) and south (towards Nakhon Sawan and Bangkok).

Getting to/from the airport

• By taxi: Metered taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. The journey to the city centre takes about 15–20 minutes and costs approximately 150–200 baht.
• By songthaew (shared pickup truck): Local songthaews run along the airport road into town, but services are infrequent. They are cheaper (around 20-30 baht) but less convenient for first-time visitors.
• By private car: The airport has a car park with spaces for short and long-term parking. Rental car desks are available in the terminal (e.g., Budget, Hertz).
• By motorcycle taxi: Quick and affordable, but be prepared to negotiate the fare.

The airport’s location on Highway 12 also makes it a convenient stop for drivers travelling between Bangkok and northern provinces.

Facilities

Phitsanulok Airport is a small terminal, but it provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable journey for all passengers. Confirmed facilities include:

• Baggage storage: Left luggage service is available, useful for travellers who want to explore Phitsanulok or Sukhothai without carrying bags. Charges apply per piece per day.
• Wheelchair accessibility: The entire terminal is wheelchair-accessible, with a dedicated car park, entrance, and toilet facilities. Passengers requiring assistance should notify their airline in advance.
• Baby changing facilities: A changing table is available in the toilet area, making it easier for families with infants.
• Toilets: Clean and well-maintained restrooms are located near the departure and arrival areas.
• On-site services: The terminal has a small food outlet (selling snacks, drinks, and light meals) and a souvenir shop. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the building.

The airport is not large, so amenities are limited. For a wider choice of dining and shopping, head into Phitsanulok city. There are no lounges or hotels inside the terminal.

About the Region

Phitsanulok is one of Thailand’s oldest cities, serving as the administrative and economic centre of the lower northern region. The province is famous for the Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (commonly known as Wat Yai), a temple housing the revered Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue – a masterpiece of Sukhothai art. The city sits on the Nan River, and its old town area has a relaxed, provincial charm with wooden shophouses and a lively night market.

Beyond the city, the region is a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukhothai Historical Park, about an hour’s drive away. The park features the ruins of the ancient Sukhothai kingdom, including massive Buddha images and temple complexes set in a landscaped park.

Agriculture is a mainstay of the local economy, with rice, sugar cane, and maize being major crops. The area also produces the famous Phitsanulok pomelo (som-oh). For nature lovers, the nearby Thung Salaeng Luang National Park offers waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails.

Passengers flying into Phitsanulok are typically tourists heading to Sukhothai, Buddhist pilgrims visiting Wat Yai, and business travellers attending government or regional trade events. The airport also sees a steady flow of local passengers commuting to Bangkok for work or study.

Practical Information

• Address: Phitsanulok Airport, Phitsanulok-Bang Krathum Road (Highway 12), Mueang Phitsanulok District, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand.
• Phone: +66 55 301 010 (for general inquiries and lost property)
• Website: http://minisite.airports.go.th/phitsanulok/
• Operating hours: The airport is not open 24 hours; it operates roughly from early morning to late evening, coinciding with flight schedules. Typically, the terminal opens about two hours before the first flight and closes shortly after the last arrival. Peak passenger traffic is around 5 PM and 6 PM.
• Check-in: Arrive at least 1–1.5 hours before domestic departure. Baggage allowance follows standard Thai domestic rules (usually 20 kg for economy on low-cost carriers).
• Currency exchange: There is no bank or exchange counter inside the airport. Bring Thai baht or use an ATM; the nearest ATM is just outside the terminal.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited inside the terminal. Designated smoking areas are located outside the building.

For flight information or to confirm opening hours on the day of travel, it is advisable to call or check the website. The airport is small, so processes are generally quick.