Are you planning to visit Northeastern Thailand, especially Nakhon Phanom Province? If that’s the case, the best way to go there is through Nakhon Phanom Airport. The airport is only accessible via Bangkok, so you must first take a transit at Don Mueang Airport.
However, navigating the airport might be difficult for first-timers. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to Nakhon Phanom Airport. It will help you learn about the airport’s history, terminals, facilities, hotels, transport options, and attractions. Here is the guide!
About Nakhon Phanom Airport
The history of Nakhon Phanom Airport dates back to the 1950s, when it was established as a Royal Thai Navy base.. They mainly used it to patrol around the border. During the Laos Civil War, the Thai Navy feared the war would spread into Thailand. The same concern applied to the Vietnam War, given the region’s proximity.
After many considerations, the Thai Navy allowed the U.S. Air Force to use the airport from 1961 to 1975. As a result, the airport has a lot of history, considering its involvement in many Squadrons’ Operations during the Laos and Vietnam Wars.
This airport is situated in the Nong Yang subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Phanom District, Nakhon Phanom Province. Its distance from downtown is around 16 km or 19 – 24- minute drive.
Nakhon Phanom Airport’s code is NKP, and it serves air traffic in Northeastern Thailand, directly bordering Laos. Civilian flights operates from and to Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok with only one airline: Thai AirAsia.
In addition to its history, the airport terminal is also worth knowing. The information is in the next section!
Nakhon Phanom Airport Terminal
There is only one terminal in Nakhon Phanom Airport which serves both departure and arrival flights. Departure area has two gates, while arrival only has one gate.
The airport is not that busy—there are only approximately 50 flights per month. However, you can still find a few facilities that can support your activities here. Find out the list below!
Nakhon Phanom Airport Facilities
The facilities at Nakhon Phanom Airport are pretty decent. You can meet all your basic needs before taking a flight or after landing. Here is the list!
- Car Rental Booths: There are 3-4 car rental booths located right after baggage claim.
- Waiting Area: Available for both arrival and departure.
- Souvenir Shops: There are a few stalls selling souvenirs.
- Bathrooms: Known for being clean and comfortable.
- Charging Stations: Found in almost all places at the airport.
- Food and Drinks: There are a few coffee shops and small snack stalls. You can also find a “Tao Bin Machine,” a vending machine for drinks.
There are no luxurious lounges in the airport. So, you can go to a hotel in Nakhon Phanom for a more comfortable rest. Find out the recommendations below!
Nakhon Phanom Airport Hotels
Keep in mind that hotels options near Nakhon Phanom Airport are very limited. That’s why you have to go downtown if you’re planning to stay. Fortunately, some hotels are also easily accessible from the airport via highway.
Here are the recommendations for you:
- Tai Lao Nakhon Phanom is a 3-star hotel located 13 km (15-minute drive) from the airport. The rates start at THB 628 (USD 18.72).
- 41 STudio is a 3-star hotel about 16 km (17-minute drive) from the airport. The rates start at THB 493 (USD 14.69).
- HOP Inn Nakhon Phanom is a 2-star hotel located 17 km (19-minute drive) from the airport. Its rates start at THB 700 (USD 20.86).
- SP Residence is a 2-star hotel around 18 km (21-minute drive) from the airport. Its rates start at THB 517 (USD 15.41).
- The Square Hotel Nakhon Phanom is a 4-star hotel located 17 km (20-minute drive) from the airport. Its rates start at THB 1,090 (USD 32.49).
To reach these hotels, you can take the transportation options available at the airport. Find out more about it in the next section!
Nakhon Phanom Airport Transportations
How to go downtown from Nakhon Phanom Airport? There are multiple options that you can pick. It usually costs around TBH THB 80 (USD 2.38) – THB 1,175 (USD 35.02), depending on your selection.
Here are the transportation choices to downtown that you can access easily at the airport:
- Taxi, is an agreeable choice, with many waiting outside the Arrival Terminal. The fare is usually around THB 246 (USD 7.33).
- Minibus, is the cheapest option but it will take more time to arrive at your destination. It usually costs THB 80 (USD 2.38).
- Limousine, is a perfect choice for those seeking a luxurious experience. It usually costs around THB 1,175 (USD 35.02).
- Van Shuttle Service is ideal for travelers who seek something more comfortable and spacious than a minibus but still affordable. It usually costs around TBH 100 (USD 2.98).
- Car Rental is a convenient option, especially for those planning to drive while staying in town. You can find an on-the-spot car rental booth at the airport or use a mobile app like “Drivehub.” It usually costs around THB 690 (USD 20.57) per day.
When you find the most suitable one, you can explore anywhere downtown. Besides the hotel, you can explore Nakhon Phanom attractions as well.
Nakhon Phanom Attractions
Discover the beauty of the town while visiting tourist attractions in Nakhon Phanom. There are temples, historical monuments and landmarks, night markets, and more.
Here are some interesting places to visit and things to do during your stay:
- Witnessing the splendor of Naga Monument while strolling around Mekong River.
- Hunting affordable goods and foods at Nakhon Phanom Walking Street.
- If you are seeking peace while on a spiritual journey at Wat Mahathat, the chadi will also astonish you with its grandeur.
- Learning multiple fish species, especially the Mekong River endemic fishes, at Maekong Underwater World.
- Learning history at Nakhon Phanom Courthouse.
So, are you ready to start your journey at Nakhon Phanom Airport? Let’s pack your bag and book a flight through Airpaz! You can get a special price for plane tickets and hotels here!
