Complete guide to bus travel from Bangkok to Phitsanulok — schedules, prices, operators and booking tips.
Phitsanulok is the ideal base for exploring Sukhothai — the first capital of the Kingdom of Thailand and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — as well as Si Satchanalai Historical Park and Thailand's famous Phra Buddha Chinarat statue.
Phitsanulok is a pleasant riverside city in lower northern Thailand that most travellers pass through on their way to Sukhothai, but it deserves a closer look. The city's main attraction is Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, housing the Phra Buddha Chinarat — a golden Buddha statue regarded as the second most sacred in Thailand after the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.
Sukhothai Historical Park is 60 kilometres west of Phitsanulok. Founded in the 13th century as the first capital of the Thai kingdom, Sukhothai's ruins are spread across a large area of forested parkland. The most impressive temples — Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum (with its famous giant Buddha), and Wat Saphan Hin — are best explored by bicycle, which can be rented at the park entrance.
From Phitsanulok, minivans to Sukhothai depart regularly from the bus station (45 minutes). Alternatively, Si Satchanalai Historical Park, another UNESCO site with fewer visitors and arguably more atmospheric ruins, is 90 minutes north by songthaew.
From Bangkok, several daily buses depart from Mo Chit Northern Terminal, including an overnight service.
The following operators run regular services on the Bangkok–Phitsanulok route:
Compare prices across all operators before booking — fares can vary significantly by class and season.
Departures: 06:00 / 09:00 / 12:00 / 22:00
From: Mo Chit (Northern Bus Terminal), Bangkok
To: Phitsanulok Bus Terminal
Schedules may vary by operator and season. Confirm departure times when booking, particularly during Thai public holidays.
✅ From Phitsanulok, minivans to Sukhothai run frequently — 45 minutes to the UNESCO ruins.
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Book 1–2 days ahead on weekdays. During Songkran (April), New Year and long weekends, book at least one week in advance — buses sell out fast on popular routes.