Quick Answer
Best way: Take a taxi or private car from Wat Phra That Khao Noi to Nan Airport (NNT). Total time: 10–15 minutes. Total cost: 150–200 THB (≈ 4–6 USD). No transfers needed. For budget travellers, a tuk-tuk costs 80–120 THB (≈ 2–3 USD) and takes 15–20 minutes. There is no direct train or flight for this short 5–8 km route.
🚆 Train: Why It's Not an Option for This Route
Nan Province has no railway station. The nearest train station is Den Chai Station in Phrae Province, approximately 100 km (62 mi) south – a 2‑hour drive from Wat Phra That Khao Noi. Therefore, taking a train directly from the temple to Nan Airport is impossible.
If you are planning a longer journey after reaching Nan Airport (e.g., to Bangkok or Chiang Mai), here is how the train could fit into your itinerary:
How to Reach Den Chai Station from Nan City
From Wat Phra That Khao Noi, first take a taxi or tuk‑tuk to Nan Bus Terminal (10 min, 60–80 THB). Then board a public bus or minivan to Den Chai (2 hours, 120–180 THB / 3–5 USD). At Den Chai Station you can catch trains to Bangkok (Northern Line), Chiang Mai, or other major cities.
Train vs. Taxi – Time & Cost Comparison for the Temple→Airport Leg
| Mode | Total Time (door‑to‑door) | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD approx.) | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (direct) | 10–15 min | 150–200 | 4–6 | 0 |
| Train via Den Chai (not recommended for this leg) | 3–4 hr | 200–350 | 6–10 | 2+ |
Source: State Railway of Thailand – Station Information
Verdict: For the short trip from Wat Phra That Khao Noi to Nan Airport, a taxi is far faster and cheaper. Train only becomes relevant if you are continuing beyond Nan.
✈️ Flight: Not for This Short Trip – But Know Your Airport
You cannot fly from Wat Phra That Khao Noi to Nan Airport because the distance is only 5–8 km (3–5 mi). However, understanding Nan Airport (NNT) is useful for travellers who are flying into or out of Nan.
Nan Airport (NNT) – Quick Facts
- Location: 3 km south of Nan city centre, about 10 min from the temple.
- Airlines & Destinations: Only Bangkok Airways operates from NNT – daily flights to/from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi – BKK). No other routes.
- Flight time: 1 hr 20 min.
- Typical fare: 2,500–5,000 THB (≈ 70–140 USD) one‑way depending on booking time.
If You Are Connecting to a Flight
If you are heading to Nan Airport to catch a flight to Bangkok, your best bet is still a taxi or tuk‑tuk from the temple. Allow 20–30 minutes total (including check‑in time at the small airport).
| Route | Time to Airport | Cost to Airport | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple → NNT (taxi) | 10–15 min | 150–200 THB | — |
| NNT → BKK (flight) | — | 2,500–5,000 THB | 1 hr 20 min |
Source: Bangkok Airways – Nan Airport Schedule
Insider tip: Nan Airport is tiny – arrive just 30–40 min before departure for domestic flights. No need for the 2‑hour rule.
🚌 Bus & Shared Minivan – The Budget Option
There is no direct public bus from Wat Phra That Khao Noi to Nan Airport. However, you can use a combination of local transport:
Step‑by‑Step Bus Route
- Walk or tuk‑tuk from the temple to the main road (Phahonyothin Rd / Hwy 101) – 5 min, 20–40 THB.
- Flag down a local songthaew (red pickup truck) heading south toward Nan Bus Terminal – 10 min, 20–30 THB.
- From the bus terminal, take a local minivan or songthaew to the airport – 10 min, 30–50 THB.
Total time: 40–60 min. Total cost: 70–120 THB (≈ 2–3.5 USD).
Direct Minivan (Limited)
Some hotels in Nan city offer shared airport shuttles for 100–150 THB per person. Ask at your accommodation. These usually pick up from the city centre, not directly from the temple.
| Option | Time | Cost (THB) | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Songthaew + minivan | 40–60 min | 70–120 | ⭐⭐ | Budget travellers, backpackers |
| Hotel shuttle (shared) | 20–30 min | 100–150 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Those staying in Nan city |
🚕 Taxi & Private Transfer – The Best Way
For most travellers, a taxi or private car is the best balance of speed, cost, and convenience from Wat Phra That Khao Noi to Nan Airport.
Taxi – Detailed Breakdown
- Time: 10–15 min (non‑stop).
- Cost: 150–200 THB (≈ 4–6 USD) – fixed price if booked in advance; meter taxis start at 35 THB + distance.
- Availability: Taxis can be hailed from the temple parking area or booked via Grab app in Nan city (service area limited).
- luggage: Sedans fit 2–3 suitcases; for larger groups request a larger vehicle.
Private Transfer – When to Choose It
Private transfers (pre‑booked via hotel or local agency) cost 250–400 THB (≈ 7–11 USD) and include:
- Meet‑and‑greet at the temple.
- Help with luggage.
- Air‑conditioned car or minivan.
- Fixed price (no surge).
Who Should Take a Taxi?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Solo traveller, light pack | Taxi (150–200 THB) – fastest |
| Family with kids | Private transfer (250–400 THB) – more space |
| Late‑night / early‑morning flight | Pre‑booked taxi (safety & reliability) |
| Group of 3–4 with luggage | Minivan transfer (300–500 THB) |
Source: Grab Thailand – Nan Service Area
📊 Cost & Time Comparison – All Options at a Glance
Use this table to quickly decide which mode suits your budget and schedule.
| Transport Mode | Time (door‑to‑door) | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi (recommended) | 10–15 min | 150–200 | 4–6 | 0 | Speed & convenience |
| 🛺 Tuk‑tuk | 15–20 min | 80–120 | 2–3 | 0 | Budget + local experience |
| 🚌 Songthaew + minivan | 40–60 min | 70–120 | 2–3.5 | 2 | Cheapest option |
| 🚐 Hotel shuttle (shared) | 20–30 min | 100–150 | 3–4 | 0 (from city) | Convenience + low cost |
| 🚶 Walking | 1–1.5 hr | 0 | 0 | 0 | Only for fit travellers with no luggage |
| 🚆 Train (via Den Chai) | 3–4 hr | 200–350 | 6–10 | 2+ | Not practical for this route |
| ✈️ Flight | N/A (too short) | — | — | — | Not applicable |
Best overall: Taxi (150–200 THB, 10–15 min). Cheapest: Songthaew + minivan (70–120 THB, 40–60 min).
🧳 Traveler Tips & Local Insights – Get It Right
1. Luggage – Use the "Takkyubin" Service
If you have heavy suitcases, use Takkyubin (luggage delivery) from your Nan hotel to the airport. Cost is 200–400 THB per bag (≈ 6–11 USD). You drop it at the hotel reception by 10:00 AM and it arrives at the airport by 3:00 PM the same day. This lets you explore the temple hands‑free.
2. Wat Phra That Khao Noi – Don't Rush
The temple sits on a hilltop with panoramic views of Nan city and mountains. Most visitors spend 30–60 min here. Factor this into your timing if you have a flight to catch.
3. No Ride‑Hailing Apps at the Temple
Grab works in Nan city but not reliably at Wat Phra That Khao Noi (spotty signal). Better to ask a local shop or your hotel to call a taxi for you.
4. Peak Season – Book Ahead
During November–February (cool season) and Songkran (April), taxis are in high demand. Book your transfer at least 2 hours in advance.
5. Cash is King
Most tuk‑tuks and local taxis in Nan do not accept cards. Carry small bills (20‑, 50‑, 100‑THB notes).
6. The "Hidden" 20‑Baht Temple Fee
Wat Phra That Khao Noi charges a 20 THB entry fee (≈ 0.6 USD) for foreigners. Keep coins handy so you don't have to break large notes.
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand – Wat Phra That Khao Noi
❓ FAQs: Getting from Wat Phra That Khao Noi to Nan Airport
1. Is there a direct taxi from Wat Phra That Khao Noi to Nan Airport?
Yes. Taxis are available at the temple parking area. The ride takes 10–15 minutes and costs 150–200 THB (≈ 4–6 USD). No need to pre‑book, but it's safer to ask your hotel to arrange one.
2. Can I walk from the temple to the airport?
Technically yes – it's about 5–8 km (3–5 mi) downhill. But the road is narrow, without sidewalks, and has heavy traffic. Not recommended unless you are an experienced walker with no luggage and plenty of time (1–1.5 hours).
3. Are there any direct buses or minivans from the temple to the airport?
No direct bus. You can take a songthaew from the main road to Nan Bus Terminal, then another minivan to the airport. Total time 40–60 min, cost 70–120 THB (≈ 2–3.5 USD).
4. What is the cheapest way to get from the temple to Nan Airport?
The cheapest is a combination of songthaew + minivan: 70–120 THB (≈ 2–3.5 USD). But it takes longer and requires 2 transfers. A tuk‑tuk at 80–120 THB is nearly as cheap and much more direct.
5. How early should I leave the temple for a morning flight?
For a domestic flight from Nan Airport, arrive 30–40 min before departure. Add 10–15 min travel time → leave the temple 50–60 min before your flight. The airport is small and quick to clear.
6. Can I use Grab or Uber at Wat Phra That Khao Noi?
Grab is available in Nan city but often unreliable at the temple due to weak mobile signal. It's better to arrange a taxi through your hotel or flag one down at the temple exit.
7. Is there a train station near Nan Airport?
No. The nearest train station is Den Chai Station (Phrae), about 100 km (62 mi) away – a 2‑hour drive. Train is not a practical option for this short route.
8. Are there any direct flights from Wat Phra That Khao Noi to other cities?
No. The temple has no airstrip. The only airport in the area is Nan Airport (NNT), which operates only Bangkok Airways flights to Bangkok (BKK). You must first reach the airport by ground transport.