Leave Ireland on 19 September, allowing at least 2–3 hours at the departure airport for check-in, security and any baggage complications. There are no straightforward direct flights to Chiang Mai, so expect a journey of roughly 16–22 hours with one or two connections, commonly through Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Bangkok or Singapore. If booking separate tickets, avoid a tight connection—ideally leave at least three hours between flights and make sure checked baggage can be collected and rechecked.
On reaching Chiang Mai International Airport in Hai Ya, collect your bags, withdraw a small amount of Thai baht and connect to airport Wi-Fi before leaving the terminal. The airport is close to town: allow around 20–30 minutes by licensed airport taxi or Grab to reach a hotel in the Old City, depending on late-night traffic. A taxi is usually the simplest option after a long journey, generally costing about ฿150–250 to the Old City; confirm the destination and fare before setting off.
Check in at your Old City hotel, keep the evening deliberately quiet and go straight to bed if you arrive late. Chiang Mai’s heat, the long flight and the time difference can catch up with you quickly, so avoid planning sightseeing tonight. For a light dinner, use a nearby 7-Eleven or local convenience store for rice, noodles, fruit, yoghurt and plenty of water; allow approximately ฿100–250 per person. Keep your passport, phone and travel documents together, set an alarm for the following morning and leave proper exploring until you have slept.
After a long overnight flight, take a slow morning and aim to leave your hotel around 10:30. A Grab to Wat Chedi Luang should usually take 10–20 minutes from the Nimman or riverside areas, depending on traffic; from the Old City, walking is easiest. Entry is generally around ฿50, and the temple grounds take about an hour at an unhurried pace. Wear clothing covering your shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering the main shrine buildings. Continue on foot for roughly 10 minutes to Wat Phra Singh, one of Chiang Mai’s finest Lanna temples. Allow 45 minutes here, keeping the visit relaxed rather than trying to absorb every mural and chedi while jet-lagged.
Walk or take a short Grab to Khao Soi Khun Yai for lunch. This small, popular northern Thai spot is known for rich khao soi and can sell out, so arriving around 12:00 is sensible; expect roughly ฿80–150 per person. It is casual, with limited seating, and typically operates only during daytime hours, so do not leave lunch too late. Afterwards, continue by foot for about 15 minutes to Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, where the quieter grounds and distinctive elephant-supported chedi make a good contrast with the busier morning stops. Allow 45 minutes, with water and a short café break if the heat is strong.
From Wat Chiang Man, walk south-east through the Old City towards Tha Phae Gate, taking around 20–25 minutes or using a short Grab if you would rather avoid the midday heat. Spend about half an hour around the brick gate and moat; this is an easy place to people-watch and get your bearings without committing to another major attraction. For dinner, take a Grab to The Riverside Bar & Restaurant, normally around 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Arrive around 18:00–18:30 for a table with river views, and budget roughly ฿300–600 per person. Keep the evening early after the journey—Chiang Mai’s night markets and bars can wait for another day, while a good meal and a full night’s sleep will make tomorrow much more enjoyable.
Start around 08:00 with a Grab to Wat Umong, allowing roughly 20–30 minutes from the Old City or Nimman. This forest temple is best early, before the heat builds; allow about 1½ hours to wander through the old brick tunnels, see the chedi and enjoy the quiet woodland paths. Entrance is generally free, though donations are welcome. Dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered, and bring water—there is less shade on the walk between the temple areas than you might expect.
From Wat Umong, continue by Grab to the foothills of Doi Suthep and ask to be dropped at the start of the Monk’s Trail for Wat Pha Lat. The uphill walk takes around 30–45 minutes at an easy pace, with a little scrambling over roots and stones, so wear proper trainers rather than sandals. Allow an hour at the temple to enjoy its mossy stairways, forest setting and views across Chiang Mai. A Grab may not reliably be waiting at the trailhead, so arrange for your driver to wait or have your hotel call one when you are ready; the return to the Old City usually takes 20–30 minutes.
Head into the Old City for lunch at Jok Sompet, a casual local stop near the north side of the moat. Order the rice porridge with pork, egg or ginger—simple, filling and ideal after the morning walk—at roughly ฿100–200 per person. It is a practical, unfussy restaurant rather than a leisurely café, so allow about an hour and expect basic seating. Afterwards, walk or take a short Grab to the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre on Prapokklao Road. The museum is usually open Tuesday–Sunday, approximately 08:30–17:00, with admission commonly around ฿90–100; check the current schedule before setting out, as it may close on a public holiday. Give yourself 1½ hours for the exhibits, which provide useful context on Lanna traditions and the city’s development.
Finish on Ratchadamnoen Road at the Sunday Walking Street, which normally begins in the late afternoon and runs into the evening. Since this is Monday, 21 September, it will not be operating today; keep the evening relaxed instead and return to the Old City for dinner, or save the market for the next Sunday if your plans change. If you do visit when it is running, arrive around 17:00–18:00 before the busiest crowds, allow two hours and carry small cash—street food, drinks and small crafts typically come to about ฿150–400 per person. Expect road closures and limited vehicle access, so walk from nearby accommodation or use a drop-off at the edge of the market rather than trying to drive along Ratchadamnoen Road.
Arrange Elephant Nature Park’s hotel pickup for roughly 07:00–08:00, depending on your Chiang Mai accommodation. The park is in the Mae Taeng area, about 1½–2 hours north by minibus, so this is a full-day outing rather than something to fit around other sightseeing. Choose the ethical “no riding” day visit and check the exact pickup point with the park the evening before; bring water, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and clothes that can get muddy. Day programmes commonly cost around ฿2,500–3,500 per person, though prices vary by package and booking date.
The visit usually includes time observing and feeding rescued elephants, walking through the sanctuary with a guide and learning about their backgrounds. Follow the staff’s instructions closely—especially around feeding and bathing—and avoid expecting close-contact “photo opportunities” with the animals. The pace is deliberately relaxed, and the countryside setting makes this one of the more memorable days around Chiang Mai.
A vegetarian buffet lunch is normally included at Elephant Nature Park, with plenty of rice, noodles, curries, vegetables and fruit; allow about 45–60 minutes. If you have dietary restrictions, tell the park when booking. After the afternoon programme, the minibus generally returns to Chiang Mai around 16:30–18:00, depending on traffic and how many hotels are being served. Ask to be dropped near the Old City or take a short Grab onward rather than trying to walk far after the long day.
Once refreshed, head to Chiang Mai Gate Market on the south side of the Old City for an easy, informal wander of about an hour. It is usually liveliest from around 17:00, with grilled pork, sai ua sausage, fried chicken, sticky rice, fruit shakes and northern-style snacks; bring small cash and expect to spend roughly ฿50–150 on a few tastings. From the market, allow around 15–25 minutes by Grab to Huen Muan Jai in the Nimman area, with traffic sometimes making the journey longer.
Have dinner at Huen Muan Jai, a welcoming northern Thai restaurant known for dishes such as nam prik ong, khao soi and assorted northern sausage and chilli relishes. It is popular, so arriving around 18:30–19:00 helps avoid the busiest period; budget approximately ฿300–600 per person. The restaurant is generally open for dinner until around 21:00–22:00, but confirm the current hours before setting out, particularly during the low season.
Take a morning Bangkok Airways flight from Chiang Mai International Airport to Koh Samui Airport, normally with a connection in Bangkok. Allow roughly 5–8 hours in total, depending on the connection, and aim to depart between 07:00 and 09:00 so you still have a useful afternoon. Keep the flights on one booking if possible, as this gives you better protection if the first sector is delayed. On arrival, a hotel taxi or airport transfer to Bophut usually takes 15–20 minutes; Chaweng is around 10–15 minutes, though traffic can stretch this at busy times. Expect approximately ฿300–600 for a shared transfer or more for a private taxi.
After checking in and taking a proper break from the travel day, head to Fisherman’s Village in Bophut in the late afternoon. The old shophouse lanes are at their nicest as the heat eases, with small boutiques, beachwear shops and cafés leading down to the waterfront. Allow about 1½ hours to wander without rushing. If you are staying in Chaweng, take a taxi or Grab-style local ride, allowing 20–30 minutes; from a Bophut hotel, it is often walkable. Prices along the waterfront are higher than in inland Samui, so browse first before settling anywhere.
Stay by the beach for sunset at Coco Tam’s, where beanbags, palm trees and fire-show performances create an easy first-evening atmosphere. Arrive around 17:30–18:00 for a good beachfront spot; drinks and light bites generally cost about ฿250–600 per person, and the fire show is usually later in the evening. For dinner, walk along the Bophut waterfront to Krua Chao Baan, a relaxed choice for southern Thai seafood and strongly flavoured curries. Budget roughly ฿300–700 per person, and order a few dishes to share rather than one large main. After dinner, take a hotel taxi back rather than walking the darker stretches of the beach road, especially if you are staying outside Bophut.
Start around 08:00, before the heat becomes intense, with a Grab or hotel taxi to Big Buddha Temple in Bang Rak. The drive is usually 10–20 minutes from Chaweng or Fisherman’s Village, depending on traffic. The temple is generally open from early morning until around 18:00, and there is no formal entrance fee, although modest donations are welcome. Dress with shoulders and knees covered, remove your shoes before the steps, and allow about 45 minutes. The elevated viewpoint is particularly good in the morning, when the surrounding bay is clearer and quieter.
Continue by taxi for roughly 10 minutes to Wat Plai Laem, where you can spend about an hour exploring the colourful lake-side complex and its large Guanyin and laughing-Buddha statues. There is no standard entrance charge, but donations help maintain the site. Bring small notes for the donation boxes and avoid visiting in swimwear. From here, arrange a Grab or have your driver wait; taxis can be less convenient in this quieter northeastern corner of the island.
Head across the island towards The Jungle Club in the Chaweng Noi hills, allowing approximately 30–40 minutes by car. The final road is very steep and narrow, so use the restaurant’s own pickup service or a capable local taxi rather than attempting it on a scooter. Set aside around 1½ hours for lunch and the sweeping views over Chaweng Bay. Food and drinks usually work out at roughly ฿400–800 per person, and it is worth arriving before the busiest lunch period if you want an unobstructed table. After lunch, continue downhill to Lamai Beach, about 20–25 minutes away.
Spend the afternoon at Lamai Beach, a more relaxed choice than Chaweng Beach, with around two hours for swimming, a beach walk and a cold drink from one of the beachfront cafés. The central stretch is easy to reach by taxi, and you can usually rent a sun lounger or find a shaded spot at a beach bar for a modest charge. Keep valuables secured and check the sea conditions before swimming, particularly if the weather is unsettled. Leave around 17:00, allowing 25–40 minutes back towards Chaweng depending on traffic.
Finish at the night food market near Chaweng, arriving around 18:30–19:00 when the stalls are fully open but before the later crowds. Wander first, then choose small portions of grilled seafood, satay, pad Thai, mango sticky rice or southern-style curries; dinner should cost approximately ฿150–350 per person. Carry cash, as many vendors do not accept cards, and use a sealed bottle of water if trying particularly spicy dishes. From the market, your hotel should be a short Grab ride away, though prices can rise during the evening rush.
Take the morning Lomprayah high-speed catamaran from Maenam Pier to Mae Haad Pier, allowing around 1½–2 hours on the water. Arrive at the pier 30–45 minutes before departure with your booking confirmation and luggage; sea conditions can make the crossing bumpy, so sit outside only if the weather is calm. On arrival at Mae Haad Pier, walk or take one of the island’s pickup taxis to your accommodation—usually 10–25 minutes depending on whether you are staying around Sairee or Chalok Baan Kao. Expect roughly ฿600–800 for the ferry and agree the taxi fare before setting off. Leave time to check in, have a drink and unpack rather than trying to sightsee immediately.
After lunch, head to Sairee Beach for an easy first look at the island. From Mae Haad, it is about a 15–25-minute walk along the main road, or a short taxi ride if the heat and luggage have taken their toll. Spend a couple of relaxed hours swimming and wandering north along the sand; the southern end near the village is the most convenient for cafés and beach facilities. The water is generally clearest around high tide, but check local conditions before swimming, particularly if there is a strong swell. Stay for sunset if the sky is clear, then take a taxi back towards Mae Haad for the evening.
Early evening is a good time for Koh Tao Leisure Park in Mae Haad, where a round of mini-golf makes a pleasantly low-key first-night activity. Allow about an hour, with drinks available on site; prices are usually around ฿300–400 per person for a round. It is within walking distance of the pier area, though a taxi is easier after dark if you are staying in Sairee. For dinner, continue to Barracuda at Darawan in Sairee, a popular choice for Thai food and seafood—allow roughly ฿300–700 per person. Try one of the seafood dishes to share alongside a curry or stir-fry, and reserve or arrive early if dining around 19:00, as the restaurant can fill up. Keep the night gentle: your three-day diving course begins soon, and avoiding alcohol and getting a full night’s sleep will make tomorrow much easier.
Leave around 07:30 by scooter taxi or pre-arranged songthaew for John-Suwan Viewpoint in Chalok Baan Kao. From Mae Haad, allow about 15–20 minutes by road; the final approach is steep and uneven, so wear proper shoes rather than flip-flops. The viewpoint usually involves a short but rocky climb and a small entrance fee of roughly ฿50–100. Allow about an hour for the climb and photographs, when the southern bays are clearest and the heat is still manageable.
Walk or take a short ride to nearby Freedom Beach, one of the island’s quieter swimming spots. It is compact, shaded by takamaka trees and reached via a short path with a modest entrance fee, usually around ฿100. Spend about 1½ hours swimming and relaxing, but check the water and currents before snorkelling; the beach is best treated as a calm, low-key stop rather than a place with extensive facilities. Bring water, reef-safe sunscreen and cash, as amenities are limited.
Return to Chalok Baan Kao for lunch at Yin Yang Restaurant, a relaxed local option serving Thai favourites and simple international dishes. Budget approximately ฿200–450 per person, and allow an hour. From there, take a short taxi ride south to Shark Bay, also known as Thian Og Bay, allowing roughly 10 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions. Spend up to two hours in the afternoon swimming or snorkelling close to shore, where small reef sharks and turtles are sometimes seen, although sightings are never guaranteed. Conditions can change quickly, so follow beach or resort advice, avoid standing on coral and leave before dusk.
Head north to the Sairee meeting area for the Koh Tao Pub Crawl, allowing 15–25 minutes by taxi from Shark Bay. Check the exact meeting point and start time when booking, as it can change between nights; a typical evening lasts around three hours and costs roughly ฿500–1,000, including some drinks and snacks. It is an easy way to meet other travellers before the diving course begins, but keep the evening moderate, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol if you plan any early-morning diving or medical paperwork tomorrow. Arrange a return taxi in advance, as fares rise and availability falls later at night.
Start around 08:30 at your chosen Koh Tao dive centre in Sairee or Mae Haad for the first classroom session of the Open Water Diver course. Allow roughly three hours for the theory, medical and safety briefing, dive planning, and an introduction to the equipment. Your instructor will confirm the exact meeting point and schedule, but wear comfortable clothes and bring water, a notebook or phone for course materials, and any medication you may need.
After class, stay near the dive centre for lunch rather than rushing across the island. A simple meal at a nearby local restaurant is best today, as the afternoon session is physically tiring; expect roughly ฿80–200 for a Thai dish. Keep drinking water throughout the day, and avoid alcohol completely while training.
Return to the dive school after lunch for equipment fitting and about three hours of confined-water practice. You will learn the basic skills under close instructor supervision, so the afternoon may feel more demanding than the classroom session. Follow the school’s instructions about swimming attire and bring a dry change of clothes; dive centres usually provide tanks, weights, wetsuits and other required equipment, but confirm what is included in your course fee.
Once training finishes, take a slow taxi or shared songthaew to The Factory Café in Sairee. From Mae Haad, allow around 10–15 minutes; from another part of Sairee, it may be walkable, though the heat and tired legs make a short taxi worthwhile. Spend about an hour over coffee and something light, with most drinks and meals costing approximately ฿150–350 per person. Café hours can change seasonally, so check the day’s opening time with your dive centre or accommodation.
Walk down to Sairee Beach for an easy sunset, generally around 18:00 in late September. Keep this deliberately unstructured: sit on the sand, stroll along the shoreline, and let your ears settle after a full day in the water. The beach is at its liveliest around sunset, but you do not need to stay late—rest is important before tomorrow’s diving.
Finish with dinner at FIZZ Beachlounge, directly along the Sairee beachfront. It serves Thai and international dishes in a relaxed setting, with a typical spend of about ฿400–800 per person. Reserve or arrive a little before the main dinner rush if you want a front-row beach table, and take a taxi back to your accommodation afterward rather than walking unfamiliar, poorly lit stretches of the island.
Be at your dive centre in Mae Haad or Sairee around 06:30–07:00, according to the instructor’s exact briefing time. The boat trip to the Koh Tao dive sites usually takes 20–45 minutes, depending on the site and sea conditions, and the full first session lasts roughly four to five hours. This is the practical heart of the course: your instructor will supervise the required skills in the sea, including controlled descents, mask and regulator exercises, buoyancy work and safe ascents. Follow the centre’s equipment and breakfast instructions, and bring reef-safe sun cream, a towel, dry clothes and water; leave valuables at the hotel.
Between dives, remain on the boat for a surface interval of about 45 minutes. Eat lightly—fruit, rice, sandwiches or noodles are better than a heavy fried meal before the second dive—and keep drinking water or an electrolyte drink. The crew will explain your next site and review the morning’s skills, while you have time to relax and enjoy the views around Koh Tao. Avoid alcohol today and do not take a flight or travel to high altitude for at least 18 hours after your final dive.
The second dive generally lasts about two hours including the briefing, entry and exit. You will continue practising navigation, buoyancy and controlled underwater movement with your instructor, with the exact site chosen according to visibility, currents and the group’s progress. Expect to be back at the pier in the mid- to late afternoon; allow extra time for rinsing and returning equipment before arranging transport back to your accommodation.
After a shower and rest, walk to Café Culture in Mae Haad for coffee and a recovery snack, allowing about an hour and roughly ฿150–300 per person. It is a useful low-key stop after a tiring dive day, but keep the afternoon gentle rather than adding another excursion. For dinner, take a taxi or scooter taxi to The Gallery Restaurant in Sairee—usually around 10–15 minutes from Mae Haad, depending on traffic—for Thai and international dishes at approximately ฿350–700 per person. Book or arrive early if possible, as evening tables can fill; keep the meal relaxed and avoid alcohol while completing your course.
Meet Big Blue Diving in Sairee early—usually around 06:30–07:00, though follow the exact time given by your instructor. Bring your certification logbook, swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen and water; leave valuables at your accommodation. Today’s third boat dive normally takes about four hours including the briefing, boat ride and surface interval. The exact sites around Koh Tao depend on visibility and currents, but expect another practical skills session alongside relaxed reef diving. Keep breakfast light, as the boat can be choppy, and take seasickness medication before departure if you need it.
After returning to Mae Haad Pier, have a quick lunch nearby—something simple such as rice, noodles or fruit rather than a heavy meal—then return to the dive centre for the fourth open-water dive and course assessment. Allow roughly three hours for the final boat session, including the remaining underwater skills and paperwork. Your instructor should confirm when you are officially certified; avoid alcohol and strenuous plans until the diving day is completely finished, and remember not to fly for at least 18 hours after the final dive.
Back at Big Blue Diving in Sairee, allow about 45 minutes for the certification debrief, logbook completion and discussion of future diving options. This is also the right moment to check that your certification details have been submitted correctly and ask about recommended sites if you plan to dive again in Thailand or Bali. Afterwards, take a scooter taxi or pre-arranged songthaew north to Mango Bay viewpoint, allowing roughly 25–35 minutes from Sairee. The access road can be steep and rough, so avoid riding yourself unless you are genuinely confident; conditions may also make the viewpoint unsuitable after rain. Spend about an hour enjoying the panorama over Mango Bay and the surrounding coast, then return before dusk, when the roads become harder to navigate.
Celebrate at Barracuda Rooftop Restaurant & Bar in Sairee, ideally reserving a table or arriving around 18:30–19:00 for sunset light. Allow about 1½ hours and budget approximately ฿400–800 per person, depending on drinks. Seafood, Thai dishes and cocktails make this a fitting end to the course, with the rooftop setting giving you a final view across the bay. Arrange your return taxi through the restaurant or your accommodation rather than relying on an unmetered late-night ride, particularly if you are staying outside central Sairee.
After three consecutive dive-course days, keep the morning deliberately easy at Sai Nuan Beach, on Koh Tao’s quieter southwest coast. Leave Mae Haad around 08:00 by taxi, scooter taxi or a pre-arranged songthaew; the ride takes roughly 15–25 minutes, followed by a short walk down to the beach. Allow about two hours for swimming, snorkelling close to shore and simply drying off under the trees. Bring water, reef-safe sunscreen and cash, as facilities are limited and the beach can feel quite secluded. Sea conditions may be unsettled in late September, so check with your accommodation before setting out.
Return towards Sairee around 10:30 and spend an unhurried hour by the pool at Ban’s Diving Resort. This is a good recovery stop rather than another sightseeing commitment—keep the swimming gentle after your course and confirm with reception whether pool access is available for non-residents. From Sairee, take a taxi south to Mae Haad, usually 10–15 minutes, for lunch at 995 Roasted Duck. Order the roasted duck with rice or noodles, along with a cold drink; expect to pay about ฿100–250 per person. It is a straightforward, popular local stop, so arriving before the main lunch rush is useful.
After lunch, arrange a longtail boat from Mae Haad to Koh Nang Yuan. The crossing generally takes 15–25 minutes each way, though operators may wait for a small group before departing; allow three to four hours overall. Confirm the return time before leaving and carry dry bags for phones and money. On arrival, follow the short, steep path to the famous viewpoint, then spend the remaining time snorkelling around the narrow sandbar and shallow bays. There is an entrance fee of roughly ฿250 for foreign adults, and the island’s restaurant and drinks are considerably more expensive than on Koh Tao, so bring water. Boat trips are weather-dependent, and a choppy sea can make the crossing uncomfortable.
Return to Mae Haad in the late afternoon and allow time to shower and rest before dinner at Yang Restaurant. It is a convenient choice after the boat trip, with Thai and seafood dishes costing approximately ฿250–600 per person. Try a shared curry or stir-fry with seafood rather than ordering too heavily after a full day in the sun. Walk back through Mae Haad afterwards, or take a short taxi to your accommodation; keep the evening relaxed, as the next day is best used for a slow start and checking ferry or onward-travel arrangements.
Treat this as a full travel day and book an early Lomprayah sailing from Mae Haad Pier to Maenam Pier or Nathon Pier on Koh Samui. The crossing usually takes around 1½–2 hours, but allow extra time for rough seas and loading luggage. Be at the pier 30–45 minutes before departure, and check the exact arrival pier carefully when booking: Maenam is generally the more convenient option for the airport, while Nathon can mean a longer road transfer.
From the pier, take a pre-arranged taxi or hotel transfer to Koh Samui Airport, allowing roughly 30–60 minutes depending on the pier and traffic. Leave at least two hours before your international flight; this is one of those days when paying for a private transfer is worthwhile, particularly with dive equipment or large bags. At the airport, keep Thai baht available for drinks and snacks, as fares and airport prices can be high.
The flight to Ngurah Rai International Airport will usually involve a connection in Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, with the complete ferry-to-airport-to-Denpasar journey commonly taking 7–12 hours. On arrival, collect Indonesian rupiah or use an ATM, then meet your pre-booked driver outside the terminal. The drive to central Ubud generally takes 1½–2½ hours in evening traffic; avoid accepting unsolicited airport taxis, as a confirmed driver gives you a fixed price and a much smoother arrival.
Check into your central Ubud hotel, keep the evening low-key, and take a short walk only if you still have energy. For a straightforward first meal, head to Warung Biah Biah, where you can order inexpensive Balinese staples such as nasi campur and satay. Allow about an hour and budget roughly IDR 75,000–150,000 per person. It is popular and may involve a short wait, but it is an easy, unfussy introduction to Ubud after a long day; return to the hotel soon afterwards and save proper sightseeing for tomorrow.
Start around 08:00, before central Ubud becomes busy, with Ubud Palace on Jalan Raya Ubud. The compact royal compound is easy to explore in about 45 minutes, and the ornate gates and courtyards are particularly atmospheric in the softer morning light. Entry is generally free or subject to a small donation, although access can be restricted during ceremonies, so dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered. From the palace, walk a few minutes to Saraswati Temple, whose carved entrance and lotus pond make it one of the prettiest short stops in town; allow about 30 minutes. The temple is usually open from morning until late afternoon, but the inner area may be closed during religious events.
Continue on foot to Ubud Art Market, just across from the palace, for roughly an hour of browsing. Go before late-morning crowds build and carry small rupiah notes; bargaining is expected, but do it cheerfully and settle on a price before accepting an item. For lunch, walk to Clear Café, where a meal with a drink will usually cost around IDR 150,000–300,000 per person. It is a good pause after the market, with healthy Balinese and international dishes and a shaded, relaxed setting. If you are carrying purchases, ask your accommodation to arrange a short taxi ride back before continuing west.
Around 14:30, take a short Grab, taxi, or hotel-arranged car towards the Campuhan Ridge Walk trailhead, near the west side of central Ubud. Allow about 1½ hours for the walk, including pauses; the paved ridge soon opens into rice fields and village scenery, though the first and last sections can be hot and there is limited shade. Wear proper walking shoes, bring water, and avoid the middle of the day after heavy rain, when parts of the path can be slippery. A late-afternoon start gives you a more comfortable walk without relying on the trail being lit after dark.
Return to town by taxi rather than walking the full way back if you are tired, then have dinner at Casa Luna, an established Balinese restaurant in central Ubud. Reserve ahead if possible, particularly for an evening table, and allow about 1½ hours; expect roughly IDR 200,000–400,000 per person depending on drinks and dishes. After dinner, keep the rest of the evening unplanned—central Ubud is pleasant for a slow walk, but traffic makes short taxi rides worthwhile, especially if your accommodation is outside the centre.
Start around 08:00 with a pre-arranged driver from Ubud to Goa Gajah, usually a 20–30-minute drive depending on where you are staying. Arrive early, before the tour groups and midday heat; allow about an hour for the cave sanctuary, carved entrance, bathing pools and leafy grounds. Wear a sarong or clothing that covers your knees and shoulders—sarongs are generally available at the entrance. Entry is roughly IDR 50,000 per adult, although prices can change.
From Goa Gajah, continue south towards Tegenungan Waterfall, allowing around 30–40 minutes by car. Spend about 1½ hours walking down to the viewing platforms and waterfall area; the steps are manageable but can be slippery, particularly after rain, so proper sandals or walking shoes are useful. The waterfall is more impressive in the wet season, though the swimming area may be closed or turbulent after heavy rainfall. Entrance is commonly around IDR 20,000–30,000.
For lunch, stop at Warung Pak Sanur near Tegenungan Waterfall. This is a good place for uncomplicated local food such as nasi campur, grilled chicken, vegetables and sambal; allow about an hour and budget approximately IDR 75,000–175,000 per person, depending on drinks and extra dishes. Ask your driver to confirm the exact location before setting off, as smaller warungs can be difficult to identify on the roadside.
After lunch, drive north for roughly 45–60 minutes to Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring. Allow around 1½ hours to see the courtyards, spring-fed pools and temple architecture. If you want to take part in the purification ritual, use the designated changing areas and follow local instructions; visitors should not enter the water casually or treat the ceremony as a photo opportunity. A sarong is required, and entrance is generally around IDR 50,000. Keep valuables secure and carry some cash for lockers or donations.
Continue towards Tegalalang Rice Terrace, arriving in the late afternoon when the light is softer and the heat is less intense. The drive from Tirta Empul takes about 25–35 minutes, and you can spend roughly 1½ hours walking the narrow paths between the terraces. The area is spread along several roadside viewpoints rather than being one single attraction, so agree with your driver where to meet again. Wear shoes with grip and expect small donations or entrance charges at some paths.
Return to central Ubud for dinner at Locavore NXT, allowing 2–2½ hours for the modern Indonesian tasting menu. This is a destination meal rather than a casual stop, so reserve well ahead and advise the restaurant of allergies or dietary requirements when booking. Expect approximately IDR 1,000,000–2,000,000 per person before optional drinks and service charges. The day involves considerable driving, so a private car and driver is much more comfortable than trying to link these rural sites by scooter or separate taxis; a full-day hire commonly costs around IDR 700,000–1,200,000, depending on the vehicle and hours.
Leave Ubud around 08:00–08:30 in a pre-booked private car, before Bali’s traffic thickens. The drive to Seminyak usually takes 1½–2½ hours, although roadworks or congestion around Canggu can add time. A hotel-arranged driver is the least stressful option with luggage; expect roughly IDR 250,000–500,000. On arrival, leave your bags with the Seminyak hotel if the room is not ready, then take a relaxed lunch or coffee nearby rather than trying to fit in too much.
Once settled in, walk or take a short taxi ride north towards Petitenget Temple, one of the area’s most atmospheric coastal temples. Allow around 45 minutes to see the stone gateway, shrines and leafy courtyard. Dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered; sarongs are generally available at the entrance, and a small donation of around IDR 20,000–50,000 is appropriate. Avoid stepping into restricted worship areas, particularly if a ceremony is underway.
From Petitenget Temple, it is roughly a 10-minute walk to Seminyak Beach. Spend the cooler part of the afternoon here, watching the beach clubs gradually fill and walking south along the sand as the light softens. Sunset is usually around 18:00, but arrive by 16:30–17:00 if you want a comfortable spot and time for a swim or a drink; swimming conditions can be rough, so follow the lifeguards’ flags.
For dinner, head to Sisterfields on Jalan Petitenget, a short walk or quick ride inland from the beach. The modern café serves reliable all-day dishes, salads, burgers and drinks, with a typical spend of around IDR 150,000–300,000 per person. It can be busy at dinner, so booking ahead is sensible; otherwise, arrive slightly before the main 19:00 rush.
Start around 08:00 with a short Grab or taxi north to Batu Belig Beach, usually 10–20 minutes from central Seminyak, though allow longer if you are staying near the southern end. Spend a couple of unhurried hours walking the dark volcanic shoreline, watching the fishermen and settling into one of the simple beach cafés. The beach is generally accessible from early morning, and this is the most comfortable time to visit before the sand becomes hot and the afternoon breeze picks up. Swimming can be rough, so treat it primarily as a beach walk and relaxation stop.
Around 10:30, continue south by taxi to W Bali–Seminyak in Petitenget, normally 5–15 minutes depending on traffic. Have a drink and enjoy the dramatic beachfront setting for about an hour; budget roughly IDR 150,000–350,000 per person, depending on what you order. Dress smart-casual and keep the beachwear for the beach, as resort staff may apply a dress code in some areas.
From W Bali–Seminyak, take a short Grab ride or walk south along Jalan Petitenget and Jalan Kayu Jati to Seminyak Village. Allow around 1½ hours to browse the air-conditioned shops, small design stores and cafés—an especially useful break if the sun is intense or rain arrives. For lunch, walk or take a very short taxi ride to Sea Circus, a colourful, casual café in central Seminyak. Allow about an hour and budget IDR 150,000–300,000 per person for a meal and drink. It is popular, so arriving slightly before the main lunch rush is worthwhile.
Around 14:00, head back north to Potato Head Beach Club in Petitenget. The journey from central Seminyak is often only 10–20 minutes, but traffic can make it unpredictable; use a taxi rather than walking in the heat. Settle in for the afternoon between the pool, lawn and beachfront, then stay for sunset. Entry and seating arrangements vary, so check the current booking policy before going; food and drinks typically come to about IDR 300,000–700,000 per person. Arrive earlier if you want a good poolside position, and keep some cash or a card available for minimum-spend requirements on certain loungers.
Leave Seminyak around 07:30 in a pre-booked car with driver, travelling north through Kerobokan and Canggu towards Beraban. The drive to Tanah Lot Temple is usually 45–75 minutes, but Bali traffic can be unpredictable, so avoid relying on a last-minute Grab. Your driver can wait while you visit, or arrange a pickup time in advance. Entry is approximately IDR 75,000 per adult, with the temple complex generally opening from around 07:00.
Allow about two hours to explore the coastal paths, shrines and viewpoints around Tanah Lot Temple. The famous sea temple sits offshore and is only accessible across the rocks at low tide; do not attempt the crossing if waves are strong. Early morning is cooler and considerably calmer than late afternoon. Wear sandals with a good grip, and keep some cash for drinks or small snacks near the entrance.
On the return journey, stop at Warung Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku around Kerobokan for lunch. Allow roughly an hour, including the drive back from Beraban. This is a straightforward local meal rather than a leisurely restaurant: expect fragrant rice served with shredded chicken, lawar, vegetables, sambal and other small portions of Balinese dishes. Budget approximately IDR 75,000–175,000 per person, depending on drinks and additional plates. Ask your driver to confirm the branch and current opening hours before setting out, as popular warungs can sell out or close earlier than expected.
Continue south to Petitenget Beach, allowing around 30–60 minutes after lunch depending on traffic. Spend about 1½ hours walking the sand and taking a final relaxed break by the water; late afternoon is much more comfortable than midday. For sunset dinner, walk or take a very short taxi ride to La Lucciola, a long-established beachfront restaurant beside Petitenget. Reserve ahead, particularly for a table close to the beach, and allow approximately two hours. Expect around IDR 400,000–800,000 per person before any premium drinks; smart-casual clothing and a light layer are useful once the breeze picks up. Finish with an easy hour at Seminyak Square, browsing small shops and picking up last-minute gifts before returning to your accommodation. Keep your evening unhurried, and confirm your airport transfer and pickup time with the hotel before turning in.
Have breakfast near your hotel in Seminyak, keeping the morning intentionally easy before the long journey. Good nearby options include Kynd Community for smoothie bowls and coffee, or Sisterfields on Jalan Petitenget for a more substantial breakfast; allow around IDR 100,000–200,000 per person. Spend no more than an hour here, then return to collect luggage, settle your bill and confirm the airport transfer. Ask the hotel to store bags if you have time before the flight.
Take a Grab, Bluebird taxi or pre-booked car from Seminyak to Kuta Beach, usually around 25–45 minutes depending on traffic. A driver is preferable with luggage, even if you are leaving bags at the hotel, as traffic around Legian and Kuta can become slow. Walk along the beachfront for about 1½ hours, perhaps stopping for a final iced coffee or fresh coconut. The beach is free, but avoid swimming with valuables unattended and be aware of strong currents.
Continue by taxi to Discovery Mall Bali, generally 5–15 minutes from Kuta Beach. This is a practical final stop because it is air-conditioned, has reliable toilets and offers cafés, restaurants, pharmacies and shops for last-minute gifts or travel essentials. Allow around 1½ hours and budget approximately IDR 150,000–300,000 per person for lunch. Keep passports, phones and flight documents in your hand luggage rather than in shopping bags.
Collect your luggage and leave for Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban at least 3–4 hours before the international departure. From Seminyak, allow 45–90 minutes by hotel car, Grab or Bluebird, with extra time if travelling during the late-afternoon rush. The airport is compact but check-in, immigration and security can still take time; use the official departures area and allow a buffer for baggage drop. Your journey from Bali to Ireland will usually take around 17–24 hours with one or two connections. Before departure, confirm whether baggage is checked through to Ireland, whether an overnight connection requires a transit visa or hotel, and which terminal or onward airline you need at the connecting airport.
Once your booked connection lands in Ireland, allow roughly 60–90 minutes for immigration, baggage collection and customs, particularly if you are arriving from outside the Common Travel Area. Keep your passport, arrival details and onward transport information accessible, and check the airport’s screens before heading to the public arrivals area. If you have a connecting domestic journey, leave additional time for collecting and rechecking luggage.
After the long journey, pause at an airport café before continuing home. A simple meal, coffee and plenty of water should cost around €10–20 per person. Choose something light if you are tired, and use the opportunity to charge your phone and confirm the final bus, train or pickup arrangements. Airport cafés vary by terminal, but most operate from early morning until the last scheduled arrivals; check the specific airport’s current hours if your flight lands late.
Once you are ready, continue from the arrivals hall by your pre-arranged pickup, airport bus or train. A pre-booked car is the easiest option if you have large luggage or are arriving late; confirm the meeting point and allow time to find the driver outside the terminal. If using public transport, check the final departure times before leaving the café, as evening services can be less frequent. Keep the rest of the day free for rest, unpacking and recovering from the long flight.