Thailand and Malaysia Itinerary from Kolkata to Delhi
Arrival and stay in Pattaya
- Kolkata → Bangkok → Pattaya by flight and private car — Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya; land, complete immigration, then allow roughly 2–2.5 hours by car, with hotel check-in and luggage storage arranged in advance.
- Pattaya Beach — Central Pattaya; unwind after the journey with an easy beachfront walk, late afternoon, ~1 hour.
- Sanctuary of Truth — Naklua; admire the extraordinary hand-carved wooden architecture, late afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
- Thepprasit Night Market — Jomtien/Pattaya; browse Thai street food and snacks for dinner, evening, ~1.5 hours, approximately ฿150–400 per person.
- Pattaya Walking Street — South Pattaya; experience the city’s lively nightlife district, evening, ~1 hour.
Morning–Early Afternoon: Kolkata → Bangkok → Pattaya
Fly from Kolkata to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, then allow at least 60–90 minutes for immigration, baggage collection, and buying a Thai SIM or arranging your eSIM. Your pre-booked private car should collect you from the airport’s official arrivals pickup area; the drive to Pattaya via Motorway 7 usually takes 2–2.5 hours, though Christmas Eve traffic can add time. Keep some Thai baht for tolls and refreshments, and ask the driver to stop at a motorway service area if needed. Have the hotel hold your luggage if the room is not ready, rather than losing the afternoon waiting for check-in.
Afternoon: Beach and Sanctuary of Truth
After a short rest, head to Pattaya Beach for an easy one-hour walk along the promenade—this is best enjoyed in the late afternoon when the heat softens. From central Pattaya, take a Bolt or Grab to Sanctuary of Truth in Naklua; allow roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Spend about 1.5 hours exploring the remarkable hand-carved teak structure and its grounds. It generally operates from around 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with final-entry times varying, so check the official schedule and dress modestly; helmets are normally required inside. The regular admission is comparatively expensive by Pattaya standards, often around ฿500–600 per adult, but it is one of the city’s most distinctive sights.
Evening: Street Food and South Pattaya
Continue by car to Thepprasit Night Market in Jomtien, usually opening from late afternoon into the evening and especially lively on weekends. Browse slowly rather than ordering everything at once: grilled seafood, moo ping, Thai desserts, fresh fruit, and drinks make an easy dinner for roughly ฿150–400 per person. Finish at Pattaya Walking Street in South Pattaya, reached in about 10–20 minutes by Bolt or songthaew depending on traffic. Walk through for an hour to see the neon-lit nightlife scene, but keep valuables secure, stay together, and use a metered taxi or app ride back to the hotel rather than accepting the first unsolicited offer.
Return to Bangkok
- Pattaya → Bangkok by private car — Depart after breakfast for the roughly 2–2.5-hour drive; avoid peak traffic and arrange Bangkok hotel luggage drop-off.
- Grand Palace — Rattanakosin; visit Bangkok’s landmark royal complex and Wat Phra Kaew, late morning, ~2 hours.
- Wat Pho — Rattanakosin; see the giant reclining Buddha and traditional massage heritage, early afternoon, ~1 hour.
- Tha Maharaj — Chao Phraya riverfront; pause for riverside snacks and views, afternoon, ~1 hour, approximately ฿150–400 per person.
- Wat Arun — Thon Buri; cross the river for its distinctive riverside prang and sunset atmosphere, late afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
- Chinatown Yaowarat Road — Chinatown; finish with famous street-food stalls and dessert, evening, ~2 hours, approximately ฿300–700 per person.
Morning: Pattaya to Bangkok and the Grand Palace
Leave Pattaya after breakfast, ideally around 7:00–7:30 AM, for the roughly 2–2.5-hour drive to Bangkok via Motorway 7. Ask the driver to take you directly to your Bangkok hotel for a quick luggage drop; traffic can build noticeably near the city after 9:30 AM. From there, use a metered taxi or Grab to Grand Palace in Rattanakosin. Allow about two hours for the royal complex and Wat Phra Kaew. Wear clothing covering shoulders and knees—strict dress checks are enforced—and carry water, as the exposed courtyards become hot. The entrance fee is generally around ฿500; check the official opening status before leaving, especially because this is a public holiday.
Early Afternoon: Wat Pho and Tha Maharaj
Walk about 10 minutes from Grand Palace to Wat Pho, home of the enormous reclining Buddha and Bangkok’s historic traditional-massage school. One hour is enough for the main highlights; the temple generally opens from around 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with admission usually about ฿300. Continue on foot toward Tha Maharaj, a relaxed Chao Phraya riverfront complex where you can take a shaded break, browse small shops, and have a light lunch or Thai dessert while watching the boats. Budget roughly ฿150–400 per person. Keep the afternoon unhurried—this riverside pause is useful after the morning’s heat.
Late Afternoon and Evening: Wat Arun and Yaowarat
From Tha Maharaj, take a short river crossing to Wat Arun—the ferry is inexpensive, usually only a few baht, and the crossing takes just a few minutes. Spend about 1–1.5 hours admiring the detailed ceramic-covered prang and the changing light along the river; the temple typically closes around 6:00 PM, so arrive with enough time before sunset. Later, take a Grab or taxi across to Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road, allowing extra time for evening traffic. Wander among the neon signs and food stalls, sampling grilled seafood, peppery noodle soups, roast meats, and mango sticky rice. Set aside ฿300–700 per person, and carry cash because some of the best street vendors do not accept cards. Use an official taxi or app ride back to the hotel after dinner, as the area becomes crowded and road traffic can be slow.
Flight to Hat Yai
- Bangkok → Hat Yai by Thai Airways — Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hat Yai International Airport; allow airport arrival procedures plus roughly 1.5 hours’ flight time, then use a pre-arranged taxi to the hotel.
- Kim Yong Market — Hat Yai city centre; explore local dried fruit, snacks, tea, and Malaysian-influenced goods, afternoon, ~1 hour.
- Hat Yai Municipal Park — Ko Hong; take the hilltop cable car or drive up for broad city views and Buddhist landmarks, late afternoon, ~2 hours.
- Asean Night Bazaar — Hat Yai; sample southern Thai and regional street food, evening, ~1.5 hours, approximately ฿150–400 per person.
- Chue Chang Temple — Central Hat Yai; make a short evening visit to this ornate Chinese-Thai temple, evening, ~45 minutes.
Morning: Bangkok to Hat Yai and hotel check-in
Take your morning Thai Airways flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hat Yai International Airport, allowing about 1½ hours in the air. For an 8:00–9:00 AM departure, arrive at the airport around two hours early; December is busy, so keep extra time for bag drop and security. After landing, your pre-arranged taxi should take roughly 20–30 minutes into central Hat Yai. Leave your bags at the hotel, have lunch nearby, and avoid trying to fit in sightseeing before you have rested from the flight.
Afternoon: Markets and hilltop views
Begin at Kim Yong Market, the city’s lively central market, where stalls sell dried fruit, cashews, tea, southern Thai snacks, and Malaysian-influenced treats. Set aside about an hour, and carry small Thai baht notes—vendors generally prefer cash. From the market, take a Grab or local tuk-tuk toward Hat Yai Municipal Park in Ko Hong, usually 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Spend about two hours here, taking the cable car or driving up the hill for wide views over Hat Yai; dress respectfully around the Buddhist shrines and bring water, as the exposed paths can feel warm even in the late afternoon. Check the cable-car operating status locally, since hours can vary.
Evening: Street food and a short temple visit
After returning to town, head to Asean Night Bazaar, where you can browse inexpensive clothes and souvenirs while trying grilled meats, roti, seafood, and southern Thai dishes. Allow around 1½ hours and budget approximately ฿150–400 per person, depending on how much you sample. Finish with a quieter 45-minute visit to Chue Chang Temple, an ornate Chinese-Thai temple in central Hat Yai; it is only a short Grab or tuk-tuk ride away. Keep shoulders and knees covered, remove your shoes where requested, and check the temple’s evening access on arrival.
Transfer to Alor Setar
- Hat Yai → Alor Setar by train or private transfer — Cross the Sadao–Bukit Kayu Hitam border and continue to Alor Setar; allow approximately 3–5 hours including immigration, then check in and leave luggage at the hotel.
- Zahir Mosque — Alor Setar city centre; see one of Malaysia’s most recognisable historic mosques from the exterior and surrounding grounds, late morning, ~45 minutes.
- Kedah State Museum — Alor Setar; learn about Kedah’s history and traditional culture, midday, ~1 hour.
- Menara Alor Setar — City centre; take in panoramic views over the city and rice plains, afternoon, ~1 hour.
- Pekan Rabu Complex — City centre; shop for Kedah handicrafts and regional foods, late afternoon, ~1 hour.
- Restoran Nasi Lemak Ong — Alor Setar; try a casual Malaysian meal with nasi lemak and local accompaniments, evening, ~1 hour, approximately RM15–35 per person.
Morning: Border crossing and arrival in Alor Setar
Leave Hat Yai around 6:30–7:00 AM for the Sadao–Bukit Kayu Hitam border, allowing 3–5 hours overall once immigration and the onward drive are included. Confirm in advance that your private vehicle is licensed to cross the border; otherwise, you may need to change cars after immigration. Keep your passport, Malaysian entry requirements, hotel booking, and any onward-travel proof easily accessible. After arriving in Alor Setar, leave your luggage at the hotel and head into the compact city centre—most of today’s sights are close enough for short Grab rides or walks.
Begin at Zahir Mosque, one of Malaysia’s most recognisable historic mosques. Spend about 45 minutes viewing the striking domes and minarets from the surrounding grounds, dressing modestly and avoiding prayer times when possible. A short walk or quick Grab ride leads to the Kedah State Museum, usually best visited around midday; allow roughly an hour for its exhibits on Kedah’s royal history, traditional arts, and local culture. Check the museum’s holiday opening hours before setting out, as public-holiday schedules can change.
Afternoon and evening: City views, shopping, and dinner
Continue to Menara Alor Setar for wide views across the city and Kedah’s rice plains. Plan around an hour here, with the clearest panoramas often later in the afternoon; the observation facilities generally operate from late morning into the evening, but confirm the day’s hours locally. From the tower, take a short Grab ride to Pekan Rabu Complex, where you can browse Kedah handicrafts, textiles, snacks, and packaged local foods without rushing. Finish at Restoran Nasi Lemak Ong for a relaxed Malaysian dinner—budget about RM15–35 per person for nasi lemak and accompaniments. Keep some Malaysian ringgit handy for smaller purchases, and use Grab rather than walking long distances after dark.
Arrival and stay in Kuala Lumpur
- Alor Setar → Kuala Lumpur by morning flight or ETS/train — Travel to Kuala Lumpur, allowing roughly 1 hour by air or 5–6 hours by train; transfer to the hotel and store luggage if check-in is unavailable.
- Petronas Twin Towers — KLCC; visit Kuala Lumpur’s defining landmark and, if tickets are available, the skybridge and observation deck, afternoon, ~2 hours.
- KLCC Park — KLCC; walk the landscaped park beneath the towers and rest by the fountains, late afternoon, ~1 hour.
- Jalan Alor Food Street — Bukit Bintang; enjoy a lively Malaysian-Chinese street-food dinner, evening, ~1.5 hours, approximately RM25–60 per person.
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur — Bukit Bintang; browse the major shopping and dining complex, evening, ~1 hour.
Morning–Early Afternoon: Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur
Take the early ETS train from Alor Setar to KL Sentral, ideally around 6:30–7:30 AM. The journey takes roughly 5–6 hours, with comfortable reserved seating and space for luggage; book through the KTMB website or app. On arrival, take the short Grab ride or use the LRT/monorail connection to your hotel, leaving your bags with reception if the room is not ready. Allow about 45 minutes for this arrival and a quick lunch before heading to KLCC.
Afternoon: Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC Park
Make your way to the Petronas Twin Towers by Grab, LRT, or a 10–15-minute walk from nearby hotels. Reserve the Skybridge and observation-deck visit in advance if possible; timed-entry tickets commonly cost around RM80–100 and the full visit takes about two hours. Afterward, step straight into KLCC Park, where the shaded paths and fountains offer an easy break beneath the towers. The park is generally open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the evening fountain area is especially pleasant as the heat eases.
Evening: Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Jalan Alor
From KLCC Park, follow the covered pedestrian walkway toward Bukit Bintang—around 15–20 minutes—to reach Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Browse the shops and impressive seasonal displays for about an hour; the mall usually stays open until 10:00 PM. For dinner, walk or take a short Grab ride to Jalan Alor Food Street, where the atmosphere becomes lively after sunset. Choose a busy stall with high turnover and try dishes such as grilled seafood, oyster omelette, chicken wings, or char kway teow; budget approximately RM25–60 per person. Keep valuables close in the crowd, and note that many stalls are cash-friendly even when QR payments are available.
Final day in Kuala Lumpur
- Batu Caves — Gombak; climb the colourful staircase to the Hindu shrine and see the huge Murugan statue, morning, ~2 hours.
- Central Market — Pasar Seni; shop for Malaysian crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, late morning, ~1.5 hours.
- Merchant’s Lane — Chinatown; have a relaxed Malaysian-Chinese cafe lunch in a restored shophouse, midday, ~1 hour, approximately RM20–45 per person.
- Thean Hou Temple — Seputeh; visit one of Kuala Lumpur’s most impressive Chinese temples and viewpoints, afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
- Kuala Lumpur → Delhi by Air India — Depart for the airport approximately 3 hours before the international flight; collect luggage, allow for traffic, check-in, immigration, and security.
Morning: Batu Caves
Start early from central Kuala Lumpur, ideally around 7:00 AM, taking a Grab to Batu Caves; the drive usually takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. The temple complex is generally open from around 6:00 AM, and arriving before 9:00 AM makes the 272-step climb more comfortable and avoids the largest tour groups. Allow about two hours for the colourful staircase, the enormous Murugan Statue, and the main shrine inside the limestone cave. Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered—and keep food and loose belongings secured around the monkeys. A Grab back toward Pasar Seni normally takes 30–45 minutes, though midday traffic can add time.
Late Morning–Midday: Central Market and Merchant’s Lane
Spend roughly 1½ hours browsing Central Market in Pasar Seni, where the indoor stalls are useful for batik, handcrafts, snacks, and last-minute gifts. It usually opens around 10:00 AM; prices are generally fixed in the more established shops, while smaller stalls may allow polite bargaining. Walk about 10 minutes through Chinatown to Merchant’s Lane, a restored shophouse café on Jalan Petaling, for lunch. Expect approximately RM20–45 per person and allow an hour; it can be busy, so a short wait is normal. This is a good point to collect any stored luggage from the hotel if necessary, but leave enough time for the afternoon temple and airport transfer.
Afternoon–Evening: Thean Hou Temple and departure for Delhi
After lunch, take a Grab from Merchant’s Lane to Thean Hou Temple in Seputeh, usually 15–25 minutes outside peak traffic. Give yourself about 1½ hours to explore the ornate halls, lantern-lined courtyards, and elevated city views; the temple grounds are generally open from early morning until the evening, and there is no standard admission charge. Since this is your final Kuala Lumpur stop, confirm your airport transfer before arriving—traffic to Kuala Lumpur International Airport can be unpredictable, especially around the evening rush. Leave the city approximately three hours before your Air India international departure, allowing about 50–75 minutes by car via the Maju Expressway or KLIA Expressway, plus luggage collection, check-in, immigration, and security. If you are flying from KLIA Terminal 1, verify the terminal with Air India and avoid cutting it close; return the car or meet your pre-booked driver at the agreed airport drop-off zone.
