Melbourne to Delhi, Thailand and Melbourne Multi-City Trip

Arrival and Settling In

Your Melbourne–Delhi flight will take roughly 12–16 hours including the connection, so keep the first afternoon deliberately easy. After landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport, allow 45–90 minutes for immigration, baggage and customs; prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are the simplest option, while the Delhi Metro Airport Express is useful if your accommodation is near New Delhi. Delhi traffic can be slow, especially around evening rush hour, so check in, shower and leave your bags rather than trying to fit in a full sightseeing circuit.

Late Afternoon

Head by taxi to Humayun’s Tomb in Nizamuddin, ideally arriving around 3:30–4:00 pm. The red sandstone and white-marble tomb is at its most atmospheric as the heat softens; allow about 1½ hours to wander through the Mughal garden layout and photograph the gateways. Entry is commonly around ₹50–600 depending on nationality and ticket type, but confirm the current fee on arrival. From there, walk or take a very short auto-rickshaw ride to Sunder Nursery, directly beside the tomb. Its landscaped paths, restored monuments and shaded lawns make a gentle first introduction to Delhi; allow another 1½ hours, and check the seasonal closing time before setting out.

Evening in Old Delhi

Take a taxi from Nizamuddin to Karim’s in Old Delhi, allowing 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. The original restaurant near Jama Masjid is a classic stop for Mughlai dishes such as mutton korma, seekh kebabs and tandoori items; expect roughly ₹500–1,000 per person, and choose a table indoors if the lanes feel overwhelming after your flight. Old Delhi is busiest and most atmospheric after dark, but keep valuables secure and use a cab for the return rather than wandering far while jet-lagged.

Morning

Start early at Jama Masjid, ideally around 8:00–8:30am, before Old Delhi becomes crowded and hot. Allow about an hour to see the vast courtyard, red-sandstone gateways and skyline views from the minaret if it is open. Entry is generally free, though photography and minaret access may attract small charges; modest clothing is required, and visitors may need to remove their shoes. From here, walk or take a cycle rickshaw into Chandni Chowk—the lanes are chaotic but fascinating, and a local guided walk is worthwhile for navigating the food alleys, spice shops and old merchant houses. Give yourself roughly 90 minutes, with small cash for snacks and rickshaw fares.

Afternoon

Continue to the Red Fort, only a short rickshaw ride away, arriving before the afternoon heat becomes intense. Set aside around two hours for the Lahori Gate, Mughal audience halls, gardens and museums. It is usually closed on Mondays and public holidays, so check the September 2026 opening details before setting out; tickets are commonly around ₹35–₹600 depending on visitor category and booking channel. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water, but avoid bringing large bags. Afterward, return to your hotel for a proper rest rather than trying to squeeze in another sight—the Old Delhi lanes are tiring, especially in lingering monsoon humidity.

Evening

Head to Indian Accent at The Lodhi on Lodhi Road for dinner, allowing roughly 30–45 minutes by taxi from Old Delhi depending on traffic. Reserve well ahead, particularly for a weekend, and expect approximately ₹3,000–5,000 per person before drinks and service. The restaurant’s inventive Indian tasting-style dishes make a memorable contrast to the street food of the morning; smart-casual dress is appropriate. Plan on two hours, then use an app taxi back to your accommodation rather than attempting the Metro late with shopping or tired legs.

Arrival and Late Afternoon

After your Delhi flight, allow roughly 60–90 minutes at Suvarnabhumi Airport for immigration, baggage and customs. The easiest onward connection is the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai, then a taxi or Grab to your hotel; if you have luggage or arrive during rain, a metered taxi from the official airport rank is simpler. Leave your bags, freshen up and aim to reach ICONSIAM in Khlong San by around 4:30pm. From central Bangkok, a Grab usually takes 25–45 minutes depending on traffic, while the BTS to Krung Thon Buri followed by the free ICONSIAM shuttle boat is often more enjoyable and predictable.

Spend about two hours browsing ICONSIAM, especially SookSiam, the ground-floor food zone styled as an indoor floating market. It is a good first taste of regional Thai snacks without committing to a formal meal, and the riverside terraces are particularly pleasant as the heat fades. The mall generally opens from 10:00am to 10:00pm; allow extra time for crowds around the river promenade, and keep small cash handy for food stalls. From the mall, use a short Grab ride or a public river boat connection toward the central piers for your evening on the water.

Evening on the Chao Phraya

Join a Chao Phraya River evening cruise around sunset, ideally one departing between 6:00 and 7:00pm. A dinner cruise is convenient, but a sightseeing boat with a simple drinks package usually gives a better view and less time tied to a buffet; confirm the boarding pier and return time when booking, as operators use several piers. The illuminated skyline, Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace area are the highlights, though visibility can be affected by rain. Bring a light layer for the breeze and arrive 20–30 minutes early—boarding areas become confusing once tour groups gather.

After disembarking, take a taxi or Grab to Thipsamai in Samran Rat, usually 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Order the classic pad Thai wrapped in egg, or the simpler version if you want something less rich; expect roughly ฿150–400 per person. The restaurant is famous and can be busy, but the service moves quickly. It commonly opens from late afternoon into the night, though hours can change, so check on the day; after dinner, return to your hotel by Grab rather than relying on a long walk through quiet streets.

Morning

Start at The Grand Palace around 8:30am, when the courtyards are cooler and tour groups are still relatively manageable. Allow about two hours for the royal complex and Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok’s most sacred temple; shoulders and knees must be covered, and carry a light scarf or shirt rather than relying on vendors at the entrance. Tickets are typically around ฿500, with opening hours generally 8:30am–4:30pm, though the last entry and occasional royal ceremonies can affect access. From your hotel, a taxi or Grab is simplest; the nearest practical river connection is Tha Chang Pier, while the MRT’s Sanam Chai station is a useful option if you are staying near the riverside.

Walk roughly 10 minutes to Wat Pho next, spending about 90 minutes around the reclining Buddha, quiet courtyards and tiled stupas. It usually opens from 8:00am to 6:30pm, with entry around ฿300; the traditional massage school is on-site, but book only if you are happy to give up some sightseeing time. Have a light lunch nearby on Maha Rat Road or at a riverside café before continuing—avoid an overly heavy meal in the midday heat. From Tha Tien Pier, take the short cross-river ferry to Wat Arun; the ride costs only a few baht and is more atmospheric than taking a road taxi around the river.

Afternoon and Evening

Allow about 90 minutes at Wat Arun, climbing the lower sections of its porcelain-covered central prang if open and then viewing the temple from the riverbank. It is generally open until around 6:00pm, with entry commonly about ฿100; dress respectfully and use care on the steep steps. Return by ferry to Tha Tien, then take a Grab or taxi to The Commons Thonglor—allow 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, and closer to an hour during the evening rush. This is a good point to stop sightseeing: browse the small food stalls, order drinks and share dinner in the open-air community space. Budget roughly ฿300–700 per person, and plan to stay around 1½ hours. Thonglor is busiest after work, so arrive before 6:30pm if you prefer an easier table; afterwards, return by BTS from Thong Lo or use a Grab, depending on your hotel and luggage.

Late Morning — Arrive and Settle In

After your morning flight from Bangkok, allow around 60–90 minutes at Phuket International Airport for baggage collection and the drive into Phuket Town. A pre-booked transfer or Grab is simplest; the journey usually takes 35–50 minutes, depending on traffic. Check in, leave your bags, and take a relaxed break before heading out—September is humid and showers can arrive suddenly, so keep an umbrella handy.

Afternoon — Old Phuket Town

Spend roughly 1½ hours wandering Old Phuket Town, starting around Thalang Road and continuing along Dibuk Road and Krabi Road. The colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses are best enjoyed slowly, with stops for iced coffee and photographs in the small lanes around Soi Romanee. Most streets are free to explore, though small galleries and cafés may close by late afternoon. From the heritage quarter, Chillva Market is about a 10-minute drive; use Grab or a metered taxi rather than walking in the heat.

Evening — Chillva Market and Dinner

Browse Chillva Market from around 5:00pm, when the stalls begin opening and the temperature becomes more comfortable. It is a lively local market rather than a purely tourist stop, with clothing, crafts, desserts and southern Thai snacks; allow about two hours and budget ฿200–500 per person. Check the market’s schedule before going, as individual stalls and operating days can vary. Finish with dinner at One Chun Cafe & Restaurant, back in Old Phuket Town, roughly 10–15 minutes away by car. Order southern specialties such as crab curry with betel leaves or moo hong, and expect about ฿300–700 per person; booking is sensible in the evening, particularly on weekends.

Morning — Viewpoints Above the South Coast

Start around 8:00am with a taxi, Grab, or hired driver to Karon Viewpoint in Muang Phuket. The drive from Phuket Town takes roughly 30–40 minutes; from Patong, allow closer to 45 minutes. The lookout is free and is best before the heat builds, with clear views over Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach. Spend about 30 minutes here, then continue 10–15 minutes uphill to Big Buddha Phuket on Nakkerd Hill. Entry is free, but dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and expect a short walk over uneven ground. The site generally opens from around 6:00am until 6:00pm, although access can occasionally change, so check locally before setting out.

Midday — Beach Time at Kata

Descend to Kata Beach, about 20 minutes from Big Buddha Phuket, and settle in for an unhurried two or three hours. The southern end is usually a little calmer, while the central stretch has the easiest access to cafés, toilets, and beach vendors. Swim only in areas marked safe and pay attention to red flags, particularly during Phuket’s September monsoon season; rain showers can arrive quickly, so keep valuables in a dry bag. For a simple lunch, choose one of the small local eateries along Patak Road or Kata Road, where a Thai meal and drink typically cost ฿120–300. A beach chair and umbrella, where available, may cost around ฿100–200 for the day.

Afternoon and Sunset — Cape Views

Leave Kata Beach around 3:30–4:00pm for Promthep Cape, allowing 30–40 minutes by taxi or driver depending on traffic through Rawai. The cape is free to visit and has a broad paved viewpoint, though the steps and rocky edges can be slippery after rain. Arrive early enough to walk beyond the main parking area and find a less crowded vantage point; sunset in September is usually around 6:20pm, but clouds may obscure the horizon. Arrange your return transport before arriving, as taxis are more expensive and less predictable after dark.

Evening — Dinner by the Sand

Finish at The Boathouse Restaurant on Kata Beach, a short drive from Promthep Cape—allow 20–30 minutes in evening traffic. Reserve ahead, especially for a beachfront table, and aim for around 7:00pm so you can dine with the sound of the surf rather than rushing after sunset. Thai and international dishes generally run about ฿800–1,800 per person before drinks. After dinner, a pre-booked taxi or Grab is the easiest way back to Phuket Town, Patong, or your hotel; avoid relying on a beach pickup late at night.

Morning — Depart Phuket

Keep the morning simple and leave plenty of buffer for your international flight from Phuket International Airport. Check out, settle any hotel bills, and arrange a Grab, hotel car, or pre-booked taxi; allow roughly 35–50 minutes from Phuket Town and longer from the west-coast beaches, with traffic around Thalang sometimes slowing the approach. For a late-morning or afternoon departure, aim to reach the airport about three hours before take-off. If you have time, buy snacks and water before security, as the airside selection is convenient but more expensive.

Flight to Melbourne

Your one-stop journey to Melbourne will usually connect through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and take around 9–13 hours in total. Check the connection airport and baggage arrangements carefully, particularly if the flights are booked separately; a protected through-ticket is much easier if delays occur. International flights from Phuket International Airport can be busy, so do not cut the check-in, immigration, or transfer time close.

Arrival in Melbourne

You are likely to arrive in Melbourne the same day, depending on the connection and time-zone change. After Australian border formalities, allow extra time for baggage inspection and biosecurity—declare food, plant products, and outdoor equipment rather than risking a fine. If you are continuing into the city, the SkyBus to Southern Cross Station is straightforward, while a taxi or rideshare is more practical with luggage or a late arrival; otherwise, go directly to your accommodation and leave sightseeing for the following morning.