6-Day Leisure Bangkok and Bali Family Trip from New Delhi Before Christmas

Arrival from New Delhi

Take a morning nonstop from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK); the flight usually takes around 4–5 hours. After landing, allow 60–90 minutes for immigration, baggage collection, and a brief stop to obtain Thai baht or an eSIM. A pre-booked private van to an Asok hotel is the easiest option for six adults and luggage, taking roughly 35–60 minutes depending on traffic. Ask the driver to use the airport expressway and confirm that the vehicle has comfortable seating and space for bags.

Late Afternoon at Benjakitti Park

After checking in and resting, head to Benjakitti Park around 4:30–5:00pm by taxi or Grab; from Asok, it is only about 10–15 minutes, though traffic can slow the final approach. Spend about an hour on the level lakeside paths, enjoying the Bangkok skyline and cooler late-afternoon air. The park is generally open from early morning until around 9:00pm, and entry is free. Keep this gentle—there is no need to complete the whole loop, particularly after the flight.

Evening at Terminal 21 and Dinner

Continue by taxi or walk back toward Terminal 21 Asok, a very convenient shopping mall directly connected to the BTS Asok station and MRT Sukhumvit. Browse its playful, city-themed floors for roughly 1–1.5 hours; the accessible layout, seating, toilets, and family-friendly shops make it a good first-evening stop. Have dinner at Pier 21 Food Terminal on the fifth floor, where each person can choose inexpensive Thai dishes such as pad krapow, noodles, rice dishes, and mango sticky rice for approximately THB 150–300 per person. You will need to load a payment card at the counter before ordering, with any balance refunded afterward. Return to the Asok hotel early by foot or taxi, keeping the evening deliberately light so everyone can recover from the journey.

Morning

Start around 9:00am at Jim Thompson House Museum in Pathum Wan, a calm garden compound that feels far removed from Bangkok’s traffic. Allow about 1½ hours for the traditional teak houses, Thai art, and guided visit; the museum generally opens from 10:00am to 5:00pm, so arrive shortly after opening. From hotels around Siam, it is a short taxi or BTS ride to National Stadium, followed by a walk. The grounds are manageable for seniors, though some house sections involve steps; admission is roughly THB 200–300 for adults, with children’s pricing varying. Have a light drink at the on-site café before continuing.

Walk or take a short taxi to Siam Paragon, usually about 10–15 minutes depending on the entrance and traffic. Spend the late morning browsing the mall, then make SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World the main family stop—its aquariums, tunnel, and feeding displays are a good air-conditioned break for the 9-year-old. Set aside around two hours, and check the day’s show schedule online before visiting; combined tickets are commonly around THB 1,000–1,500 per adult, with discounts or separate child rates sometimes available. For lunch, use the extensive Gourmet Eats food hall downstairs, where everyone can choose easily without a formal, lengthy meal.

Afternoon and Evening

Keep the early afternoon deliberately slow at Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. Return by foot through the connected mall routes or take a very short taxi, then allow roughly two hours for lunch, a quiet café break, pool time if available to non-residents, or simply a nap in your rooms. Confirm pool access and any day-use arrangement in advance; otherwise treat this as a hotel-area rest stop rather than assuming full facility access. Around 4:00pm, continue by taxi or walk via the elevated walkways to CentralWorld in Ratchaprasong, allowing about two hours for shopping. The mall is generally open until around 10:00pm, and its large Christmas displays and open atrium make this a pleasant December stop without requiring much walking outdoors. Keep the group together near the central meeting points, since the mall is enormous.

For dinner, take a short taxi to Baan Langsuan on Langsuan Road, ideally reserving a table for seven. This is a comfortable choice for a relaxed Thai meal after shopping; expect approximately THB 700–1,500 per person depending on seafood and drinks. Order a few shared dishes—mild tom kha, grilled chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and rice—so the senior travelers and child can eat comfortably, and ask for reduced spice. Finish by 8:30–9:00pm rather than adding another attraction; taxis or Grab are easiest back to the hotel, while the BTS Chit Lom or Siam stations are useful if traffic is heavy.

Morning

Leave your Bangkok hotel around 7:30am by Grab or a pre-booked private van for Wat Pho in Rattanakosin; the ride may take 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Arriving early is worthwhile: the courtyards are cooler and less crowded, and the family can see the enormous Reclining Buddha before the tour groups arrive. Allow about 1½ hours, with comfortable shoes—the temple involves uneven paving and plenty of walking. Admission is approximately THB 300 per person; shoulders and knees should be covered.

Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride to The Grand Palace, allowing roughly 2 hours for the royal courtyards and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It usually opens from 8:30am to 4:30pm, with last entry earlier, but verify the official schedule before leaving. Strict clothing rules apply: no shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing, and avoid relying on rented wraps for the seniors’ comfort. A taxi or Grab from your hotel is easier than driving yourself, as parking around Rattanakosin is limited.

Lunch and transfer to Bali

By about 12:30pm, stroll down to The Deck by Arun Residence in Tha Tien for a relaxed riverside lunch and views across the Chao Phraya toward Wat Arun. Reserve ahead and request a shaded table; budget approximately THB 800–1,500 per person. Keep lunch to about an hour, then collect luggage and leave for Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) no later than 2:00pm for a late-afternoon nonstop flight. Allow at least 2½–3 hours at the airport for the drive, check-in, security, and international departure formalities—this is a day when a private van is much less stressful than arranging several taxis.

After landing at Denpasar–Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), allow for immigration, baggage, and exchanging or withdrawing Indonesian rupiah before meeting your pre-booked driver. The private van to Ubud generally takes 1½–2½ hours, depending heavily on evening traffic. Have the driver confirm the hotel address and avoid adding a dinner stop; the road journey can be tiring after the flight.

Evening

Check in at your Ubud hotel, keep the evening intentionally quiet, and eat a light meal at the property or order room service rather than heading back into town. Put swimwear and comfortable clothes aside for tomorrow, and let the boy and senior travelers rest after the travel day. Expect to reach the hotel in the evening; if the flight is delayed, notify the Ubud property and driver rather than trying to preserve the original schedule.

Morning

Start early at Campuhan Ridge Walk, ideally around 7:00am, before the sun becomes strong. Ask your driver to drop the group near the Warwick Ibah entrance; the walk begins with steps and a gentle uphill section, so take the shorter out-and-back route rather than attempting the full loop. Allow about 1½ hours, with water, hats, and good shoes. The ridge is free, but the initial descent and return climb can be tiring for the older travelers; one practical option is for them to walk only the first scenic section while the rest of the group continues a little farther. Return to the hotel for a proper breakfast and a relaxed shower before heading into central Ubud by car or on foot, depending on your accommodation.

Late morning, visit Ubud Palace, a compact royal compound in the center of town. Allow around 45 minutes and expect uneven paving with limited shade; entry is usually free during the daytime, though evening dance performances require a separate ticket. Continue a few minutes on foot to Saraswati Temple, where the lotus pond and carved entrance make a lovely, low-effort stop. Dress modestly—shoulders and knees should be covered—and use the provided sarong if requested. For lunch, settle into Clear Café on Jalan Hanoman, which has a broad menu, comfortable seating, and familiar choices for a child; budget roughly IDR 100,000–200,000 per adult.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend the afternoon at Ubud Market, allowing about 1½ hours for browsing woven bags, batik, carved souvenirs, and small gifts. Prices are negotiable, but keep the tone friendly and compare several stalls before buying; the market can be crowded and warm, so carry small Indonesian rupiah notes and keep valuables secure. This is a good point to stop rather than add another attraction: arrange a car back to the hotel around 3:00pm for several hours of pool time or a nap. For dinner, reserve Locavore NXT well in advance. Its modern Indonesian tasting menu is a special two-hour experience, generally around IDR 1,000,000–2,000,000 per person, and it is best suited to the adults; ask about a simpler arrangement for the 9-year-old when booking. Plan a private car or hotel-arranged transfer both ways, and confirm the menu, dietary requirements, and reservation deposit before going.

Morning

Leave Ubud around 8:00–8:30am in a spacious private van, allowing 1½–2½ hours to reach Nusa Dua; traffic can build quickly after 9:00am. A pre-booked driver is preferable for six adults, a child, and luggage, at roughly IDR 400,000–800,000. Ask the hotel to arrange an early luggage transfer or have the driver leave your bags with your Nusa Dua hotel if the room is not ready. Once settled, make the short drive to Waterblow, where a paved coastal viewpoint offers a quick, accessible look at waves surging dramatically against the rocks. Allow about 45 minutes, wear shoes with good grip, and stay behind the barriers—the spray can be surprisingly powerful.

Continue to Nusa Dua Beach for an unhurried late morning. The resort peninsula’s beach is calmer and tidier than many of Bali’s busier coastal areas, with shade, loungers, and easy access for the senior travelers. Spend about 1½ hours swimming, paddling, or simply relaxing while the boy plays near the shore; avoid the strongest midday sun and keep valuables close. Entry to the beach area is generally free, though loungers, towels, and water activities vary by resort.

Afternoon and evening

After a proper break at the hotel, wander through Bali Collection in the ITDC complex, about 10–15 minutes by local taxi or hotel shuttle from most Nusa Dua resorts. Give yourselves roughly 1½ hours for batik, handicrafts, resort-wear, and souvenirs, with an easy café stop rather than trying to cover every shop. Prices are more tourist-oriented here, so compare larger purchases and keep receipts; the complex is usually open from late morning into the evening. Return to the hotel afterward for a swim or a quiet rest before dinner—this gap is worthwhile after the transfer and beach heat.

For dinner, take a short taxi ride to Nusa Dua Beach Grill, a relaxed beachfront restaurant near Geger Beach known for seafood, grilled meats, pizzas, and a sandy, informal setting that works well for children. Reserve a table around sunset, since the best beachside spots fill up and the restaurant is not as convenient to reach on foot from every resort. Expect approximately IDR 250,000–500,000 per person before drinks; bring mosquito repellent and a light layer, as the sea breeze can become cool after dark.

Morning

Enjoy a final, unhurried visit to Geger Beach, ideally arriving around 7:30–8:00am while the sand is cooler and the water is generally calmer. The beach has relatively easy access compared with some of Bali’s more rugged coastal spots, and your 9-year-old can play at the edge of the water while the older travelers relax under a rented umbrella. Allow about 1½ hours, and avoid swimming far out if waves or currents look strong. Entry is usually free or subject to a small local parking fee; bring cash for chairs, drinks, and snacks. Return to the resort by private car—normally 10–15 minutes from most Nusa Dua hotels—so everyone has time to freshen up before the show.

Late Morning and Lunch

If the performance timing matches your flight, attend the Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre, a colorful 1½-hour production featuring Indonesian music, dance, costumes, acrobatics, and stage effects that work well for both children and adults. Check the exact December schedule and book seats in advance, as showtimes can vary; the theatre is generally a short drive from the resort area, and shaded seating plus air-conditioning make this an easy final cultural activity. Afterward, return to your resort for lunch rather than adding another stop. Use the midday pause to collect luggage, shower, settle bills, and let the seniors and child rest. A relaxed resort lunch typically costs around IDR 150,000–350,000 per person, depending on the hotel.

Afternoon and Departure

For Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), leave Nusa Dua approximately four hours before your international departure. The drive is often 30–45 minutes, but December holiday traffic can make it longer, particularly around Jimbaran, Kuta, and the airport approach roads, so keep the private van and request ample luggage space. At the airport, allow time for check-in, baggage drop, immigration, and security; international counters may close well before departure. Once airside, the family can buy water and snacks, but avoid planning a separate sightseeing stop. Continue onward from Ngurah Rai International Airport to New Delhi, keeping passports, Indonesian departure paperwork, and travel documents together for the group.