Thailand

Thailand is the most popular first international holiday for travellers from Hyderabad, and it is easy to see why. Direct flights take under four hours, Indian food is easy to find, and in a week you can combine golden temples, a lively beach town and some of the most beautiful islands in Asia. The classic circuit starts on the coast at Pattaya, with a speedboat to Coral Island (Koh Larn) for clear water, parasailing and sea walking, and evenings at Walking Street, the Alcazar cabaret or the Sanctuary of Truth.

Bangkok comes next, with the gilded spires of the Grand Palace, the giant reclining Buddha at Wat Pho and the riverside towers of Wat Arun, followed by an evening cruise on the Chao Phraya. Shopping is a sport here: Pratunam and Platinum for budget clothing, MBK for gadgets, the giant ICONSIAM mall on the river and the Chatuchak weekend market. From Bangkok a short domestic flight takes you south to Phuket, where a full-day speedboat trip covers the Phi Phi Islands, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and snorkelling stops.

If you prefer a slower, beach-only trip, our Phuket and Krabi honeymoon swaps the cities for Phang Nga Bay's limestone towers, James Bond Island and Railay's cliffs. The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit, especially for the islands, and the warm, friendly service and good-value hotels make Thailand work equally well for families, groups of friends and couples. Indian vegetarian food is easy to find at every stop on the route.