At first glance, Bangkok may seem like little more than temples and cheap shopping, but look beyond the mainstream and it packs plenty of surprises. A tour of the Grand Palace is the top draw, best followed by a cruise on the Chao Phraya River, a shopping spree on Khao San Road and a morning adventure at one of the floating markets. For a real feel of Bangkok culture, catch the Siam BTS station at 6 pm, watch a Muay Thai fight, and visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, the National Museum or the Bangkok Corrections Museum. You can also venture out to pristine islands like Ko Pha Ngan or Ko Samui after a day or two in the city — but Bangkok alone has more than enough to keep you busy.

There is a reason Singapore remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From architectural marvels to luxurious shopping, scenic spots, lively nightlife and gourmet cuisine, the Garden City has everything you need for a short break. Begin with the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Gardens by the Bay, then spend an evening at a rooftop bar to take in the stunning skyline at sundown. Singapore is also a foodie's paradise; chicken rice, kaya toast, chilli crab and nasi biryani are all must-tries. Travelling with family? Universal Studios, Singapore Zoo, SEA Aquarium and the Singapore Flyer make it just as rewarding for kids.

Ho Chi Minh City is a city that moves fast, and that energy is utterly infectious. Begin with the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels for a powerful glimpse into Vietnam's history, then balance it out with a stroll through the French colonial quarter around Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Ben Thanh Market, the city's beating commercial heart, is perfect for picking up Vietnamese coffee, lacquerware and street food at bargain prices, especially if you enjoy a good haggle. Speaking of food, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best spots: pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls and the local favourite com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) are all unmissable. Come evening, the rooftop bars along Bui Vien Street and the Nguyen Hue walking boulevard come alive, offering a contrast between neon-lit nightlife and quiet riverside charm. Fast-paced and layered with history, Ho Chi Minh City makes for an energising contrast to Hyderabad's more leisurely rhythm.

With its opulent architecture and laid-back pace of life, Puducherry has a seductive vibe that will make you want to return every chance you get. The city is best known for its French-styled villas adorned with bougainvillea and its Franco-Tamil fusion food. For adrenalin seekers, there is surfing and scuba diving in the Bay of Bengal. It is also an excellent shopping destination — pick up textiles, handicrafts and leather goods, and be sure to visit the flagship store of homegrown brand Hidesign. You can also find spiritual solace at the city's magnificent churches and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. From rooftop restaurants serving exotic breakfast pancakes to fresh seafood and South Indian thalis, Puducherry delivers well on the food front too.

No list of getaways from Hyderabad would be complete without Goa. Because there is simply so much to do, planning your itinerary in advance is a good idea for a long weekend trip. Beyond the beaches, cold beers and late-night parties, Goa has some genuinely memorable experiences on offer — chief among them, spotting dolphins in the ocean on a boat excursion. The opulent churches and colonial architecture are another highlight; ditch the sunbathing for a morning and explore the marvellous heritage buildings instead. If you enjoy haggling, Goa's markets make for a rewarding shopping experience too. The hip, relaxed energy of Goa makes it an extremely refreshing contrast to Hyderabad.

Nestled in the foothills of the Aravalli range, Udaipur is one of India's most beloved tourist destinations. With its rich royal heritage and beautiful lakes, it shares some character with Hyderabad while offering an entirely different holiday experience. Highlights include the City Palace, the crystal gallery, the vintage car museum and a boat ride to Jag Mandir on Lake Pichola. In the evening, catch the light and sound show at the City Palace, then head to Fateh Sagar Lake for hot momos and cold coffee from the roadside stalls. If time allows, the hilltop fort on the outskirts is well worth the trip. Udaipur is ideal for a 2-3 day long weekend break.