Kathmandu is all about ornate Buddhist shrines, a historic old town and world-class food, and it serves as the launchpad for legendary Himalayan treks. Ancient sites like Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath Stupa — also known as the Monkey Temple — and Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal, give the city an architectural density that takes days to absorb. For Indian travellers, there's the added draw of deep cultural familiarity: Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest Shiva shrines in the world, and the city celebrates Holi, Diwali and Dussehra with a fervour that rivals back home. No visa is required for Indian nationals, making Kathmandu one of the easiest international trips you can take.

Sri Lanka's largest city is often treated as a stopover, but Colombo deserves a proper visit in its own right. The city blends Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial heritage with tropical landscapes and a food scene that spans everything from street hoppers to high-end seafood. The Galle Face Green promenade, the floating market at Pettah and the Sri Kaileswaram Hindu Temple known for its vivid ceiling artwork are all within easy reach of each other. From Colombo it's also simple to branch out to the hill country, the Cultural Triangle or the beaches of the south coast, making it a natural base for a longer Sri Lanka trip.

Bangkok is one of those cities that has something for everyone The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Chinatown, the Chao Phraya riverfront and the Chatuchak Market are among the top draws, but the city also rewards those who wander — rooftop bars, canal-side cafes and night markets fill out the days between temples. Ancient heritage sits comfortably beside modern amenities, and traditional Thai cuisine offers a full sensory experience that keeps visitors coming back. Indians receive visa-on-arrival for stays of up to 60 days, and the Thai baht's favourable exchange rate makes the city feel excellent value.

The city offers iconic landmarks, world-class shopping and the best street food scene in Southeast Asia — with a Little India in Brickfields that feels immediately familiar. Beyond KL, Langkawi offers pristine beaches and a duty-free island experience, while Penang and Melaka showcase UNESCO heritage and vibrant street art — all reachable by budget flights or trains from the capital.

Vietnam's largest city is one of Southeast Asia's most energising destinations, and Indian travellers are discovering it in rapidly growing numbers. Ho Chi Minh City offers a compelling mix of history and modernity — visitors can explore landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the bustling Ben Thanh Market, all within a compact, walkable city centre. The street food scene is exceptional value, the coffee culture is one of the best in the world, and the nearby Mekong Delta makes for a superb day trip. From Ho Chi Minh City, it's also easy to visit the old war tunnels at Cu Chi, the river delta and beautiful beaches.