Thailand

Thailand is the destination that taught a generation of Indians to travel abroad — direct, cheap, visa-light, and endlessly forgiving of first-timers. Bangkok is a 4-hour flight from Delhi and 3.5 from Kolkata; the baht stretches further than almost any currency you'll use; and the country packs temples, street food, beaches, jungle, nightlife and world-class resorts into a space you can cross in a short-haul hop. The classic split is Bangkok plus one beach region — Phuket and the Andaman islands for honeymooners, Krabi for quieter coves, Koh Samui for the Gulf side, Chiang Mai for the cool northern hills. Five to seven nights is the sweet spot; ten if you want two beaches.

November to February is the cool, dry season and the best all-round window — comfortable in Bangkok, sunny on both coasts, and peak for a reason (book 60–90 days ahead over Christmas–New Year). March to May is the hot season, with April topping 40°C inland and the Songkran water festival mid-month. June to October is the southwest monsoon — afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain, lush green landscapes, and rates 30–50% lower. The two coasts run on opposite weather clocks: the Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) is best November–April, while the Gulf side (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) stays drier into June–September, so you can almost always find good beach weather somewhere.