Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani, in Thailand's north-eastern region, also known as Isaan, draws only a fraction of the tourists that pour into other parts of the country, but it has some great attractions, a famously intense cuisine, and Lao-speaking people who haven't been hardened by mainstream tourism.

This laid-back city along the Moon River has many attractive temples, including Wat Nong Bua with its sparkling white-and-gold replica of the pagoda that marks the site in India where the Buddha is believed to have been enlightened more than 2,500 years ago. A tuk tuk or samlor (three-wheeled bicycle with a seat in back) ride is a fun way to tour the temples.