Ubon Ratchathani
Lying on the banks of the Mun River, Ubon has a number of nice temples that are worth a visit, with the distinctive Wat Nong Bua being a particular highlight. The best time of year to visit is during July when the city holds its mesmerizing Candle Festival. Monks retreat to their temples for the three months prior to this and at the end of the period, there is a procession with giant candles to Thung Si Muang Park in the center of Ubon. It’s really cool to see and in October there is another festival this time involving boats with many candles on them.
Chanthaburi
The beautiful countryside and diverse landscapes surrounding Chanthaburi make this city a popular place to visit with nature lovers. From here it is possible to undertake treks to the lovely waterfalls and forests in its proximity and many people head to Namtokphlio National Park which has verdant fauna and flora and mountainous topography. The city is also a gateway for travelers heading to the stunning island of Koh Chang – one of the most beautiful in the whole of Thailand.
Nong Khai
Set on the banks of the Mekong River and with welcoming locals, a wide array of interesting local festivals and its own cultural identity; it’s the perfect place to learn about another side of Thailand. The most famous attraction is Sala Kaew Ku – an incredible sculpture park that has huge statues of Buddha, Vishnu and Shiva contained within its confines. With great views out over the river and the usual stunning temples to boot; Nong Khai is a picturesque and peaceful place to visit – apart from during the festivals.
Surat Thani
Lying on the coast facing the Gulf of Thailand, many visitors travel to Surat Thani to get to the beautiful islands that lie not far away. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao are the most popular places to head to while Ang Thong National Marine Park is another great destination. While these places are the primary reason that people visit Surat Thani, its numerous bustling night markets and authentic feel make it a great place to stop off before venturing onwards to more touristic destinations.
Nakhon Ratchasima
Commonly referred to as Korat, this large and lively city has expansive markets and street stalls to wander around yet little in the way of actual tourist attractions. Consequently, many visitors to the city use it as a base from which to explore sights such as the nearby Khao Yai National Park. Home to Asian elephants, monitor lizards, gibbons and more, the stunning scenery and extensive hiking trails are delightful and this alone makes Korat worth a visit. The nearby Phimai ruins (reminiscent of Angkor Wat) are also magnificent and in the city itself, the beautiful Wat Phra Narai Maharat is one of the more popular places to visit.
Hua Hin
Formerly little more than just a fishing village, Hua Hin became the first beach resort in Thailand when King Rama VII began using it as a royal getaway in the 1920s. Over the years it has blossomed into a city by the sand and many Bangkok residents flock here to spend the weekend enjoying its golf courses, water parks and numerous day trips. Hua Hin is a relaxing place to spend some time and there are a number of nice waterfalls and caves nearby that are worth exploring. Not far away to is Khao Takiab hill which has a great view over the city as well as beautiful temples and shrines for visitors to revel in. Perfect to watch the sun go down.