Pakse, Laos

Capital City

The population of Pakse is a hefty 119,848, making it the largest city in southern Laos. However, don't be fooled - this former French outpost is no picturesque tropical paradise. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city's hospitals and international airport both recent constructions. And the climate is a sweaty, monsoon-soaked affair, with temperatures soaring before the rainy season hits.

Still, there's an allure to Pakse's bustling Laotian-Chinese culture, especially for those interested in the region's complex history. Visitors to the surrounding Champasak Province have surged from 113,684 in 2006 to 493,180 in 2013, so there's clearly appeal. But be prepared for an authentic, gritty Southeast Asian experience - this city is better suited to intrepid expats than those seeking a pampered life abroad.