Phetchabun, Thailand

Capital City

With a population of just 22,121, Phetchabun is a sleepy provincial town, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Thailand's major cities. The Pa Sak River winds through the town's valley setting, but the surrounding Phetchabun Mountains provide little shelter from the relentless heat - temperatures can reach a scorching 37.2°C during the punishing dry season. Getting around also requires some effort, as the nearest airport is a full 29 kilometers away.

The bureaucratic headaches are a persistent reality for residents. Phetchabun was initially established by the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms, and the town's name literally translates to 'town that grows plenty of crops' - a nod to the province's fertile agricultural lands. However, this small-town charm and tranquility may only appeal to the most patient of expats, content to trade convenience for a slower pace of life.