Roi Et, Thailand

Capital City

With a population of just 35,219, Roi Et is a middle-sized market town masquerading as a city. The 101-meter observation tower may look charming, but the reality is a sleepy provincial backwater with a heavy bureaucracy and a punishing tropical climate. While the town has been inhabited for centuries, it remains a far cry from the vibrant metropolises of Bangkok or Phuket. Those seeking an authentic Thai experience may find Roi Et appealing, but anyone expecting the comforts of a major urban center will be sorely disappointed.