Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani, known as the "Royal City of the Lotus," is Eastern Isan's largest city, but there is a positively provincial air about the place, especially at night, when, aside from the night markets, mostly quiet pervades. Although you'll find pockets of hipness and the occasional fusion restaurant, Ubon is nowhere near as lively as its neighbors of Surin or Udon Thani and doesn't have many sights to see. Ubon is, however, considered the gateway to the "Emerald Triangle," the verdant region where Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia meet.

Ubon was established on the bank of the Mun River in the late 18th century. Ubon is famous for its political heritage, musical performers, and moo yor (processed pork wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed), but is best known for its Candle Procession in late July. Candles are traditionally offered to monks at the start of Buddhist Lent, Kao Pansaa, and villages throughout the area compete to produce the finest float adorned with huge beeswax sculptures of Buddhist mythical figures and towering candles. The floats are paraded through the downtown area accompanied by musicians and local dancers. The festival is held over two days and is centered at Thung Sri Muang Park.