Chaiyaphum, Thailand

With a population of over 1.1 million, Chaiyaphum is no small town. The reality is that it's a sprawling province with a heavy bureaucratic footprint, as evidenced by the 106 subdistrict administrative organizations overseeing non-municipal areas. Beyond the paperwork headaches, the region's severe drought issues are a persistent concern, with the government proposing several new dams to address irrigation needs. That said, Chaiyaphum does offer natural splendor, from the Phetchabun mountain range to the numerous national parks and waterfalls. Overall, this is a destination better suited for those drawn to the great outdoors than big-city comforts.