Chaiyaphum

Sitting at the western edge of Isan where the Khorat Plateau meets forested highlands, Chaiyaphum is one of Thailand's least-touristed provinces — and that's the appeal. The star attraction is Sai Thong National Park, famous for fields of wild Siam tulips (Dok Krachiao) that blanket the hillsides in pink and purple every June through August. Pa Hin Ngam National Park offers bizarre rock formations and more wildflower meadows, while Tat Ton National Park has a respectable waterfall and camping under the stars.

Chaiyaphum city is a quiet provincial capital with a well-regarded night market and the revered Phra That Chaiyaphum stupa. Head south to Ban Kwao village, the heartland of Thai silk weaving — families here produce mudmee (tie-dyed silk) on traditional looms, and you can buy directly from the weavers. The province also sits along the ancient Khmer trade routes, with small Angkorian-era ruins scattered through the countryside, most notably Prang Ku at Nong Bua Rawe.