Ubon Ratchatani

This major center of the Northeast has changed hands many times over the centuries and has the artifacts to prove it.
The Farmers’ CapitalUbon Ratchathani, population 92,000, is the main educational, financial and agricultural market center for eastern Isan, the dry and dusty farming region that makes up much of Thailand’s landmass. The area has changed hands over the centuries between prehistoric tribes, Cambodia (Khmer era), Laos and Siam, and the Ubon National Museum contains many treasures from all of these periods that are worth a look. There are also many temples worthy of note.
During the Vietnam War, Ubon was a major air base from which the US bombed Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, though there is little evidence of that now.
Silver and FabricsThe region’s close, cultural affiliation with Laos shows in Ubon’s production of fine silk fabrics and silver products. The fabrics, which make great wall hangings and tablecloths back home, are hand loomed in intricate patterns and many use secret dye recipes passed down through generations. The silver comes in various forms, though the local specialty is betel boxes for avid chewers of the mild intoxicant that is so popular among the older women of the region.
A Festival To Light the WayThough the Candle Festival is held in a few places in the country, Ubon does it best, as the town packs out and spirits run high. Beginning at the time of the Buddhist Rains Retreat in late July, when the monks traditionally give up wandering in favor of concentrated meditation. This five-day festival features parades, beauty contests and carved candles of every size and shape imaginable – both realistic and abstract.
Reference : http://www.circleofasia.com/Ubon-Ratchatani-Thailand.htm