Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Considered to be centrally located in Thailand, Chaiyaphum has an abundance of natural attractions and is famous for its beautiful flower fields, particularly the Krachiao Flower Blooming Festival during the months of June-July. Chaiyaphum's size, with majority of it being forests and mountains, ranks third in the region and eighth in the country. The town was founded by a group of Vientiane immigrants, led by Nai Lae, a nobleman, during the beginning of the Rattanakosin era over 2 centuries ago. Within a decade, King Rama III promoted Nai Lae to Phraya Phakdi Chumphon and made him the city's first lord. When the Lord of Vientiane led a rebellion against King Rama III in 1826, he helped Khunying Mo successfully defend Nakhon Ratchasima from the seige. Chaiyaphum is 342 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of 12,778 square kilometres. It consists of the following districts: Muang Chaiyaphum, Khon Sawan, Kaeng Khro, Ban Thaen, Phu Khieo, Kaset Sombun, Khon San, Nong Bua Daeng, Ban Khwao, Chaturat, Bamnet Narong, Thep Sathit, Nong Bua Rawe, Phakdi Chumphon, Noen Sanga and Sap Yai.