This charming city sits smack-dab in the middle of Thailand’s agricultural heartland. Built around a peaceful lake and park, Roi Et is watched over by the tranquil gaze of the world’s tallest blessing Buddha. This enormous figure is aptly situated in a city meaning “101,” which was likely created in remembrance of Roi Et’s former prosperity. Intense flooding has since destroyed much of the city and only one gate remains from the glory days. Today, Roi Et is still a beautiful and charming city, well off the beaten path, that produces some of the best jasmine rice in the world. Beyond rice, the city is a great place to taste sup nau mai (bamboo shoot curry), browse mudmee (tie-dyed silks) and khaens (Isaan panpipes), and visit impressive wats.