Yasothon province
At one time a district of Ubon Ratchathani province, Yasothon gained provincial status in 1972 and is sleepy provincial backwater for 51 weeks of the year.
However during one week of the year, Yasothon city literally explodes with the annual rocket festival. A festival of high explosives, alcohol and non-stop partying -- Bun Bang Fai -- the Yasothon Rocket Festival attracts amateur rocket-engineers from all over northeast Thailand for a weekend of unadorned madness.
If you're anywhere in Thailand when the festival runs it is worth making your way to Yasothon -- this is a festival unlike any other you're likely to see -- anywhere.
The rest of the year, Yasothon hardly merits mention as a province to visit, but if you are anywhere hear it come Bun Bang Fai, don't miss it -- you'll never forgive yourself.
