I am based in Udon Thani has the delicious food and the shopping, named UD town.
Outside the area of next 45 kl is Nong Khai province It takes about 1 hours from me.
There is a market of Thailand, Laos you will see the Lao side of the Mekong River.
here and there is the beautiful temple. What's interesting is, Sala Kaew Ku
I recommend you take a look on the Web. Maybe you'll find something exotic than I am.