Lonely Planet Thailand (Country Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Thailand (Country Travel Guide)
By China Williams, Mark Beales, Tim Bewer, Catherine Bodry, Austin Bush, Brandon Presser
List Price: $26.99
Price: $17.81 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details


Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
77 new or used available from $12.91

Average customer review:
Product Description
Nobody knows Thailand like Lonely Planet. Our 13th edition will have you soaking up the sun on the island paradises of the south, trekking among the hill tribes and riding elephants in Chiang Mai, discovering the ancient temples of Sukhothai and snapping up bargains or being pampered in a spa in Bangkok.

Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.

In This Guide:

Detailed advice on everything from food & drink to transport & health
Special 'Thailand & You' chapter with tips on culture and etiquette
Extensive Deep South coverage eases your travels in the conflicted region

Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #16863 in Books
Published on: 2009-08-01
Original language: English
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
820 pages
Features
ISBN13: 9781741791570
Condition: New
Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Editorial Reviews
Review
For sheer global reach and dogged research, attention must be paid to Lonely Planet…' --Los Angeles Times, February 2, 2003
From the Publisher
Who We Are
At Lonely Planet, we see our job as inspiring and enabling travelers to connect with the world for their own benefit and for the benefit of the world at large.

What We Do
* We offer travelers the world's richest travel advice, informed by the collective wisdom of over 350 Lonely Planet authors living in 37 countries and fluent in 70 languages.
* We are relentless in finding the special, the unique and the different for travellers wherever they are.
* When we update our guidebooks, we check every listing, in person, every time.
* We always offer the trusted filter for those who are curious, open minded and independent.
* We challenge our growing community of travelers; leading debate and discussion about travel and the world.
* We tell it like it is without fear or favor in service of the travelers; not clouded by any other motive.

What We Believe
We believe that travel leads to a deeper cultural understanding and compassion and therefore a better world.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia with its virtually irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, the ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms, renowned hospitality, and robust cuisine. From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son to the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, from the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok to tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, the country offers something for every type of traveler.

The spirit that sets Thailand apart might be at least partially due to the fact that, unlike its neighbors, it has never been colonized by a foreign power. Despite periodic invasions by the Burmese and the Khmers, and a brief occupation by the Japanese in WWII, the kingdom has never been externally controlled long enough to dampen the Thais' individualism. Whether this was a simple historical accident or whether the structure of Thai society itself is responsible for resisting European colonization remains a burning debate topic among scholars.

Of course Thailand, like other Asian countries, has been influenced by contact with foreign cultures. However the never-changing character of Thai culture has remained dominant, even in modern city life. Often depicted as fun-loving, happy-go-lucky folk (which indeed they often are), the Thais are also proud and strong, and have struggled for centuries to preserve their independence of spirit.

Those interested in Thailand's culture and history can enjoy its lively arts scene and wander around the remains of ancient cities. Blessed with a hugely diverse terrain, Thailand offers much to the outdoors enthusiast as well, from trekking in the north's picturesque mountains to chilling out on one of the many exotic islands in the south.

Meanwhile in Bangkok, a city moving at a frenetic pace, travelers can ride long-tail boats along the myriad canals, visit magnificently ornate temples, join the crowd at a Thai boxing match or shop in one of the many markets. All travelers will appreciate its tradition of friendliness and hospitality to strangers, as well as one of the world's most exciting cuisines. For those seeking a learning experience, Thailand offers a plethora of opportunities to study Thai massage, boxing and cooking, and Buddhist meditation.

Travelling around in this tropical country is comfortable, down-to-earth and exceptionally good value. The extensive rail, bus and air networks makes every place that is worth visiting, easily accessible. Many people find that whatever time they plan for a Thailand trip seems to fall short, given the country's multifaceted culture and the numerous things to go and do or see.

Whether in the tranquility of a mountain-top temple, the curry-scented atmosphere of a riverside cafe, the raucous din of a festival procession, or in some other passing experience, somewhere, sometime, every visitor to Thailand intersects with a moment where the inexplicable heart of the Thai experience enters the soul. From that point onward, the most difficult part of being in the country is negotiating how much longer you can manage to stay, and how soon you will return.

Customer Reviews
First Choice IF you are going to Bangkok, Chang Mai or Rai
Of the four guides that I recently took with me to Thailand: Thomas Cook's, Let's Go, Rough Guide and Lonely Planet, Lonely Planet Thailand has a few areas that makes it a top contender.



Its `Bangkok' section is better organized than the other guides and its Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai coverage is superb. It has an excellent section titled, "Facts about Thailand", that introduces you to this exotic country and its section "Facts for Visitors" (Visas, money, health etc.) maybe the best out in a Thailand guide. The accommodations recommendations are reliable and normally good. Both accommodation and restaurant prices are given in Bahts (much better than Rough Guides 1-9 numbers), but because the guide is slightly dated (2003) the information is about three years old by now and you will have to adjust the prices by at least 20%.

Bangkok is a huge sprawling city, much like Los Angeles, and this guide logically separates the six regions within the city that you are most likely to visit. You will find the map, hotel and restaurant recommendations and sites closer together than Rough Guide, but neither guide makes it easy to navigate this concrete jungle.

The maps in Lonely Planet are plentiful but more difficult to decipher than in the Rough Guide's maps. Good, easy to use maps are critical, especially when you are trying to find a recommended restaurant while the 95 degree heat saps your patience, the traffic and noise assaults your senses and your frustration grows with this guide. Becuase of the tiny, small print, the small 1/3 page map that is designed to covers 5 square miles of Bangkok you turn the book 360 degrees and scream (don't work your voice will not be heard amongst the din). This is a important area that needs tweaking.

Rough Guide (see my review) does a much better job with restaurant recommendations than Lonely Planet. This guide will list a restaurant and write something banal about the place, like "has Thai food" and leave it at that - "duh". Occasionally, the guide sticks out its neck and says something risqué like; "has good food". Seldom, does the guide commend a dish to try. "Rough Guide" both tells you why they recommended the restaurant, i.e. "relaxed riverfront eatery under bamboo shelters... marinated pork or chicken", and often tells you what dish you should try, "the chef's signature green peppercorn sauce served with steak, chicken or duck." This is what good "guides" are supposed to do, guide you. Another area that needs tweaking.



If you are going to go to Bangkok, Chang Mai or Chang Rai then this guide would be my first choice. If you are going throughout Thailand and will not spend time in Bangkok then consider Rough Guide first. Finally, if you are going to do the sun and surf (Southern Thailand) and not go north of Bangkok then `Lonely Planet Thailand's Islands and Beaches' is the book to have (see my review).

Lonely Planet Thailand 12: Stick with the old edition
You've just finished your final morning of two weeks basking on the Perhentian Islands in northeast peninsular Malaysia, and you're ready for Thailand. You'll get to the border late afternoon, giving yourself enough time to cross at Sungai Kolok and get to the first provincial capital of Narathiwat before nightfall. You've heard the BBC, CNN and your Mum talk about the troubles in Thailand's far south, but you're confident that as long as you travel in daylight and sleep in the major centres you'll be fine. After all, you've got the latest edition (August 2007) of Lonely Planet's Thailand guidebook stuffed in your pack -- what could go wrong?... Buy Now!

Well, unfortunately a lot.

Despite having a swack of extra pages, overall Lonely Planet's 12th edition of its Thailand title succeeds only in delivering less than previous editions. While some sections, notably Chiang Mai province, have improved, other coverage drags down what should have been a far better title.

For starters, coverage of Thailand's strife-torn far south has been largely gutted. Maps of the provincial capitals have all been deleted and accommodation listings drastically cut, border-crossings are either vaguely treated or simply not mentioned. So there you are, in the very situation when you really need a guidebook -- crossing a border into an area known to have security concerns -- and the book is close to worthless. The coverage of this unstable region is far superior in Lonely Planet's previous edition, so if you're heading that way, be sure to pop into the library and photocopy the relevant sections, or refer to www.travelfish.org for maps and more detailed information. Of course it could be worse -- the recently released (June 2007) Footprint title, doesn't cover the region at all -- not even Songkhla province.

Compare this to Thailand 12's west coast border-crossing coverage: there's timetable information, costs and trip durations -- even notes on how many people a chartered boat will hold. Comparing these two sections, it's very difficult to take Lonely Planet's claim that "when we update our guidebooks, we check every listing, in person, every time" at face value.

Listings
Lonely Planet has a number of overlapping books, including "Bangkok" and "Thailand's Islands and Beaches". Both of these, will probably, I'd hope, have more comprehensive coverage than the respective sections in this new edition.

Bangkok's Khao San area has just six budget guesthouses -- all of which were in the previous edition. Other examples: Mae Nam beach, Ko Samui (three listings), Ban Tai and Ban Khai, Ko Pha Ngan (one listing). On the other hand, Chiang Mai (which unlike Bangkok and Southern Thailand doesn't have it's own title) has two dozen budget listings (admittedly for the entire city rather than just one area).

While you could argue that somewhere like Khao San Rd is self-explanatory, I think a few more recommendations -- especially from among the bevy of places that have opened since the last edition -- would have been good. Bangkok does do better on its flashpacker and mid-range scene and a new section for Ko Rattanakosin, including little-known gems like Ibrik, Chakrabongse Villas and Arun Residence stands out.

Likewise when you're talking about beach bungalows you could argue "they're all the same" but the fact is they're not, and you may find yourself more than a little disappointed being supplied with a single listing for Ban Tai and Ban Kai on Ko Pha Ngan -- an area with well over 50 places to choose from. Entire beaches, including one of the best on the island, entirely escape mention. On Thailand's west coast, Ko Phi Phi's coverage pointedly avoids mentioning any of the budget haunts on the east coast of the island and instead steers budgeteers to Ton Sai village and it's immediate surrounds -- arguably the least attractive part of the entire island and certainly not the place to go if you're looking for a quality budget bungalow. Many of Phi Phi's luxury places though -- including Zeavola (16,000 - 37,000B a night) -- do get a mention, which leads to my next point.

There is a detectable shift in the focus of the book, at least regarding accommodation, with more space seemingly given over to flashpacker and mid-range places. Seeing over half a page dedicated to "Samui's top five top-end resorts" may have the old backpacker stalwarts rolling over in their hammocks, but it's a valid reflection of a tourist scene that is attracting travellers, backpackers, flashpackers and top-end-resort layabouts -- unfortunately this title will struggle to satisfy them all.

It's not all bad though.



The coverage of Chiang Mai is about as comprehensive as a guide can be.

The accommodation listings are thorough and numerous. Likewise the food, entertainment and shopping sections are all done well. Filling out the package nicely are cut-out sections for pummeling and pampering, quirky sights and markets -- should keep the flashpackers and shoppers happy.

The northeast section is also very good. Big-ticket destinations here are covered just as well as the more obscure, lesser known haunts, there's plenty of maps and some encouraging pointers to homestays dotted through the region. A long, informative, boxed text detailing the Phi Ta Khon festival is included. If you're planning significant time in Isan with this title, you'll be well served.

Maps
Thailand 12 carries 150 maps -- including 17 pages dedicated to Bangkok.

Aside from the above mentioned shortcomings in the far south, the majority of spots you're likely to need a map for are covered. The colour, countrywide map is easy to read though oddly doesn't mark the border crossings.

Photos
Thailand's a photogenic country and the selection of photos does a good job of selling the Kingdom. A 16-page full colour insert on "Thailand's Natural Wonders" succinctly covers Thailand's environmental state of affairs.

I was surprised though to see a photo of the Tiger Temple placed atop a list of environmental volunteering opportunities -- while I assume the placement is incidental, it's unfortunate given the ongoing controversy regarding the conservation "value" of breeding tigers in a stone quarry as the Tiger Temple does.

Conclusion
So if you're going to Thailand, are not going to the far south and don't plan to cross any borders, how is the book? Well it depends.

If this is your first time to the Kingdom and you don't consider yourself to be too demanding when it comes to guidebooks, then you'll find Thailand 12 to be just a satisfactory buy. Likewise, if you're happy just to be pointed in the right direction, you'll probably find it to be ok.

On the other hand, if you're a bit more demanding and you like to have a good range of accommodation recommendations to choose from, then you'd be well advised to either stick with the previous edition or consider an alternative guidebook.

I'd like to thank Lonely Planet for their complimentary copy of the Thailand 12th edition and co-ordinating author China Williams who generously spent time answering questions about the title via email.

Don't plan your Thailand trip without this book...Buy Now!
For my first trip to Thailand 10 years ago, I purchased just about every guide book available. Only one book has stood the test of time - Lonely Planet Thailand. Over the years, I have picked up new editions as they have become available. From personal experience, I would argue that the quality of my trips has increased along with the quality each subsequent edition. As tourism, culture and economics in Thailand evolves, so too does Lonely Planet Thailand, keeping pace with changing social trends, places of interest, as well as places to avoid. All this, of course, in addition to the vast body of information critical to planning where to stay, what to eat and what to do while in-country. More than a strong recommendation, this book is a must-have for any traveller to Thailand.


Chiangmai Hotel Recommendation and List
Chiangrai Hotel Recommendation and List
Bangkok Hotel Recommendation and List
Phuket Hotel Recommendation and List
Central and North of Thailand Hotel Recommendation and List

Chiangmai, Chiang rai, Mae Hong Son, Pai , Nan, Sukhothai - Thailand:
Taxi, Tour services and Trip Advisor
Contact Person: Patrick 081 617 2116 (oversea call ++66 81 617 2116)
E-mail: neomart@gmail.com