Product Description

A country where Buddhism meets hedonism, Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s busiest tourist destinations. While Full Moon partygoers dance all night in the south, serene Buddhas watch over high-powered shoppers in Bangkok, and the hill tribes of the north continue their age-old traditions. The guide offers a complete rundown of the many activities available to free-spirited travelers, including diving, rafting, riding, and therapies. Lively reviews detail Thailand’s bustling food, drink, and party scene. This essential guide includes maps and extensive transportation information to help navigate this sometimes formidable region.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1344506 in Books
• Published on: 2005-12-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 896 pages

Review
"Easy to use comprehensive guide to a formidable region. Intelligent, authoritative writing with a lightness of touch." Judges of Travelex Travel Writers' Awards "Painstakingly researched, comprehensive, well-written and, perhaps best of all, opinionated." Busines Traveller Asia-Pacific"

Customer Reviews

Superior to Lonely Planet guides.
I took this book with me on my trip to Thailand and I was glad I did. Its tone is much less that of the wannabe-hipster and more of the seasoned realist. To me, that was very fitting for this country in particular.

Much of the subjective criticism within the book was accurate and helpful, such as the honest appraisal of Chiang Mai's night bazaar. Even better were the excellent essays on a the dizzying array of Thai history and culture. They perfectly enhanced what I witnessed firsthand and were not overbearing; I never felt as though I was being spoonfed conclusions.

My only issue is with some of the things that were left out or glossed over. Two cases in point: A person should be aware that cons and criminal activity go on ALL OVER Bangkok. I caught a kid trying to pickpocket me on the Skytrain and it was not a pretty scene. That is a very serious crime and could have really ruined my trip -- so I think in any guide to Thailand this issue needs to be made crystal clear and more attention needs to be given to precautionary measures a traveller can take. Also, although this guide just tells you to casually "bargain" with vendors, one should be aware that the process is not always a smooth one no matter how polite or respectful you are. Most Thais that I encountered were surly when I started bargaining with them and acted quite rude. This is ofcourse all part of the give and take but it is not particularly a fun-filled experience as so many guidebooks would have you believe. You have to be really aggressive and yet finesse the deal, which most Americans are not comfortable doing in their own language much less Thai.