Product Description

Thailand was once an enigmatic paradise of pristine beaches, hidden temples and remote mountain refuges. Here's the secret: it can still be that way. Let Lonely Planet guide you past the world of the tourist brochures and into the true heart of the this glorious land.

• AUTHORITATIVE OPINION - incisive, candid reviews let you travel your way

• INSIDER'S PERSPECTIVE - from traveling with children to visiting tsunami-affected regions, our expert authors provide the definitive word

• THE WORLD'S BEST TRAVEL MAPS - meticulously checked and fully cross-referenced

• ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL BUDGETS - from sumptuous palace hotels to breezy beach bungalows

• EXTENSIVE LANGUAGE CHAPTER - you'll be ordering Singhas and chatting with locals in no time

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #136878 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 808 pages

From the Publisher
Who We Are
At Lonely Planet, we see our job as inspiring and enabling travellers to connect with the world for their own benefit and for the benefit of the world at large.

What We Do
* We offer travellers 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 travellers; leading debate and discussion about travel and the world.
* We tell it like it is without fear or favor in service of the travellers; 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

Strangely Annoyed
I have lots of guidebooks - and lots of Lonely Planets, for that matter. But despite the fact that they say they are for "independent travellers", I keep finding ridiculous reviews on restaurants and hotels, to the point where I've stopped using them.

The History, Snapshot, and similar sections are great, but if you have a brain of your own - use it. Forget their restaurant and hotel recommendations, as I'm not even sure they visit the places. Sometimes they have history or comments on places that is worthwhile to read, though. All tourbooks may have these drawbacks, to be fair.

Finally, I think I'm going to stop buying Lonely Planet's, though. First, they always act like driving is so scary everywhere, when it's actually quite easy to anyone with a brain. They also forget to give worthwhile tips on getting a car, etc. I imagine that this is their way of "saving the Earth". To a person who does care about the Earth, but doesn't believe that being a dirty hippie is going to save anything, this - and all their other BS trying to coerce their opinions onto you as fact - gets really freakin' old. Yes, yes, I know, LP is founded by some hippie freak from AUS or something - whooptie doo. That doesn't mean I have to pay some jerk who's going to push his politics on me, whether I agree with them or not.

Generally good, but could be better
I've used a lot of lonely planet guides in my travels, but I found this one a bit less useful than other LP country guides. It just seemed like the detail was missing, especially in regards to beaches and water activities. It almost seems like you need to buy this guide for 'most of Thailand' and then the seperate guide for beaches which is just asking too much. Could have more detail on major attractions like the Grand palace (how about a map?) and more detail on things like snorkelling / diving / surf spots on maps like they do for the Hawaii guide

Great Guide Book
I have read this booking and really love it, I am Thai citizen, but some part which Joe has written in the book is reflect the real thing, something which I never look down and realize (I think insider might see different from outsider). That's really true.