Thailand Travel Guide
 Photos courtesy
of Loney Planet |
Thailand: Elephant races,
Buddhist faces, chill-out places
By Joe Cummings
Penguin Group, July 1999
price $34.95
Reviwed by Robert Sawatzky
Many travelers go to Thailand in search of food and beaches.
The Lonely Planet guide to Thailand delivers this and much more.
From the northern hill country near Chiang Mai, to the sleepy
southern fishing towns of Pattani, Joe Cummings' book has become
the "Bible" for what to see, eat and do. Thousands of tourists
and backpackers have used this guide since its first edition
in 1982.
What to see and do includes elephant racing and adventurous
mountain treks in the northern provinces, visiting the historical
parks, museums and palaces of central Thailand, snorkeling the
quiet coves of the southern Gulf islands, and chilling-out on
the white sand beaches along the Indian Ocean.
A good guidebook doesn't pass judgment on geography and culture.
This is where the Lonely Planet guide really succeeds. Whether
it's advice on avoiding being hustled in Bangkok, or a description
of the northern opium trade, the book doesn't inflate the dangers
of travel, nor does it reduce complex social issues to simple
trivia. Short articles on semi-contentious topics, like the
use of MSG in cooking, provide just enough information to let
you decide for yourself.
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The book also serves up a satisfactory description of Thailand's
world-renowned cuisine. From cheap fare at noodle shops to chic
Bangkok cafes, you'll get a basic summary of the spices used--like
garlic, coconut milk, limes and little chilies that translate
literally to "mouse-shit peppers". Helpful hints are included
that can avoid potential embarrassment, like remembering to
eat Thai food with hands and forks (not chopsticks!). A short
glossary outlines names of the main foods and dishes.
If you want to pick up some of the language while you're in
Thailand, Lonely Planet won't give you more than the bare basics.
Those planning to stay longer than a month will probably need
something more comprehensive.
Lonely Planet guides are usually pretty good at updating information
about hotels, prices, etc. But if you have doubts about the
information, get yourself to an Internet Cafe and check the
Lonely Planet upgrades at www.lonelyplanet.com/upgrades. But
this guide should serve you well overall. Happy travels.
Buy the Book! Lonely Planet:
Thailand Travel Guide
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