Customer Reviews

Lonely Planet Thailand (8th ed)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This guide--like previous Lonely Planet guides to Thailand--offers the full range of Thailand to the potential tourist. Indeed the famous R&R resort city of Pattaya receives only 12 pages, but the fact that one-third of visitors to Thailand go there anyway means that the glitzy notoriety of Pattaya's "entertainments" are probably already well-known enough abroad.

Cummings' book is directed to a different audience. For those who do not wish to read about the political or social problems involved with certain kinds of (shall I say "predatory"?) tourism, there are other guides to Thailand. But for those who have traveled to Thailand and elsewhere before with Lonely Planet guide in hand and have appreciated the careful attention these book pay to parts of the country and aspects of the culture that might otherwise be missed, we can rejoice that Cummings has spent many, many pages turning our eyes toward the beautiful yet neglected or underappreciated parts of Thailand, all the while reminding us of the potential for abuse that is may be latent in even the gentlest of tourists.

Cummings book is simply not designed for the tourist who deplanes in Bangkok already drooling after the "delights" available in some neon-illuminated corners of this othewise beautiful, hospitable country filled with many, many thoughtful, kind, and decent people. Those tourists who would dismiss Cummings' commentary generally don't need a guidebook anyway. For them, everything they want out of Thailand will be offered in all its sleazy glory as soon as the touts see the glint in their eyes and their tongues hanging out.

The third copy I have purchased of Cummings' thoughtful book will be in my hand this January when I get to Thailand. Previous editions have guided me and my family on the most memorable (and inexpensive) trips we have ever taken. This book makes it possible to enjoy Thailand with a fullness and richness that other guides can't match.

Re: other reviewers' comments on Pattaya: Thanks, Joe, for NOT dwelling on that tourist trap. ANY OTHER brochure, website, or travel agent offers equal information. Lonely Planet's info given is more than plenty to fully enjoy R&R in Pattaya.

If you want to venture to the true beauty of Thailand, true land of smiles, than use LP as a terrific reference. If you want someone else to plan your whole trip and be part of a tour group, then call a travel agent or buy the "other" books.

Re: 7th edition: "Loi Krathong" (Festival of Lights - last full moon in November) needs more detailed information for more cities in Thailand and the festival itself. For me, this was THE festival of the year - great to observe pre-celebration, too. The flowers, floats, parades, food, atmosphere... This was one of my highlights of the trip. (We spent pre-festivities in Bangkok; actual festival in Ayuthaya). Joe only briefly mentions that it's "best to celebrate in the North." Don't let this discourage you from celebrating it elsewhere in Thailand.

Having traveled with various guide books, nothing so far beats the Lonely Planet guide books. But you must keep in mind as a user - all recommendations are merely recommendations. Investigate comments, take in the facts. (The comments are usually funny and helpful anyway). The cultural background information, history, and other side notes help make the difference to buy Lonely Planet instead of the others. Joe Cummings' LP books on Thailand, Bangkok & the phrasebook were superb. I liked his insight. LP helps you be a traveler, not just a tourist. (Other LP books used: Israel, Turkey, Greece, Western Europe, Baltics, Asia, and Hong Kong. They've all been worth their weight and size). If you can take your own luggage off the baggage carousel, you must use Lonely Planet.

I have just returned from a trip to Thailand, where this Lonely Planet has served me extremely well in creating a fascinating trip. Unlike other Lonely Planet guides, this one seems to go above the level of catering backpackers alone. The information provided will help all travellers, from those who seek to taste each and every experience the hard way, to those who look for a remote control like excursion.

Helpful information on places to stay and places to eat proved to be extremely accurate, which is quite a surprise for any guide book (I'm used to paying more and receiving less than the guide says).

The book has its down sides, though. By trying to be thorough and guide the reader through all the important sites, it fails to give the necessery weight to places of less importance but more charm. If we take Bangkok, for example, it seemed to me too much space was dedicated to the temples, with which I soon grew bored, while other charming venues were neglected.

However, the book's attractiveness comes mainly from the fact it is quite obvious the author is in love with the items he writes about. This love gives the reader a personal angle when reading the book, and it is this love that makes this book your best guide to Thailand.

Lonely Planet's Thailand text is as good as any, and in many ways stands out from the majority of other travel publications on Thailand. Cummings' environmental advice and recommendations come as a breath of fresh air in this world of selfish package tourism that we live in. To criticise him for shining light on important social, political and economic issues relevant to Thailand is both irresponsible and ridiculous. I don't know what kind of world the reader from Japan lives in but in mine these issues are extremely important. It is attitudes like the one contained in this person's commentary that have resulted in much of the abuse of Thailand's natural environment that has occured in recent years (ie. the ruin of Ko Phi Phi). Buy this book and go to Thailand informed. Cummings' work has nothing to do with political correctness and everything to do with awareness. The simple fact is that if every traveller to Thailand carried this book the country would be a more enjoyable place to visit. Wake up.

Couldn't have been better. I use Lonely Planet books as a loose guide to give me background information as a base for myself to build upon. I don't follow it like a bible, because then one is not being as spontaneous, curious, or as individualistic as they perhaps should be when traveling abroad. This Lonely Planet edition for Thailand had accurate information on accomadation, pricing, culture, food, language, religion, and historical background. Great "atmosphere" descriptions. The maps of the cities and towns were very helpful. I think the author Joe Cummings, did an excellent job as well as those who assisted. (Avoid tourist-trap, phony areas that are fake, and want your Baht.) It took me six years to return to Thailand, my favorite country in the world. How could I have taken so long? I will not make this mistake again. Best people, food, and culture in the world in my opinion.

Of all the guides out there this is the one to get. Yes, they get a little preachy but nothing over the top (ala Blue Guide) and I always find the history, food, culture and dangers/annoyances sections a help - or at least decent reading on the plane. The cost info./ hotel recommendations are great, hit all budget levels and the directions are usually right on. I can't believe Fodor's is still in business.

PS: I would pass on the phrase book. (or buy a used copy once you are there.)

I thought this book was excellent. I liked the way I could locate districts in Bangkok, and I did value the cultural background. It was also street savy. One day I was approached by a scam artist and he presented the exact jewelry con that was detailed in the book. I highly reccomend it. Much better than Fodor's.

I went to Thailand accompanied with the Lonely Planet book, and everywhere I went, I found people carrying the same book--sometimes in different languages.

If you want to take the road MOST travelled, then buy this book and go to all the restaurants and hotels they recommend. If you only want to see other "Lonely Planet people", then this is the book for you.

I was so frustrated, I stopped reading the book 5 days into the trip and started using common sense. In such a friendly country, common sense is more than u need!

This is in response to readers who complained about only 12 pages being devoted to Pattaya, and wanted more. We don't need more information on Pattaya. I've been to Pattaya several times and love the place. It is a small, yet significant part of Thailand. Pattaya is a tourist area that has plenty of info. on the Web, and in its many "cheezy tourist brochures." Many establishments change management and names frequently there as well. Pattaya is a no-brainer. It is typically for the shallow, culturally repugnant people who need "luxury" hotels and horrible western food. Most of the Thai food there was fake and overpriced, like everything else in the tourist vicinity. LP is for those who want to learn, yes learn, something about the culture, people, and nation in which they are traveling. Don't get me wrong I love Pattaya, but we didn't need more info. on in it in this edition of Lonely Planet. Great Book.

Having this guide book on hand was like having my own personal guide. I especially liked the tips on what NOT to do and say in this magical land of smiles. Thailand, as friendly as this country may be, has ancient customs that should be respected be visitors at all times. I'm glad I knew ahead of time what was expected of me. Don't leave home without it. Joy Loverde is the best selling author of The Complete Eldercare Planner: Where to Start, Questions to Ask, How to Find Help (Times Books)