Rick Steves' Asia Through the Back Door [Paperback]

Rick Steves (Author), Bob Effertz (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: John Muir Pubns; 4 edition (July 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1562611097
• ISBN-13: 978-1562611095
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #647,307 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Rick Steve's out of date guidebook for Asia, March 26, 2000

By 

Crape Myrtle (Dallas TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rick Steves' Asia Through the Back Door (Paperback)

Similar to Europe through the Back Door, this is Rick's attempt for Asia. The book gives general advice for those who want to backpack through Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Japan, etc... The advice is very similar to those found in Rick's other books: wear a money belt, mix with the locals, don't expect 5 star cleanliness in a cheap hotel etc... The book is not bad, but it's main flaw is that it is dated material. I do like/trust Rick's opinions so I use it, along with other guidebooks, for travel ideas through Asia.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a Guide book, January 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Asia Through the Back Door (Paperback)

This book, while useful, is not a guidebook to Asia. Rather, it is a place to begin to explore before planning any trip. I found it useful when I planned my first bacpacking trip in Asia. Some useful tips on overseas travel, particularly in developing countries, and dealing with different cultures. This is a good place to start if you are considering backpacking abroad.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Lost Gem, November 21, 2011

By 

Brill (Valencia, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rick Steves' Asia Through the Back Door (Paperback)

I know this book has been out of print for years, and is thus somewhat "dated" as a guidebook...

...but I still love it.

Besides, like "EUROPE THROUGH THE BACK DOOR", this Asia counterpart is much more about the philosophy of travel than its practicalities. As such, it still has much to offer.

I read this book before my own months-long backpacking journey through Asia, and it really helped set the proper tone.

I only wish it were still in print. I met one of Rick Steves co-writers at a travel show some years ago, and asked him why it wasn't updated anymore. He suggested I email Rick himself and ask, so I did. To my surprise, I got a prompt reply explaining that Rick had decided to concentrate on European travel exclusively.

Still, if you like "EUROPE THROUGH THE BACK DOOR" - a book I reread every few years or so just for enjoyment - it's worth seeking out "ASIA THROUGH THE BACK DOOR".

A lost gem.