Customer Reviews

Thailand Handbook (Thailand Handbook, 2nd ed)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

From one that has travelled throughout the Kingdom over the past decade; this new kid on the block handbook is the most deeply researched and detailed look at the magic kingdom of several other guides previously used. The historical background, and articulate area descriptions are unrivaled. The Thailand Handbook is the essential travel document for the moderate income traveller who actually enjoys getting out among the people of Thailand, and off dreadful Khao San Rd. I strongly recommend this book to anyone on a budget of over 40 dollars a day in Thailand. If not, one should really go with one of the other "backpack" guides. The LP guide usually has a more extensive selection of low cost accomodations and cheap food in the high concentration seedier tourist areas. Above all, just get out there and enjoy the real Thailand as it's described in Parkes book.

I owned several guidebooks while living in Thailand and used them extensively while traveling throughout the kingdom. The LP guidebook is updated every year which made it excellent for the nitty-gritty of travel. On the downside of the LP, EVERYONE is carrying it over there. I found myself following hordes of backpackers from the train station to every guesthouse listed in The Bible. I began to notice travelers unwittingly conversing in "lonelyplanetspeak"--qouting directly from lp guide. Moon Publication's guidebook provided me with out of the way places to stay and eat as well as a different point of view--off the beaten track, but not in a ditch. Carl Parkes has a great sense of both humor and adventure. I found him to be a much more enjoyable travel companion than that other guy.

The Thailand Handbook gives you valuable background information on the culture and history of Thailand. As far as places to go are concerned, it is refreshing to see a guidebook that covers not only the major attractions but also the attractions of smaller towns you might pass through on your journey.

I used this Handbook last year having perused the Rough Guide and LP Guides extensively. This was the one I packed for the trip to the north, the northeast, BKK, and a couple of side trips to Ratchaburi and Ayudaya. Great guide. Subtly written and informative.

I, too, am troubled the lack of a new edition, and I don't see indications on the Moon website that another is coming soon. It's been nearly six years. I'll buy the new one...I'd even pay twice and throw in an order of gai yang!

Having travelled a lot in Thailand, and owning just about every guidebook, this one is clearly the best. In depth, accurate, intelligent, comprehensive, and amusingly written with a touch of sarcasm. Only problem is that it is somewhat out of date. I am anxiously awaiting a new edition. This is still a most valuable addition to one's references on travel to the Kingdom.

same as below, it is now 2004 and things have changed in thailand, I am ready for another trip this year and need a guide book, lonely planet doesnt do the trick

The 1999 Edition was great for the first couple of years, but it is time for a new one now. This one is now antiquated. It's been 4 years now and we would like the 4th Edition ASAP. Let's go Carl and don't let the JV book take away all the light from the Varsity team's book !

I strongly recommend this travel guide over several that I have read in the past. It covers everything (including beautiful Krabi area in depth) in a very scholarly and thoughtful view of this kind nation. The volume covers Thailand's fabulous extremes from misty blue mountains to the north to the pure tropical paradises of southern Thailand. The islands of the south are unrivaled by anything I have ever seen in the Caribbean! Mr Parkes tells it like is is without the tedious condescending environmental agenda that is the hallmark of the other leading guide. The information in here is easy to access and very up to date. I have used it exclusively in my recent SE Asia travels.

Of the major travel guides for independent travelers in Thailand, this is by far the weakest. Much of the information (accomodation, sites) was outdated by a couple years at release. The book's historical overview of Thailand is rather superficial and the country coverage is more spotty than its competitors. You're better off with the Lonely Planet Guide (which has slipped a bit in its last revision, but still a "5 star") and the Thailand installment in the "Handbook" series (also published as the "Footprint Guides"), which also is a "5 star".

I want a book for Thailand. I like Moon Handbooks, but 1999 just doesn't cut it. Sadly, I will likely get the LP giude.