Book Description
You've met the perfect Thai woman. You're dizzy with joy as her exotic world swirls around you. You've heard so many horror stories, but your heart tells you that she's for real. You want to understand her mysterious ways, and you wish she could understand yours. Now, there's help. Thailand Fever is an astonishing, one-of-a-kind, bilingual expose of the cultural secrets that are the key to a smooth Thai-Western relationship.
Whether you met in a bar, in a university, or at work, and whether you met last night or decades ago, Thailand Fever covers your issues:
* Trusting Each Other * Sex * It's My Money! * The Parents * The Dowry * Privacy * Independence * Saving Face * Living in "Paradise"
Thailand Fever is the must-have relationship guidebook which lets each of you finally express complex issues by just pointing across the page! Everything in the book is in both Thai and English on facing pages. Thailand Fever teaches each of you about your loved one's values and culture.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent.......2007-09-15
This book is informative on a number of different levels. It helps to identify key differences between the Thai culture and western culture, and gives you the information you need to speak with your significant other about on these differences. My fiancee and I wrote and talked for months before reading this book. I could not figure out why she did not have an opinion on many things I thought were important, and kept saying "up to you". The answer to why she said this so often alone was worth the price of the book, but it gave me many more answers, and an understanding of the Thai culture you only start to glimpse if you read the internet. My fiancee also read the book (in both Thai and English), and said it gave her a much better understanding of some of the things I did where she thought I was being rude or pushy. If you have a significant other who is Thai, BOTH of you should READ THIS BOOK! It will save you hours of frustration, and give you an understanding and a basis of discussion you may never arrive at otherwise. The Thai culture is WAY different than Western culture, and their culture deserves understanding at the very least, and respect for many of their customs. They have a way of dealing with people that I personally find refreshing.
On the down side, I thought the Western lifestyle was a bit too generalized, but it did give the basics for understanding so you could talk with your significant other about those differences. It also assumes that your significant other is in the Thai sex industry, which is not the case with me. It does not really discuss how Thai people deal with that industry, nor how a different background might mean different rules apply. However, again, it provides you an excellent foundation for understanding and discussion, which is about all a book can do.
If you are reading this, then I wish you luck on the journey you are about to undertake. With patience and understanding, you will be rewarded with a wonderful, smart, funny and warm companion who would give their life to you. The key is patience and understanding, and this book goes a long way towards starting that process. Read it! Highly recommended, from both the Thai and Western points of view.
The "bible' for Thai-Farang relationships.......2007-05-12
I bought this for a friend of mine. He was having trouble understanding why his Thai girlfriend brought him to her mom's house. Why did she start asking him for money and then turning around and giving it to her mom?
Here, in this book,are the answers. This very well written book is uniquely written so that the left hand page is in English for the guy and the right hand page is in Thai for the girl.
This should be mandatory reading for any Thai-Farang couple.
Very well done.
Culture Gap - Explains the differences........2007-03-10
Well written and organized.
Would recommend to anyone that wants to gain better understanding of Thai culture and how it may affect relationships with Thai women.
I can not comment on the imbedded Thai version, since unable to read.
Get an insider's view.......2007-01-28
I read this book in 2 days. I recommend this book for any Western man who is dating or courting a Thai woman. I was ignorant to many Thai ways. This book is Heaven-sent as it is easy to read and understand and cleared up a lot of misunderstandings I had previously.
For example: Many guys told me that Thai women lie and to get used to it. I had a negative view of this. But the truth is that Thai culture is non-confrontational and that it saves face of everyone involved. In order to avoid anyone being embarrassed or degraded, Thai people may at times stretch the truth or speak something other than the blatant truth. This is not meant maliciously, but as a Westerner it may be hard to understand, especially if you are from a culture that prides itself from boldness, bluntness and outspokeness.
Because of my German heritage, I was taught to be blunt and not to beat around the bush. I was taught that this was a sign of respect towards others. I learned that in Thai culture this is a sign of DISREPSECT. It is often to save face and to avoid confrontation in Thailand.
Also the issue with the dowry bride price bothered me until I read this book. I felt uncomfortable with the idea of paying for a woman to marry her. But since reading this book, I realized that Thai culture expects men to pay a dowry as a symbol of love, respect, appreciation and gratitude to the wife's parents for raising and caring for her.
Not every family will require a dowry, so each situation is different.
It is also a sign of readiness to support the future wife. In the West we are taught that love is seperate from money, but in other cultures money may represent a symbol of love. This way of thinking is very different from what I was taught in the West, but it did help me to be more open minded to other ways of thinking. It helped me to understand the deep feelings of Thai culture and to realize that it is not necessarily "gold digging" or "greediness" for a woman to ask for money or material things.
I also understood why a woman may feel depressed, sad, or angry if her boyfriend or husband does not give her material things. On the western point of view it may be seen as "buying" love, but the #1 value of Thai people is generosity. They base their self worth on how generous they are. Therefore, it is hard for them to understand if someone does not want to show generosity.
(Of course balance and communication along with compromise is best in any relationship no matter what cultures are involved. Letting your girlfriend/wife and her family know what you can reasonably afford to help with is almost always going to avoid problems. Letting them know that your heart is true and genuine can often make life a lot easier.)
Although each Thai-Western relationship will differ, I will recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand his Thai girlfriend or wife and where she is coming from.
To my delight, the book is written in both Thai and English, so your
wife or girlfriend and her family can also read this to understand
you better.
Not every single thing in this book will apply to every single relationship, but it does give you something to work from if you are new to this all.
thailand fever.......2007-01-10
I found a lot of truths contained in this book,sure there are some things that i might not agree with but it is full of some useful information that i do agree with.
I wish i had read this book before i travelled to Thailand
Book 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
Customer Reviews:
Generally good, but could be better.......2007-03-29
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.......2007-01-24
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.
Excellent book - best Lonely Planet guide I ever had.......2006-12-23
I travel a lot and, as a consequence, i do purchase a lot of the guides by Lonely planet. That Thailand guide is an excellent guide that gives you info you are looking for, historical highlights, maps and short stories, and, is not 'dry' as other guides.
If you never had it and you are going to Thailand - get it - it is a must.
Outstanding for the first time visitor.......2006-11-28
I just returned from a month in Thailand and found the Lonely Planet Guide to be very impressive. Several things to remember is that:
a) if the publishing date is 2005 the content is probably several months to a year older.
b) if you have local friends and/or family the guide will still be useful but not nearly so compared to a traveler who is on their own. You might keep thinking why the guide doesn't cover something that your in country friend gives you great info or insight into. Relax, the LP guide, despite its heft can only provide so much info.
Comments on LPs logistics and highlights...
1) Logistics.
Negative. There wasn't a lot of coverage given on the new low fare airlines that are now available but this might be because these airlines did not exist in force when the research was done.
Positive. I traveled on local bus, long distance bus, train, taxi, moto-taxi, sky train, subway, regional airplane and even tuk-tuk. The guild had very precise information on how to get around locally and through out the country. This was probably the most helpful part of the book with information I was not able to find easily elsewhere. (Always keep in mind that prices and times will change though.)
Highlights.
Negatives. I could tell that the writers have a particular perspective on what is a highlight and what is not. They love the Wats or temples. I admit that many are incredible and worth the journey. But there are many, many, many of them. After seeing a few Wats, Wat fatigue set. The point is to keep your own interests in mind and not let the guide pick too much of what you decide to do.
Positives. I enjoyed many of the suggestions in the book including the cooking school in Kanchanaburi, walking the alleys of Chinatown in Bangkok, a particularly spectacular guest house in Koa Tao, etc.. My highlights were definitely not the guide's highlights but were found in the guide.
Thailand has a lot to see and the LP guide does an admirable job within the limits of the print format. Now get out there!
Good Guide!.......2006-09-29
Normally, I look at tour books for the following things:
1. If mentions restaurants then its touristized and Americanized food.
2. They steer you to expensive hotels and over prices places.
3. They are rarely updated.
Not this guide! This was really really helpful. I read most of the background and history. It was nice that they had Thai people on writing staff giving a local perspective. The recommendations were dead on for most part.
I liked the fact that they covered all of the regions of Thailand - its a huge, beautiful country.
Their helpful tips to avoid problems were dead on. I confirmed it with the locals while there. Khup un khap (Thanks in Thai)
Book Description
Imagine that on the eve of your upcoming trip to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, you are invited to a party. At this party are fifty guests, all of whom live in or have traveled extensively through these countries. Among this eclectic and well-versed group of connoisseurs are authors of acclaimed guidebooks, popular newspaper columnists and pioneering adventurers. As the evening passes, they tell you tales from their lives in these exotic places. They whisper the names of their favorite shops and restaurants; they divulge the secret hideaways where they sneak off to for an afternoon (or a weekend) to unwind. Some make you laugh out loud, and others mesmerize you with their poetry and lyricism. Some are intent on educating, while others just want to entertain. Their attitudes are as unique as their personalities, but they are united in one thing … their love of the region. If you can envision being welcomed at such a party, then you can envision the experience that this guidebook aspires to give you.
Customer Reviews:
Beyond the run-of-the-mill travel guides.......2007-03-01
When I read this book, I felt like someone was whispering secrets in my ear. Sure, you should bring along the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to give you directions to the closest bank, but is that trip to the bank the experience you will most fervently remember about your travels in Asia? I doubt it. You're likely to remember, however, "clambering over a dam" in Cambodia to find the lonely temple Ta Nei, or sitting at a table made from a tree trunk in Northern Laos eating "phar nam" (watercress salad) made by the daughter of the last king's personal chef. This book is for people anxious to go beyond the run-of-the-mill guidebook information. It's for people in search of the special experiences that make these countries so extraordinary. If you're that kind of traveler (or armchair traveler who simply likes good writing), then you should buy this book.
This is NOT a traditional guidebook.......2007-01-12
...although I happen to be packing it around with me on a 6-month trip. As I move from country to country, I discard my Lonely Planet or Rough Guide at the border, but even when my bag is bursting at the seams, I hold onto this book for the practical, personal recommendations and high caliber of writing, and for inspiration. Written by 50 different people who have lived or traveled extensively in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, the passion and enthusiasm they share for this fascinating region is contagious.
To put the book in its proper context (I'm paraphrasing here from the excellent foreword), the editor invites us to imagine attending a dinner party with a group of intrepid, experienced Asia-philes and whiling away an evening collecting their stories, insider tips, and invaluable advice. Such an invitation may not appeal to someone who is merely "doing Asia" and wants only a directory of services and costs. But readers who have lived in Asia (or would like to) will relish it, as will every traveler who dreams of having a knowledgeable friend in each of these countries. To Asia With Love is a wonderful resource and worthy travel companion, a journey to a land that unfolds itself "slowly-slowly". My only complaint is that I still want more....
Not Worth the $$.......2007-01-08
I bought this based on reviews that I read here on Amazon. The book jumps all over the place. One page you are in Northern Vietnam, then to Thailand then back in Vietnam on the next page. Information is poorly grouped togther. I got MUCH better information from the Rough Guides.
No help at all........2006-11-01
I also bought this book because of high praise here. After going through it several times, I am forced to conclude that it has been of no help at all in planning my visit to SE Asia.
A must have for your travel book library.......2006-08-07
As someone who's outgrown Lonely Planet and Let's Go guides, I found Fay's book to be an excellent guide for those looking for more in-depth perspective and history than simply finding a hostel or looking for the next watering hole. Pictures are gorgeous and one can easily tell a good deal of money went into the exquisite design. A great writer and guide, Kim is someone I wish I had along with me in my South East Asian travels!
Book Description
There's never been a better time to experience Thailand's world-class islands and beaches, pristine sands and crystal clear waters await. Expanded coverage on remote islands; new diving & other activities special chapter; indepth history, culture and food & drink chapters; more than 85 easy to use maps.
o EXPERT AUTHORS - providing the best insider tips and tricks
o UNBEATABLE ACCURACY - updated on the road, in person by regional experts
o THE WORLD'S BEST TRAVEL MAPS - more then 80 detailed maps inside
o NO GUESSWORK - opinionated reviews and inspiring highlights sections
Customer Reviews:
Awful.......2007-04-08
One of the worst guide books I have ever read Sparse inaccurate information. Even though published March 2004 tells readers a Tuk Tuk in Patong Beach costs 10 baht (it costs 150 baht!)Full of broad information obviously culled from other (older) guides, not learned by personal experience. Garbage. Don't waste your money.
Thailand Islands & Beaches.......2007-01-31
This book is particularly helpful as it contains many detailed maps. As well, the accomodation section is very useful for the traveler who does not have any set plans as it helps to show several different price ranges from budget to high end & includes phone numbers & websites of them frequently.
there are also tips for every type of traveler here in very detailed sections on every province in thailand. although it says islands & beaches there is a very good section on Bangkok city itself which is good as most people start & end up their Thailand vacation there anyway & spend some time in the city.
Lonely Planet is the best choice........2006-08-28
The Lonely Planet travel books are really the very best choice. This new edition of "Thailands Islands and Beaches" covers areas up to date after the tsunami. It is complete and informitive. I go to Thailand every year and always bring my Lonely Planet.
Amazon.com
This colorful and thoughtfully arranged guide provides easy access to Thai history and culture, religion and politics, music, sports, and festivals. From Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Phuket to Ko Samui, the many pleasures, diversions, sites, and activities are detailed in a conveniently usable format. Orchid parks and elephant training centers, wats and Buddhas, beaches, treks, museums, and rainforests--it's all there to peruse and choose. With lists of hotels and restaurants, information on shopping, whitewater rafting, golf, diving, Thai massage, and lots of maps and pictures, Dorling-Kindersley has put together a guide that's both practical and beautiful.
Book Description
Featuring the most interesting towns and villages in Thailand as well as major temples, town-by-town, with information on sights, markets, festivals and beaches-this is an invaluable resource for travelers.
Customer Reviews:
This is simply a gem.......2005-02-26
This is a good quality book, something you could open and open again.
Highly recommended!
Traveling To Thailand?.......2003-06-23
I found Eyewitness Travel Guide for Thailand very informative, and easy to read. It had tons of pictures, facts, FYIs, and did I mention pictures? Like Eyewitness I agree that a picture is worth a thousand words. I also bought Lonely Planet's Travel Guide for Thailand, but liked Eyewitness' much better. Lonely Planet's Travel Guide had a more standard layout for the abundant amount of facts, but was limited on the pictures. The phrase at the bottom of Eyewitness' book holds true, "The Guides That Show You What Others Only Tell You."
Out Of Date.......2002-12-17
This is a great book with beautiful pictures, maps and nice glossy color pages. The only problem being that it is out of date! Having said that, I would not recommend it for your guide book if travelling to Thailand. Wait for an updated issue.
I am well travelled in Thailand and some of the descriptions in the book make me feel like I was travelling in Thailand 20 years ago! Hope this helps...
Limited excellence.......2002-08-21
There are detailed graphics, maps, and explanations of cultural issues not found in other guide books. However, they exclude major attractions and maps and attractions can be severely inaccurate. It's good for preparing a trip, but it's too heavy and not helpful enough to bring with you.
Limited excellence.......2002-08-21
There are detailed graphics, maps, and explanations of cultural issues not found in other guide books. However, they exclude major attractions and maps and attractions can be severely inaccurate. It's good for preparing a trip, but it's too heavy and not helpful enough to bring with you.
Book Description
Take a dip in a seven-tiered waterfall, trek by elephant to remote hill-tribe villages, sip a lemongrass-and-chili martini at a hip Bangkok club, or cross into Cambodia to the mother of all temple complexes—Fodor's Thailand, 9th Edition offers all these experiences and more! Our local writers have traveled throughout this country to find the best hotels, restaurants, attractions and activities to prepare you for a journey of stunning variety. Before you leave for your trip be sure to pack your Fodor's guide to ensure you don't miss a thing.
The San Francisco Chronicle sums it up best —"Fodor's guides are saturated with information."
-New compact trim size make these guides even more portable
-Two-color interior design makes it easier to find the information you need
-Fodor's Choice Ratings flag must-see sights and hidden treasures
-Hotel and restaurant reviews cover all budgets
-Plus multi-day itineraries to help you build the right trip for you and/or your family
-----------------------------------
With Fodor’s you get much more than a guidebook–we make it easy for you to customize your dream vacation.
Visit
www.fodors.com to find up-to-date travel bargains, mini-guides to worldwide destinations, information on local festivals, dazzling drives, maps, vacation planning tips and much more!
And, for more insider secrets, visit “Travel Talk” and “Rants and Raves” online at
www.fodors.com/forums to get advice from other travelers like you.
Customer Reviews:
Great Purchase.......2007-09-09
Love the book. Very informative! Getting very excited for my trip to Thailand
Fodor's is TOPS!.......2006-08-11
My daughter & I are traveling to Thailand - and doing our own research. I have obtained many travel books - and Foder's is TOPS. It has so much more information - down to those small details that can make or break a trip. I will certainly travel with Fodor's on my next trip, too!
Book Description
Want more bang for your baht? This city won't disappoint. Forget the tourist-brochure Bangkok of sedate floating markets and sterile shopping malls - you're in for a wild ride. Bangkok is bursting at the seams with cosmopolitan cool and cultural prosperity: think uber-hip bars, scrumptious Thai cuisine, international fashion houses and stunning wats. This insider's guide is your ticket to the best that Bangkok has to offer.
LET THE EXPERTS DO THE WORK, with tips on the best shopping deals, hotels, and guesthouses and city tours.
BE TEMPTED by the world's tastiest food; we show you Bangkok's finest eating, from streetside stalls to top-class restaurants.
BEAT YOUR OWN PATH using our detailed maps and walking tours.
GET OUT OF TOWN and explore nearby beaches, a Unesco World Heritage site and glorious national parks.
SPEAK UP using our handy language guide, packed with useful phrases.
Customer Reviews:
Helped a lot during my trip to Bangkok.......2007-09-17
I took this book everywhere I went. It gives you a great perspective on the things you will find, things to look out for, and a great guide on how to get to the places you want to go.
I went on business to Bangkok, and during the 3 days that I had to go around, this book helped me find those things that mattered most.
I think it is a great read for anyone who is planning to go to amazing Bangkok and it is a must when travelling around in the city. Lonely Planet books are seriously great!
Still perhaps the best basic guidebook...........2007-01-18
As a frequent visitor to Thailand I recently used this latest guide for Bangkok from Joe Cummings (plus his assistants) and found it to be more than adequate. If anything, I would personally like more hotel recommendations for each area of this city, those one could call "a find". I found some on my own by walking the area I stayed in and moved to one of them as Joe was too kind in the description of hotel I first stayed in.
Be sure to call about open times for restaurants as two I went to were closed earlier than was given in the guide (no fault of Joe's I'm sure).
Good, but second best.......2005-03-18
I was fortunate enough to spend a month in Bangkok and bought both the Lonely Planet and the Moon Guides. I generally read both books before I went anywhere, so I can fairly compare them.
The Lonely Planet guide was always worth reading -- it often added something I didn't find in the Moon guide. The highly detailed map in the back of the book was also quite worthwhile. However, if I had to have just one book, it would have been the Moon guide by Carl Parkes.
Carl's explanations always seemed a little bit richer, and a little bit more in touch. His introduction to the Thai language left me much better equipped to try my hand, and his culture and language sections also stood out. The overall impression, true or not, is that Carl has a deeper understanding and familiarlity with the Thais and Bangkok than Joe. But to be fair, I was happy with both books, and happier still that I had brought both with me.
Its too bad that the Moon guide is harder to find than Lonely Planet's .... but I definitely recommend it.
Where would you buy it?.......2004-10-13
Amazon.com says this book will be published on March 2005. But try to go to Lonely Planet's online shop, then you can see that it has been published on Sep. 2004. Next, bn.com says it's been publised on March 2004. I don't know which is right. But I'm sure that this book came out already.
I gave 5 stars, however, because I knows LP is a great series at least.
A bit disappointing.......2003-09-11
Compared to LP London and LP Paris I read and have been early this year, I'm a bit disppointed with LP Bangkok. Although it has an amazing section on food/noodles, I'm rather disappointed that the book does not clearly direct and describe to readers how to get to the places/famous spots it suggested!!!! Also the book does not include a map on the Bangkok transit system - making public transit commuting difficult!!!
Book Description
Winner of the Lowell Thomas Award for Best Travel Book, this newly designed collection paints a unique portrait of a complex and captivating land. One contributor lives as a monk for a month, gaining an inside look at monastic life. Another discovers Bangkok’s riverine pleasures, a world away from its car-choked streets. Yet another finds refuge as the houseguest of an isolated tribesman. Through these engaging personal stories, readers witness how Thailand satisfies just about any traveler’s hunger for the exotic, the beautiful, the thrillingly different. Writers include Pico Iyer, Norman Lewis, Diane Summers, Simon Winchester, Ian Buruma, Thalia Zepatos, and Tim Ward. “The breadth and color of the collective portrait [the contributors] provide of Thailand is remarkable.” — Los Angeles Times
Customer Reviews:
Love this book.......2007-09-01
An antholgy of many writers. It is a wonderful view of a culture and a place that guide books just can't.
This book will be great if you are planning a trip, had a trip and want to relive the experince or just want to take a virtual trip.
Read it... Escape the routine!
Powerful stories of the essence of Thailand.......2007-08-20
The powerful stories and insights from these Traveler' Tales writers captures the essence of this beautiful country. To go to Thailand without the benefit of using this book would be a mistake. While writing my soon to be released memoir: A Broad Abroad in Thailand: An Expat's Misadventures in The Land of Smiles, I referred to the book many times for spellings of exotic foods and places. As I paged through it, I was again moved by the poetic prose of the writers, and found myself reading on and on.
In my book, my last chapter says it all: "I have smelled the sensuous aromas, eaten the exotic food and continue to be awestruck by the ever-evolving weather cycles of this incredible country. I have prayed in Buddhist temples. I have seen boisterous bar girls as they cavorted with the farangs, and watched as they knelt in prayer at the temple. I have witnessed young monks praying in the temples for hours and have observed them laughing and watching TV as playful as young boys in the park.
Lord Buddha most assuredly blessed this beautiful and peaceful country. I believe that the uncomplaining Buddhist tolerance shapes both the lives of the people and the society of Thailand, and cannot help but touch the lives of foreigners who go there seeking asylum for their soul from a spiritually deaf world.
Thailand shares her beauty and many blessings with all foreigners, without prejudice, and calls them back in her own sensuous way. I will miss her crowded cities, dirty, polluted capital, peaceful people who accept all things in life, and her love of laughter and music.
I am eternally grateful that I was blessed to experience it.
Dodie Cross, author of "A Broad Abroad: An Expat's Misadventures in the Land of Smiles"
Capturing the Essence of Thailand.......2007-01-11
This was my first experience with the Travelers' Tales books, but it certainly will not be my last. The stories vary from two to eight pages, and while they differ mightily from one another, each captures the essence of one part of the Thai culture. The stories are educational, entertaining, and some are really funny. A great book!
Outstanding book for every traveler.......2006-11-09
The most outstanding book for traveler I've ever read. Really helped me to keep my eyes open during my trip to Thailand and kept me from being an "ugly American" there.
This book captures Thailand's soul............2006-06-26
As someone who has recently "discovered" the magic and charms of Thailand, like many who've come away from first visits the huge variety of sights, sounds, tastes and "life" leave us perplexed yet so eager to learn much more about this wonderful culture! "Travellers' Tales Thailand: True Stories" answers many of our questions in such a fun way through interesting, even fascinating stories about real people and real places in Thailand.
And there's more, much more, for the book weaves throughout helpful tips, places to visit, experiences to try, helpful Thai words, etc. And the last chapter "What You Need To Know - The Next Step" is a mini-guidebook in itself, a helpful read before going. This book will be with me on all my future visits to this delightful land.
Book Description
From the beaches of the south to the mountains of the north, Thailand is a beautiful and diverse land. Thailand: The Golden Kingdom encapsulates Thai history, culture, and art in one compact volume. It gives an endearing portrait of Thailand's multi-ethnic population, the people's beliefs and ways of life and sets it in an historical and cultural context. Over 140 stunning color photographs illustrate the clear, insightful text about all aspects of one of Asia's most fascinating places.
Customer Reviews:
Thailand: The Golden Kingdom.......2006-08-23
This was a gift for a friend that loves Thailand and lived and traveled there extensively. He loved this book. It is a great reminder of all he loved about such a beautiful country.
The Golden Kingdom.......2000-08-26
This is a great coffee table book! At a reasonable price. It is loaded with beautiful photography of many different aspects of Thailand. If you love Thailand you will love this book. If you know nothing of Thailand this book will make you want to learn more. When your friends see it they will be ooing and aawing.
Book Description
Listen to a free podcast on Thailand and Cambodia!
Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer. Frommer's. The best trips start here.
- Full post-tsunami update, plus advice on the best beaches, temples, towns, and resorts.
- Outspoken opinions on what's worth your time and what's not.
- Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip whatever your budget.
- Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions.
Find great deals and book your trip at
Frommers.com
Download Description
You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go--they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us!
Frommer's holds the key to worry-free travel in this exotic land, with valuable cultural insights, the latest trip-planning advice, detailed maps, and smart tips on language, local customs, and getting around. You'll find honest, in-depth reviews of luxury beach resorts, high-tech business hotels, intimate inns, and simple guest houses and bungalows, all based on recent personal inspections.
We'll show you spectacular beaches, waterfalls, floating markets, majestic temples, ancient ruins, national parks, palaces, and traditional villages. We'll lead you to amazing restaurants, and even take you elephant trekking in the Northern Hills. You'll also rely on us to guide you through the confusing, bustling, but intriguing city of Bangkok (our author, who lived there while writing this guide, knows it intimately, and discovered all sorts of hidden surprises). With Frommer's in hand, you'll experience all the wonder of Thailand!
Customer Reviews:
Better .......2007-05-07
I Got the Lonely Planet for Thailand also but this is the one I took with me need I say more. The only thing I could complain about is for it to me updated.
Frommer's Thailand.......2006-08-15
Great and informative. Really could have reviewed a few more of the really exceptional top end restaurants in Thailand known mainly to the locals. More pictures of the area's you are visiting would be nice. My favorite hotel in the whole of Thailand would have to be Anantara Goldern Triangle - not to be missed.
Unjustly Maligned.......2006-04-22
I like this guide for the very reason others seem to bash it: it's written for the non-backpacker who would rather avoid sleeping on a luggage rack or eating in a hole in the wall. Been there, done that. But now I'm older and and can afford to budget a luxury or two when I travel. There's plenty of information on the sights, streets, spectacles, etc., but as noted, the tips on accommodation focus on 3.5-star places and above.
The author assumes too little of the traveler to Thailand.......2004-10-06
I bought the Frommers book mostly to meet the spending limit required to get free shipping for my online order .. and because it's smaller than the LP and bigger than Fodors (not bad), which I already have .. and I was curious. I've been to Thailand several times and speak decent Thai. This guide book is like your parents' or your grandparents' guidebook, though it tries in little ways to be different. It's characterization of travel in Thailand, and assumptions about your attitudes, says to me "you don't really want to see the real Thailand". They feel you'll be happiest at the newest, more expensive, cleanest, most Western hotels and restaurants and that you'll be more interested in the best-run, well-lit, safe and sanitary and `gee those curious Thai' types of attractions. They encourage you to be wary and worried (not always a bad idea, but hey, Thailand is a very safe place compared to the Americas!) and concerned about your hygiene (Thais, on average, are more concerned about hygiene than Westerners).
Some advice is good, and info. on the sex trade is straightforward enough, which is appreciated because you can make up your own mind. On other subjects I feel they're mostly wrong, for example the quality of faux designer goods. They make 'cute' jokes about fake Rolex watches and designer fashion goods lasting a week, but actually the quality can be very good. Having bought many such items as fun gifts over the last 10 years, I can report that all the fake Rolexes I've purchased still keep accurate time! In other areas I think they also give poor advice, for example, online booking of hotels using Thai websites. These are actually where you get the best deals, not available at the hotels no matter what your bargaining skills. They advise using `trusted' US sites like Travelocity, Expedia, & Hotwire. Sure, but only if you're looking to spend money on expensive international-style hotels in big cities. It seems they prey on our fears out of their own fear of lawsuits .. not sure.
Overall, there is some very good advice thrown in with questionable suggestions, but what kills me most is the attitude of the book - they can't really give it straight to you because they've got you pegged as a first-time traveler from the Midwest and they're 'looking out for you'.
Don't Purchase This E-book for Pocket PC.......2004-08-12
Frommer's guides provide good information. With an eye toward an upcoming vacation in Thailand, I purchased this e-book ... and have been very disappointed that it is completely incompatible with any Pocket PC device.
- The Adobe Reader for Pocket PC WILL NOT display Adobe e-books.
- Amazon.com does not clarify this information adequately for its shoppers.
- In addition, Amazon.com won't refund e-book purchases!
The result: if you buy this e-book, and plan to read it on your Pocket PC, you'll have wasted your money.
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