Moon Handbooks: Thailand (3rd Ed.)

Rating:
Summary: Very well researched handbook 2nd to none
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: The agnostic
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: The agnostic
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: A truly great travel guide without LP's political agenda.
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Synopsis
Review: Join award-winning travel author Carl Parkes as he provides the richest source of information on travel in Thailand. Trek to hillside villages in the Golden Triangle, visit lively discos in Bangkok, or journey into neighboring Laos and Myanmar with Thailand Handbook as your guide. With more than 150 maps, numerous accommodation options, and details on outdoor recreation, there is insight appropriate for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike

Rating:
Summary: Weakest of the major independent travel guides to Thailand
Review: 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".

Rating:
Summary: update
Review: 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

Rating:
Summary: Hey Carl, lets get back to work please
Review: 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 !

Rating:
Summary: Most Informative
Review: 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.