Product Description

Thailand is where buddhism meets hedonism. Serene, golden Buddhas watch over high-powered shoppers in Bangkok, the hilltribes of the north continue their age-old traditions, while Full Moon partygoers dance all night in the south. Get beyond The Beach to find your own personal hideaway with "Footprint Thailand", the essential guide for all adventurous, free-spirited travellers. "Footprint Thailand" guide is ideal for independent travellers who want to explore further, getting away from the crowds to discover more of the culture and see the sights that are off the beaten track. It is packed with detailed, thoroughly researched information from expert authors who know the country intimately. This is the perfect companion if you want to visit Thailand and tread your own path. The key features include: detailed colour maps and extensive transport information to help you plan your trip; areas where to eat, drink and party; and the pick of activities including diving, rafting, riding and therapies.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #201767 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 740 pages

Review
"Footprint can be depended on for accurate travel information and for imparting a deep sense of respect for the lands and people they cover." World News "If 'the essence of real travel' is what you have been secretly yearning for all these years, then Footprint are the guides for you." Under 26"

From the Publisher
There is a passion for travel and discovery at Footprint that has been reflected in our publishing since the South American Handbook was first published back in 1924. More than 80 years on, our aim is still simple: to give travellers a refreshingly different view that helps them to follow their own route and have a unique, memorable experience. Over 100 current guides reflect the many ways in which people enjoy independent travel; whether exploring ancient sites, seeking an adrenalin-filled adventure or relaxing on the beach, our authors do all they can to bring our customers the very best of each destination we cover.

Who are Footprint’s™ customers?
Footprint books are used by seasoned travellers of all ages and nationalities. What they have in common is a determination to travel independently and to get their own unique experience of the world. Footprint customers love adventure, are resourceful and enjoy getting off the beaten track. They are inquisitive about different cultures and sensitive towards the communities they encounter.

What makes Footprint different?
An ever-increasing number of travellers are discovering Footprint books, taking them on trips, enjoying an approach to travel that is distinctly different from other guides.

These are the features of the books most valued by experienced travellers:
The authors of Footprint guides have a depth of knowledge and passion for the destination, which ensures that the books are always detailed and accurate. They show places to eat, sleep and visit that are away from the tourist haunts and are often known only to the locals.

The books provide a wide range of options for travellers seeking out the very best activities and adventures. This gives travellers the freedom to explore off the beaten track, providing unique, memorable experiences.

About the Author
Andrew Spooner is a feature, travel and sports writer and photographer. His work has appeared regularly in the Independent on Sunday, the Independent, the Guardian, the Observer, GQ and Dive. He also teaches Media and Journalism, part-time, at the University of East London and has just begun a PhD. In his previous life, Andrew traveled through the underbelly of Europe with various punk rock bands and he still likes loud music, played badly. After traveling to Thailand in 1989, Andrew developed a fascination with the country and has visited many times.

Claire Boobbyer is a Footprint writer and editor, a photographer and journalist. She is the author of Footprint Guatemala, co-author of Footprint Belize, Guatemala & Southern Mexico and a regular contributor to Footprint Cuba and Vietnam guides. She is also co-author of the AA Key Guide to Vietnam. Her work has appeared in the Guardian, the Independent, Private Eye and on the BBC. She first visited Thailand in 2002.

Daemienne Sheehan has an abiding interest in Southeast Asia, having lived and studied in Japan for seven years. Daemienne and photographer husband, Wilde, recently went into the tsunami zone while she was heavily pregnant with her first child – Rafaella – to uncover just how badly hit Thailand was at ground level. Daemienne is a London-based journalist and writer whose work has appeared on the BBC and in Time Out, Italy, Delicious, Living France, Wine, The Oldie and other magazines. She is currently deputy news editor at The Big Issue.

Customer Reviews

A strong contender for the Lonely Planet / Rough Guide crown
Before a trip to a new country I get the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide out from the library to choose which I will buy. Generally, RG is slightly better for descriptions of places to visit, whilst LG has the slight edge for accommodation. I bought the LP for Thailand mainly because the latest edition was published in 2008 and the RG in 2006.
Since then I stumbled across the Footprint guide to Thailand and wish I had bought that instead.
It has even more accommodation places than LP, and has some additional, interesting, out-of-the-way, places to visit, not mentioned in the other guides. The many accommodation, restaurant and place reviews have a insightful, personal flavour. Above all it has the feel of being written by authors that live in the country and are conversant in its ways, rather than being produced after a whistle-stop fact-finding tour.
If other Footprint guides are as good as this, they will be top of my list for future trips.

A good overview of the area
This is a good book if you want the whole of Thailand. However, it is somewhat out of date for some places. If you are looking at the islands, there is a book just for the islands.