1 comments about To Venture Further.

1. Those who seek adventure that exists outside fiction will revel in the exploits in this book! Out of print for a number of years, the book resurfaces from obscurity in all its glory! Tristan Jones was not just an amazing adventurer, he was also a born philosopher. The book bulges with example after example of Jones' dedication to the concept that launched this remarkable real-life voyage. Sadly, Tristan Jones has left us, but this book (and all his others) survive him as a testament to the amazing life of this larger-that-life man. Jones did not sugar-coat the trials and tribulations of his and his companions' unbelievable achievement. He was not afraid to reveal the ebb and flow of his emotions during this journey; he openly reveals the doldrums of despair during dark moments when he feared his mission would fail, as well as the heights of his pure joy as the obstacles were overcome. In a world where many of our adventures are built in the realm of fiction, this one stands out as a shining example of the adventures that can happen in the world around us, if we are dedicated to the goals we seek! Whether you are a fan of nautical adventure or not, this book is one you may find will reawaken your belief in the potential of the human race! Buy a copy to wear out, and then buy a dozen to give away!

4 comments about Thailand: A Climbing Guide (Climbing Guides).

1. There are no fewer than four climbing guides for Thailand of which I am aware. Sirichai Pongsopon's "Thailand Rock Climbing Guide Book" (2005), Wee Changrua/Elke Schmitz's "Rock Climbing in Thailand" (3rd ed, Dec 2005), the King Climber's guidebook (not certain the date on this one), and, of course, Sam Lightner, Jr.'s "Thailand: A Climbing Guide" (2005).
   
   Of all these guidebooks, Sam's guide is by far the thickest, weighing in at nearly 340 pages. Wee's/Elke's and Sirichai's come in in the mid-200s (the King Climber guidebook I opted not to pick up because it was my understanding from a number of other climbers that it was essentially a direct copy of an earlier edition of Wee's/Elke's, errors and all - so I have no hard supporting data for comparisons as with the other three; besides, I only had only so many bahts with which to buy guidebooks!). Sirichai's black and rad-like photo cover guide cuts right to the point: after about 20 pages of "fluff", his book breaks right into topos and listings of routes. There are no route descriptions, however, anywhere. If you come to a tricky spot, you'll have to puzzle it out for yourself (and just go for the next bolt/sling). He does include some notes about rebolting of routes when and where known (at the time of his writing).
   
   Wee's and Elke's black cover guide has a bit more up-front fluff for the traveling climber: about 40 pages worth. But from there the guide dives straight into topos and route listings, with a few routes having brief notes. The book is also sprinkled with a few more fluff pages and advertisements in the routes section.
   
   Sam's book has a bright, spring/aqua-green cover, with a photo of a climber on a route in Dum's Kitchen. His guide spends the first five full chapters - 95 pages - on "fluff", before he begins covering the climbing in general. He goes into a lot of detail for the traveling climber, much of it invaluable for the first-time visitor to Thailand (but already some of it out of date, as is the bane of all guides - information goes out of date before the books hit the stands) (for example, there are easily twice as many bungalow operations in Tonsai than what Sam lists, perhaps even three times as many; good to know for when you arrive and find nothing available at the listed ones). Good reading material for the plane flight to Thailand. For someone who has been to Thailand a couple of times, much of the material is still helpful, esp if you have not had the opportunity to experience everything that Sam has. For those climbers who more or less live in Thailand during the Northern Hemisphere winter months, it is probably superfluous information. Unless you haven't been paying much attention to the culture or environment around you...
   
   One bit of fluff that Sam's guide has which the other guides do not is a section of color photos. While these do not give more information of the climbing walls/routes, they nicely add to the atmosphere of the region, giving a taste of what you might get to see/experience while you are there.
   
   Unlike Wee's/Elke's and Sirichai's, Sam uses primarily photos for his topos (the other guys use exclusively drawings). In some cases the photo topos are quite helpful. In other cases, especially when some of the pertinent details are lost to inconsequential details, or to flat lighting, the drawings of the other guides are a better help for finding routes. If all else fails, one can always ask someone nearby what they are on in order to help orient oneself to the cliffs one is about to climb.
   
   Sam's guide gives more route information than either Wee's/Elke's or Sirichai's, more of what U.S. climbers might expect in a guidebook. Personally I like a route description rather than "just follow the bolts, for crying out loud!" Occasionally, however, he bails on route descriptions in favor of some background information on the route and you're left to either follow the topo, the bolts/slings, and/or the chalk marks to climb it.
   
   As with any guide, not all of Sam's info is accurate or correct (for the 2006 season, increase all the prices - such as longtail rides or bungalow costs - by 10-20 percent). Some of these are just typos, but a few could prove serious. For example, if you arrive with just one 60-meter rope, you are unlikely to try jumping on "The Groove Tube" (or it's neighboring two climbs) without a second rope as Sam notes it is 35-meters tall. However, upon arriving at the base of the climb you'll likely note everyone easily lowers off (or top-ropes) these three routes with a single 60-meter rope. While not critical, had the typo been the other way around...
   
   One of the most negative aspects of Sam's book is his disparaging and often upturned-nose position of most of the easier routes in the region. His guide discriminates against people who don't climb "hard" stuff. He leaves the reader with the impression that if you don't climb 6a or harder, there's really not much there for you to do (and he's not always kind to the 6a routes, either). One area in particular, Shadow Wall, Sam completely dumps on, and refuses to even mention what routes lie within. While Wee/Elke and Sirichai also mention it's not a very nice area, they at least give topos and list routes for the wall. Upon visiting, I found that yes, some routes there are not worth climbing, and yes, the area is most definitely not Dum's Kitchen or Thaiwand, but there are still routes that are perfectly fine to climb - especially for the climber who does NOT climb at the lofty 7a or harder! For the most part Sam treats routes easier than 6a as unworthy and you shouldn't bother (if he even mentions them at all). Sam seems to forget that many climbers, however, only climb at the level of 4s and 5s, and might squeak onto 6a's, but don't do harder routes. Prior to my trip to Thailand I had only Sam's book to go by, and had the VERY wrong impression my climbing time there would be short and brief (as I don't climb 6a/6b in general; however, grades are soft out there, and I was able to get on a number of 6a's and 6b's). Upon picking up Sirichai's and Wee's/Elke's guides, I quickly understood there are a number of moderate level routes the non-elite/non-hardcore climber can get on and still enjoy oneself. And so between those and the 6a's/6b's I climbed, I managed to squeeze in 7 full and enjoyable days of climbing, and still not touch everything I wanted to get on.
   
   Sam does maintain a webpage for updates to the guide (http://www.thailandclimbingguide.com/). However, he does clarify that he will only consider feedback from other climbers on corrections/updates, and will "eventually" put up that he deems worthy. Something to keep in mind when checking for updates (or sending in feedback).
   
   Overall, as a standalone book for the general climber, I would rate Sam's guide 3.5 on a scale of 1-5 (but Amazon doesn't do half-stars, so I rated it '4'). The saving grace is all the extra fluff. If you were to use it as a supplement to Sirichai's or Wee's/Elke's guide (or both), or you climb exclusively at 7a and harder, it's a 4.5.



2. I got this book and Wee Changrua/Elke Schmitz's "Rock Climbing in Thailand" (3rd ed, Dec 2005) guidebook. Sam's book is good in giving you background and route descriptions but it is hard sometimes to find climbs with his photos. Also some data is out of date. For example the Diamond Cave area, only 2-3 climbs go the full height of the wall to the roof but looking at Sam's book it looks like they all go to the roof. Wee's book is upto date on this. Also Wee has a new edition, availible in Railay and Tonsai with the newest info; such as Stalagasaurus losing it's defining stalactite.
   
   Otherwise it's an ok book.



3. Sam's guide for Thailand is very useful for the first time visitor with lots of information and stories on locations, getting around and local culture.
   
   there are a few routes missing in this book by now and the layout can be a little frustrating at times, with photo maps that are not as accurate as I would like. It is generally well laid out and freindly to use.
   
   Alot of my mates had the updated 2007 guide from wee's and this seemed more up to date, crag wise, but I found the information on Thailand, language tid bits and hints on how to get around etc, it was perfect for someone who hadn't visited Ton Sai before and didnt know what to expect.



4. This book has everything one would want for climbing on the Railey peninsula (...and more). Very helpful information.

2 comments about The Treasures and Pleasures of Thailand and Myanmar: Best of the Best in Travel and Shopping (Impact Guides).

1. The Treasures And Pleasures Of Thailand And Myanmar: Best Of The Best In Travel And Shopping is an absolute "must-have" for international travelers looking to obtain quality goods or souvenirs from Thailand at a reasonable price. Intended as a supplementary resource and not a general-purpose travel guide, The Treasures And Pleasures Of Thailand And Myanmar focuses specifically upon obstacles, negotiation techniques, and tips and tricks for those interested in shopping for everything from gemstones to textiles to artworks and much more. From learning how to walk away from the "touts" that try to lure tourists into overpriced stores (overpriced because the store must pay the tout a 10% to 40% commission for the service!), to a step-by-step introduction to the art of haggling, to knowing how to avoid paying thousands of dollars for what might be a cheap knock-off gemstone, to why even the locals may not always obtain the best deals (some shopkeepers can give tourists a lower price than their repeat local customers - who would expect the same bargain every time they walked through the door) to dealing with cultural differences and much more, The Treasures And Pleasures Of Thailand And Myanmar zeroes in on exactly what the money-conscious tourist in Thailand needs to know.



2. My partner and I just went to Thailand( Bangkok and Chiang Mai) for some hardcore antique shopping spree to decorate our house and expanded our collection. The information given was very useful and of course along the way we found more little shops not covered in the book. But the book definitely directs you to the right neighborhoods as far as antique goes(what we were after)
   I highly recommend it to people who are after quality goods wether it's jewelry or furniture or antique or whatever. and Thailand has SO MUCH to offer!!!

5 comments about Frommer's Thailand (Frommer's Complete).

1. I was lucky enough to select this guide for a week long trip to Bangkok and surrounding areas. The book had great maps and great suggestions for sites and methods of transportation. I would buy this again.



2. 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'.



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.

5 comments about Lonely Planet World Food Thailand (Lonely Planet World Food Guides).

1. I thought I was an expert on Thai food as I have been living in Thailand for 6 years. However, Joe's easy to read book taught me many a new thing. This is not your average cook book. It is really a cross between a travel guide and a recipe book with a sprinkling of cultural information. I would say that it is the definitive book on eating Thai food - whether that be in Thailand or abroad. Highly recommended for anyone who has visited Thailand and has fallen in love with the food or the armchair traveler who is eating Thai food at home.



2. I went out on a limb and picked this little treasure up with out even looking at any of the recipies. Glad I did. I spent years as a cook and found that most ethnic dishes are a product of the environment and what the people have at their disposal. And that most methods of cooking are the same with just different spices. These cook books have picked up on that and give you the basics. Every Thai Grandma has her own special recipie for curry but the core recipies are all here. Along with, and this is why I'm so impressed with these books, a history of the culture and it's evolution, common customes at the dinner table, how to shop in the markets, what to order when and where, a great map of the country specifying each regions specialties and (these guy's are great) a little dictionary of the Thai language and their pronunciations. These books would not only make a great gift but a perfect addition to a collection of cook books. I only wanted to buy one Thai cook book and I'm glad I found this one first. It's got evey thing you need to learn and creat great Thai food.



3. The Lonely Planet Guides are justly regarded as bibles by backpackers the world over. They are exhaustively researched and very reliable. I backpacked through Thailand last year and relied heavily on Joe Cummings brilliant LP guide for advice, inspiration and tips on what to eat. When I heard that Joe Cummings had written the LP World Food Guide to Thailand I knew it would be as meticulously researched and filled with the same infectious enthusiasm as his guide to the country itself. I was not disappointed. Though this is not the only Thai cookbook you will ever need - there are only twenty or so recipes - the book rightly sets Thai cuisine in its rich context, building the case that Thai food - real Thai food - is one of the world's most exciting cuisines. The story of Thai food - it's distinctive ingredients, the way it is eaten by Thais, the many regional variations, how to shop for Thai ingredients, street food, etc - is studded with relevant recipes made all the more appealing by what you have just learned. Buy it - you won't be disappointed.



4. You will enjoy & learn a lot from this book. One of the most pleasurable experiences I've ever had in Thailand is eating the food. There is such a wide variety food you can eat in Thailand. As you begin to fall in love with this cuisine, you will want to eat new and more varied dishes. Ordering can be challenging as you evolve into more advanced Thai foods. Yes, you can point and gesture, but if you want to more fully enjoy the culinary delights of real Thai food, you need to know what it's called, and say how you want it cooked or mixed to your spice preferences. There is a lot of important etiquette tips, that will help you if you're invited to eat in a home of a family in a village, or with associates in the city. The regional, colloquial, and relevant slang is included. This means, the author has been there and done it, having lived in Thailand for for the most of 25 years, along with superb homework & research. The photographer, Jerry Alexander helps the reader identify visually with some of the foods that are described. The dictionary at the end included many useful phrases in addition to the food vocabulary. One error though, is that the letter "G" in Thai is listed as a "K" which is only the case when it is a stop final, at the end of a word, or syllable cluster. Read, learn, eat, and enjoy.



5. I bought this book thinking it was just a cookbook, and was surprised to find much more. Eating is an essential part of life in Thailand, and Joe Cummings gives deep insight into Thai culture -- specifically how "being Thai" comes out in the preparation and enjoyment of food.

   If you're buying the LP guide to Thailand and are going there for the first time, also buy this book. You'll get a much more in depth description of the Thai way of life, as well manners & etiquette for a foreigner. And you'll want the recipes when you return!!

No comments about Thailand's Islands & Beaches (Regional Guide).

1 comments about Thailand, 6th (Footprint - Travel Guides).

1. I took this book with me on my trip to Thailand and I was glad I did. Its tone is much less that of the wannabe-hipster and more of the seasoned realist. To me, that was very fitting for this country in particular.
   
   Much of the subjective criticism within the book was accurate and helpful, such as the honest appraisal of Chiang Mai's night bazaar. Even better were the excellent essays on a the dizzying array of Thai history and culture. They perfectly enhanced what I witnessed firsthand and were not overbearing; I never felt as though I was being spoonfed conclusions.
   
   My only issue is with some of the things that were left out or glossed over. Two cases in point: A person should be aware that cons and criminal activity go on ALL OVER Bangkok. I caught a kid trying to pickpocket me on the Skytrain and it was not a pretty scene. That is a very serious crime and could have really ruined my trip -- so I think in any guide to Thailand this issue needs to be made crystal clear and more attention needs to be given to precautionary measures a traveller can take. Also, although this guide just tells you to casually "bargain" with vendors, one should be aware that the process is not always a smooth one no matter how polite or respectful you are. Most Thais that I encountered were surly when I started bargaining with them and acted quite rude. This is ofcourse all part of the give and take but it is not particularly a fun-filled experience as so many guidebooks would have you believe. You have to be really aggressive and yet finesse the deal, which most Americans are not comfortable doing in their own language much less Thai.

5 comments about Bottled Water.

1. Bottled Water is a novel that makes the countries we read about in the news real and vivid to us, and it makes us laugh, cry a little, and pause for thought about the lives of others, whether in Cuba, Israel, Turkey, or the more off-beat location of Bulgaria. Somehow, the main character gets himself adopted by local families in these countries to see and feel how they live, and he and "the brotherhood" (the other multicultural Americans in their mid-twenties he travels with) also manage to get into exotic and exciting adventures from the Full Moon Party in Thailand to meeting a multi-millionaire with body guards up close in Bulgaria. And throughout is woven a thread of love. This book is fresh and entertaining!



2. Fantastic depiction of the trips all of us take when young and in search of ourselves. The author and his crew were lucky to have such action packed travels to far away places and cultures, traditions and realities. I liked the way each place was presented and how the best features were emphasized. It doesn't sound the trips were well planned so the spontaneity of events keeps the reader on the edge of his seat. I like the open mind of the crew and how they land at places without any prejudice and feel of American superiority. Very often we all see how Americans are very close minded and opinionated when they set foot across the Atlantic or Pacific and how they make fools of themselves when something not related to the Yankees or Lakers is discussed. The World is not flat and it certainly does not look like a Wal-mart parking lot. I liked the author as he escapes from this well familiar stereotype. I certainly hope he has more coming!!!



3. Most of us only dare to dream of chucking the 9 to 5 gigs for world travel and more importantly, adventure. What Chris and his two friends find while they are away is more than a vacation but nothing short of life lived to its fullest.
   I enjoyed reading the book because it caused me to ache for my lost youth. I realized that the adventure of life is somewhere between what you actually do everyday and what you dream of doing everyday. If you are still stirred by travel to far away lands and the mystery of meeting new people, you will love this thrill ride!



4. Sometimes literature can vividly evoke an image of a time, place, or city, stirring up the desire to visit and track down distant locations and adventure. Have you ever entertained the idea of taking a prolonged sabbatical from your job or day to day grind to circle the world? The author of Bottled Water does just that and he is able to conceptualize the meaning of journey based on location and situation. Here is something novel to think about. Let us suppose for a moment that we all have the time and ability to travel around the world in search of something but you don't know what that something is. How would you go about doing this, what would you search for, what would you discover about yourself and those around you? During the voyages of bottled water, we witness lost love, unforgettable scenes, and situations that are thought provoking while others perhaps humorous. A great read!



5. Me pareció un libro muy rico y interesante, donde se puede no solo descubrir distintas realidades del mundo, pero también conocer el estilo de viajar y de con-vivir de un equipo muy bien equipajado!!! Es apasionante la manera del autor de pasar a hablar de descricciones muy dettalladas de ambientes y hechos a estados de animo personales intimos que el lector puede apriciar con la misma humildad con la que fueron pensados!Lo aconsejo a todos aquellos que quieren hacer un viaje, por lo menos virtual, alrededor del mundo, no pèrdiendo nunca de vista el sano divertimento, la pasion de descubrir y un gramo de locura...que va siempre bien!!!

No comments about Thailand: Temples and Traditions (Journeys Through the World and Nature).

1 comments about Diving Southeast Asia: A Guide to the Best Dive Sites in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand (Periplus Action Guides).

1. 
   This book is Pre -tsunami. & Pre-enviromental-ban for Sipadan
   
   CONS:
   1) This edition is basically the same as the 2nd edition. If you have #2 then you don't really need #3. Just call ahead and make sure the LDS info is correct.
   
   2) Although some of the information may have been updated since the 2nd edition, sloppy editing ruins the book. Maps are not on the page indexed and are not on the page referred to in the paragraph. You'd really expect better editing and not just #2 regurgitated with add-on info.
   
   3) Many of the contributors also have their own Dive Guide/Book published, so you may find some duplicate info.
   
   4) Doesn't list all major dive shops in the area, (but it comes pretty close). Doesn't list dive shops on the smaller islands (not even reputable ones).
   
   5) Publishing company extremely rude (Periplus Singapore) and unhelpful to the public when called at the number listed.
   
   PROS:
   1) Maps of the entire region are very helpful especially if you want to be sure whether you are diving island 3 or island 4a. & your dive guide doesn't know - unfortunately happens more than you think since everyone wants to do their divemaster/instructor training course here. Just show the boat captain the map and he'll tell you.
   
   2) This book packs a lot of detailed info on each and every area and dive site. All you need is a Guide that knows where the fish are and how to get back to the boat.
   
   3) This book often contains more pertinent and detailed info than many "single area" books out there.
   
   4) All the contributors are highly respected and very well-known in their own areas and beyond. Most are regular contributors to dive magazines and have their own guides published. Some still take groups out despite owning their own dive shop, travel agency, internet cafe, Tshirt stand, satay and fruit juice stall.
   
   5) Good quality photos and paper.
   
   6) Nice map of the region inside the front cover.
   
   Overall one of the better dive books out there. You will find this one really helpful for:
   *Planning dive trips in S.E. Asia
   *Knowing where you are
   *What to look out for at a site/area
   *Alternative dive resources for S.E. Asia (Lists of websites diving & otherwise).