1 comments about Thai for Gay Tourists: A Language Guide to the Gay Culture of Thailand.

1. Even if you have had no prior knowledge of Thai, this book clearly presents the sound system and shows the Thai script. It provides ALL vocabulary relevant to gay life, and gives quite a bit of background from gay Thais about life in their country. My only caveat would be that it generally presents homosexuality as accepted and even celebrated there. This is a common presentation of gay life in many countries. However, one should always be aware that we are not the majority and there is bigotry everywhere. But with that in mind, I must say this is truly an impressive little book--it does a lot in a short space, the author is to be commended!

1 comments about Knopf Guide: Thailand (Knopf Guides).

1. Knopf guide Thailand is a very beautiful book, compact in size with lots of glossy pictures, well detailed with plenty of illustrations and full of pertinent information about the country and its history. A Knopf guide makes for a good suppliment assuming that you have a more practical travel guide with you such as lonely planet. The problem with the Knopf guide is its limitations. A good guide if you were going to Thailand with a tour group and all of your travel details were being handled for you but not very practical for the "adventure tourist" who likes to plan and tailor there holidays independently. This guide falls short by not providing enough information about "dos and don'ts", "dangers and annoyances", etc. Another problem with the Knopf guide is that it is not updated frequently enough (probably due to the high cost in publishing this book). The last edition before this 2005 edition was done in 1994.

5 comments about Bangkok Inside Out.

1. I've been in and out of Bangkok many times, done most of the typical travel guide must-do's, befriended many Thais in the process and still found in this book page after page of new information about my beloved City of Angels. Bangkok Inside Out is an irreverently fun, funny and informative homage to SE Asia's most quirky capital. Written for the novice as well as for those who have trod the steamy sois night after night, it captures the essence of a unique place and the people who make it so. Whether you're making your first or fiftieth visit, this book is essential.



2. I am a frequent business traveler to Bangkok and this book opened my eyes to many angles of the city I had never noticed or understood before. The authors have really explained just about everything we encounter in this chaotic and confusing metropolis, and they do it in the most entertaining way - with witty prose, humorous anecdotes and many insider tips on what really makes things move. Bangkok Inside Out in at once a light read and an in-depth study of a city, and that's what impressed me most about the book. Few books would think to include 'Seven Eleven', 'Indie Music', 'Pha Yen (Wet Face Cloths)' or 'Taxi Radio Stations" as part of the cultural landscape they describe, but these writers demonstrate why it's precisely such little day-to-day things that shape this city's unique vibe. The accompanying photos are terrific, and successfully portray Bangkok's dark and light moods. I'd strongly recommend this book to anybody wanting to move beyond the Grand Palace and Floating Market version of Bangkok and learn what to really look out for.



3. After just a couple of hours with this book, I learned more about the culture of everyday citizens than I did in two days of exploring on my own. Quick and insightful bits about the city, it's customs and people. The end essay, while interesting did not fit the same format of the other entries.
   
   If you are visiting this marvelous city, this book is a must. I hope the authors plan on doing the same for other Asian cities.



4. This appears to be a good book..BUT the list price of this book from the manufacturer is actually $19.97 and NOT $27.99 as Amazon would have you believe.
   
   I actually wrote to their Customer Service and they said it doesn't matter because their final price is cheaper.
   
   Anyhow, just don't pay attention to that false 34% discount price.



5. I have read it all and heard it all about Thailand, mostly banalities: "It's so nice and peaceful, the people are so nice and smile all the time, I love the food!"
   Finally, someone wrote something different about Thailand that pays tribute to its complexities and nuttiness. "Bangkok Inside Out" by Daniel Ziv and Guy Sharett is an engaging, easy-to-read book that covers the less-covered aspects of Thailand that make the country and the people so lovable. From transvestites to beauty contests for chubby women to more serious aspects like amulets and the street dog problem, the book is perfect for the well-seasoned traveler or arm-chair one. I am half-Thai, half-American, which doesn't necessarily make me an expert on Thailand or the culture; however, anyone attempting to learn more about it must read "Bangkok Inside Out".

1 comments about Cruising Guide to Southeast Asia, Vol. 1: South China Sea, Philippines, Gulf of Thailand to Singapore.

1. The reality is there is little information for this part of the world. This is good information, but its not great and it does lack in certain areas, I don't know of a better book so I'd reccomend it, but do lots of homework before you go the information changes quickly.

No comments about Caves of Northern Thailand.

No comments about Thailand's Political History: From the Fall of Ayutthaya to Recent Times.

1 comments about Gem Buyers Guide to Thailand.

1. I can't believe that I found a real "hands-on" guide like this one.
   The book really does take you down the streets and into the markets to
   buy gems. No hassle with tour guides or taxi drivers getting
   commissions at some "special place with best prices." It's step by
   step - where to go, how to bargain, what to look for and how to check
   for the fakes and cheats. I didn't need some of the information, like
   gem folklore and there is a place name error on the ruby map of Burma,
   but other than that I found it up-to-date and informative.

No comments about Berlitz Thailand Pocket Guide (Berlitz Pocket Guides).

No comments about Thailand (Countries of the World).

No comments about Bangkok Sporting Club.