Travel Guide Books

[amcleod]

The DH and I are planning to go to Thailand late this year (yes, I was the one who bumped up the "Anyone Ever Been to Thailand" thread). I just went to the bookstore to get a guidebook to start the process and the dreaming, but couldn't decide on which to get. So...

Which guide books are your favorite? Which do you find most accurate/useful/up-to-date?

I've used the norms in the past - Fodor's and Frommer's mostly but don't really have an opinion as to what's better, since I haven't traveled that extensively. Since this is a MAJOR trip to a place that no one I know has ever been, research is going to be of major importance.

I was surprised to see a Michelin for thailand and almost bought it. Do they mostly recommend top-of-the-line places (talking hotel/restaurants)? Or do they suggest things in every price range.

Thanks so much!

[m4star]

Without a doubt my favorite travel guide books are Lonely Planet. They are really helpful and well done.

[Gail]

Can't make comment on any of the books mentioned here, and I tend to buy different types of guides depending upon destination.
Back when I was still working in travel, I used to use the little Berlitz travel guides quite a bit. They're very small, so you can carry them easily as you travel and they contain a surprising amount of information. Dunno if they even still publish them-- I see the one I have for Thailand was one I picked up in Singapore-- but they're dandy little guides. (I also remember buying a Sunset Guide To Southeast Asia, which was pretty good.)

[Gina O]

I have always heard the Culture Shock books were very good, at least worth taking a look at if they have one for Thailand. Gina

[KValley]

Originally posted by m4star
Without a doubt my favorite travel guide books are Lonely Planet. They are really helpful and well done.

I enthusiastically second this. THe Lonely Planet website is great, too. Also like the Rough Guide series.

[KLynn]

We always travel by the Frommers, and it has never steered us wrong. We have found great hotels, restaurants, etc - that we NEVER would have found on our own.

[amcleod]

Thanks everyone!! this really helps.