Written by a specialist on South East Asia who has lived, worked and travelled extensively in the region for over 15 years, this updated handbook on Thailand provides both background and detailed travel information. It explains how to get off the well-mapped-out routes to other areas such as Northeast Thailand, a highly distinctive part with a Laothian culture and a Cambodian heritage. Lightweight and portable, the handbook also includes: information about where to stay - from luxury hotels to good-value guest houses; useful words and phrases; information on bars, nightlife and where and what to eat; detailed coverage of the expanding number of parks - such as Khoa Sam Roi Yod National Park in the southern peninsula which was opened in 1996 and is Thailand's first marine park; and background on history, culture, the archaeological heritage and modern Thailand. In this edition is a special full colour front map highlighting the best sights, plus improved contents listings and chapter openings and up-to-date information on trekking, river rafting and exploring in Northern Thailand. Also included is coverage of Thailand's beaches including The Beach and many others off the standard trail.