One of the biggest problems with travel manuals is that they go out of date
too quickly. Prices are wrong, or the enterprise has shifted or gone bust
(many places close before they have their grand opening).
The latest to come across the reviewer’s desk is the Travel Pack Thailand
(ISBN978-0-8048-4210-5, Tuttle Publishing, 2012) written and collected by
Jim Algie, a long-stay expat who knows his Thailand. This one was written
(published) in 2012 so is relatively current. His travel experiences include
scuba-diving, rock-climbing, kayaking off the coast of Krabi, learning how
to hunt for red ant egg nests (a delicacy in the northeast), and trawling
with Thai-Muslim fishermen down south, so he can write with some authority.
The format is similar to most guides of this genre, but with some important
differences. This is not one of the $5 a day back-packer manuals, but is
squarely aimed at the more affluent tourist, with many of the author’s
recommendations being for top end hotels, such as the Mandarin Oriental
Dhara Devi in Chiang Mai. It is also a smaller and thinner publication and
with good paper stock and hard covers will last a sight-seeing holiday. The
claim is that it is easy to use and easy to carry, and I agree. However, the
map which folds out needs directions on how to re-fold, or perhaps it is
just me who failed Map Folding 101.
Pattaya is obviously not one of Jim Algie’s favored destinations, getting
only a brief mention, though he does say that Pattaya is changing towards a
family destination. Phuket, on the other hand does score well.
In a small section on medical tourism he mentions visitors having a
procedure done in Bangkok, with recuperation by the sea. This is very easily
achieved by Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, with its top clinics, but again
Pattaya dips out.
The book is divided into three sections, claiming to show “Thailand’s Best
Sights, 21 must-see sights and must-have experiences, from the many faces
and flavors of its modern metropolis to southern Thailand’s fabled beaches
and bays, from World Heritage Sites like the ancient Siamese capital of
Ayuthaya to places of natural wonder like Khao Yai Nature Park.”
The second section is “Exploring Thailand” which offers a wide variety of
excursions in every part of the country, from Chiang Mai in the mountainous
north to ‘Little Tuscany’ in the country’s center and the famous Chatuchak
weekend market (JJ) of Bangkok; and from kayaking through a marine park to a
bicycle tour through Thailand’s first kingdom.
The third section is the “Author’s Recommendations” and makes specific
suggestions for the hippest hotels and resorts; the coolest nightspots; the
best spas; the best eco-trips, treks, and outdoor activities; the most
kid-friendly places and things to do; the best food and eateries; the best
shopping; the best museums and galleries; and more.
Algie also provides basic travel information, including useful pointers for
getting around Thailand.
At B. 465 it is not expensive and is available through Asia Books. I did
enjoy it and found places/sights I had missed in my travels. Recommend this
to your newbie friends.
