These guys backpacked for over three years in asia to get this together and tell it how it is. The best of asia from Angkor to Esfahan (2 stars) easily identified, lesser knowns like Tsangparang, Bam's Ark, Bardia, ... all there.

If travelling for fun is your religion this is the bible.

All praise Mark and Wil.

Note: Ignore the fact it is now 5 years old - it is still the greatest book you will find on independent, go where you life takes you travel.


Unique and innovative presentation of the info and good fun   May 14, 1999
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The book in the countries I have been is accurate and concise. I haven't used this book to go to the far reaches of central Asia yet. But it is the only travel book I have come across where it is possible to read and plan without suffering boredom. Excellent presentation of the information on the maps.


Excellent (and only?) PRACTICAL guide to the Caucasus.   May 2, 1999
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

If you are planning a trip to the lesser known areas of Asia this is really your only hope! I found other guide books talked about the areas I wanted to go but few could tell me where to stay, what to eat and even how to get there. The two authors must have spent a good part of their adult life traveling around the area and their experience proved indispensable. Although the 'hand drawn' maps may look off-putting and hard to navigate, once you get used to them they give you all a more traditional map could and more (such as ' this road cut off by rebel fighting' and a big arrow -useful). The place names in local script are a big plus if you have ever tried getting a bus in Kanji or Cyrillic! If you were planning to spend more time in any of the more usual destinations (Japan or Thailand say) a supplementary guide book, such as Lonely Planet, would be useful . However for an overall view of the true extent of Asia (Turkey to Taiwan and Iran to Indonesia) no other book provides so much practical, useful information on areas most tourists have never even heard of let alone be able to pronounce. A great incentive to keep on travelling!