Nothing as trivial as a guidebook should make a person shout and swear in public, yet that is what I was reduced to. I'm not proud of it, but there you go.

Large sections have clearly been updated only cosmetically, since information is often woefully inaccurate despite the fact it should be only a year or so old.

If you want to locate a "scene" or know where the "hipsters" are supposed to "hang," this book and its embarrassing attempts to be cool may be of some use. If, however, you'd like practical information, up-to-date prices, accurate descriptions, and help in planning what can be a daunting trip, just don't bother buying this book.

I sold mine while still on the road and haven't missed it once.


recent, yet not quite enough information   August 10, 2004
 40 out of 50 found this review helpful

I've just got back home from travelling about a month in south-east asia, albeit just the countries Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. In this (according to some people) relatively short time, I've experienced that the information is lacking in certain areas. Transport prices and times, usually one of the big pluspoints for carrying a LP with you on your trip, are sometimes incorrect or dated (in this new edition!) and sometimes even lack to mention a specific transport option (nightbus, for instance). Also, I find that the Laos and Cambodia guidebooks are more complete in this respect, however sometimes outdated because they weren't published as recently as the shoestring guide. However, buying a guide that compasses a whole region, you should be aware of the fact that you will always receive some, but not all, information.
The other thing that bothered me about this guidebook (which cost it it's second star) is the moralism that is abundant in it. There's lots of examples where the authors of the shoestring tell you what you "should" or "should not" do. I think it's up to the traveller to makes his own decisions on how he behaves himself while abroad, and although I think there is some improvement possible with lots of people, the shoestring shouldn't play the parenting role in this respect.