This is a book clearly oriented to the backpacker, but so much so that it neglects more peripheral areas or upscale areas that a backpacker may occasionally be interested in. Its attention to nightlife, one of the more enjoyable aspects of Thailand, is dismal. There is a political correctness strewn througout the book, to the point of completely omitting major locales and activities, that is distressing. Thailand is not a politically correct country by any stretch of the imagination, but it is what it is, and as such is one of the most fascinating and enjoyable places on earth. The Moon Handbook, Lonely Planet and Footprint are far more complete and helpful.