This book was published in 1996 and many things in Burma have changed since then. Though, it is a very good text for finding upscale hotels and eating establishments, backpackers will be very upset with the outdated cheap hotels and locations for buses. On the other hand this is the best lonely planet that I have seen regarding cultural sites. The drawings and descriptions of Bagan are a real plus if you ignore the sarcastic undertones of the writing. Also, this was my first lonely planet that starting falling apart with a week of normal "travelling" use. I don't think that there is a better guide book to Burma on the market. So you will probably be stuck buying this book and asking the locals a lot of questions when you are in Burma. Luckly the Burmese are very friendly and helpful!!!