Travelers’ Tales is a new kind of travel anthology, marrying the best of the guidebook and travel literature. Thailand is the first book in this series: a wonderful collection of place-specific tales previously scattered far and wide. Veteran travel writers James O’Reilly and Larry Habegger read hundreds of stories to select those that best capture the experience of Thailand. Thailand, one of the most intriguing travel destinations of the nineties, should satisfy just about any traveler’s hunger for the exotic, the beautiful, the thrillingly different. A country of contrasts, Thailand is a microcosm of all that is right and wrong with tourism, including the traveler’s role as pilgrim, adventurer, and consumer. As the editors write in the Preface: “The world is not our private zoo or theme park; we need to be better prepared before we go, so that we might become honored guests and not vilified intruders.” To give readers a taste of this country and its people, the book is organized into five sections: “Essence of Thailand” contains stories that reflect some essential character of the landscape, the people, or the traveler’s experience of the country. “Some Things to Do” has accounts of particular places and activities that previous travelers have found worthwhile. “Going Your Own Way” contains experiences that are farther off the tourist track, relayed by an author who interacted more intimately with the local people or was willing to travel farther afield. “In the Shadows” explores the darker side of Thailand; so that visitors might be aware of the complexities beyond the cheerful face presented to tourists. “The Last Word” has one last magical moment, to remind the reader just why Thailand is worth visiting. There is perhaps no better way to prepare for a trip, or to vicariously experience another country, than to listen to those who have gone before; Travelers’ Tales Thailand brings the best of those voices together for the first time in “Essence of Thailand”; “Some Things to Do”; “Going Your Own Way”; “In the Shadows”; and “The Last Word.” Awarded the “Best Travel Book” gold medal from the Society of American Travel Writers.
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