Laos Handbook

by Joshua Eliot

Published January 1997
Laos has been effectively cut off to the casual visitor since the 1960s. Embroiled in the conflict in Vietnam, divided by civil war, and then isolated by its economic and political policies, Laos only recently began to accept the concept of "independent" travel. Although few make it to this land-locked corner of Asia, its Theravada Buddist culture, pristine countryside, and French influence make it one of the great treasures of the region. Travel may not be easy, the sights may not conform to most people's idea of a tourist destination, but Laos remains a truly unique and delightful place to visit. This comprehensive handbook contains information on where to get a visa and how to get into the country, as well as practical information for both the independent traveller and the visitor on a tour.
It includes: full coverage of all the entry points from Thailand into Laos such as at Nong Khai on the Mekong River and via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge; a comprehensive section on Bangkok in Thailand, the best place to obtain visas and the starting point for most trips to Laos; information on where to stay, where and what to eat; and details of festivals such as New Year, celebrated four times a year, and local festivals.

This handbook explores all that the diverse country of Indonesia has to offer, island by island. Covering Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Kalimantan, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi, it provides up-to-date practical advice. This third edition has been updated and revised and is published in a travel-proof paperback format. It includes: highlights with colour photographs; useful Indonesian words and phrases; information on all practical aspects of travelling from obtaining a visa to ferry timetables; and colour maps to help plan a visit.

Sumatra Handbook

by Joshua Eliot and Jane Bickersteth

Published 1 April 2000
This handbook provides comprehensive coverage of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, including popular destinations like Lake Toba, Bukittinggi and the Riau archipelago, as well as lesser visited places off the beaten track. It includes: highlights of Sumatra with colour photography; practical advice on everything from haggling to hiking; background information on the country's heritage; and colour maps to plan a visit.

Vietnam Handbook

by John Colet and Joshua Eliot

Published February 1997
The pace of economic and political change in Vietnam is fast and furious, and the implications for travellers are perpetually changing. This revised and updated handbook is written by two specialists who know and understand the country well. John Colet lives and works in Saigon and speaks Vietnamese. Planning a visit to Vietnam is an interesting exercise, the country's two principal cities of Hanoi and Saigon being at opposite ends of the country. The handbook contains ideas and suggestions on how to get about and capitalize on all there is to see. Lightweight and portable, the guide contains information on: the latest information on how to get about by air, train and bus with timetables and fares; full background details on Vietnam's history, culture and landscape; an appraisal of the Vietnam war and its implications on modern Vietnam; tour operators, both overseas and in Vietnam; and how to get a visa, and regulations for tourists.

This travel guide covers the holiday island of Bali and its popular neighbour Lombok, as well as the less well known, but easily accessible islands of Flores, Sumba and others in Eastern Nusa Tengarra. The book contains information on how to get about from island to island and how to plan an itinerary, with background information on culture, history, religion, art and architecture. A special feature on beaches, diving and trekking is included.

Cambodia Handbook

by John Colet, Joshua Eliot, and Dinah Gardner

Published 1 January 1997
Ankor, the ancient capital of the powerful Khmer Empire, is an important archaeological site in Asia and the spiritual and cultural heart of Cambodia. This handbook contains information on how to get there and where to stay, plus background information enabling the visitor to understand the full significance of this great historical monument. The guide includes comprehensive information on: Cambodia's ancient and modern history, culture and politics; the latest developments in the capital Phnom Penh, as new hotels and restaurants open up on a daily basis; where to go and where to avoid; where to stay and where to eat and make the most of the French gastronomic influence; how to get about by air (by far the easiest method), train, boat and road; and when to go and how to stay healthy. The guide details the latests visa information and entry requirements, and includes coverage of Bangkok, the best place to obtain a visa for Cambodia.

This guide to Malaysia and Singapore covers all areas of this diverse country from Melaka, Penang and the hill stations of peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak. Containing detailed practical information, it is fully revised and updated and is published in a travel-proof paperback format that is portable and lightweight. The handbook includes: highlights of Malaysia with colour photography; background information on every aspect of the country's heritage and history; facts on where to stay from luxury hotels on idyllic island retreats to youth hostel and government lodges; and colour maps to help plan a visit.

Hit the trail and get the most out of Southeast Asia with Footprint's new guide, part of a series covering classic backpacker routes, taking you from Mekong Delta to the Chinese border in northern Laos. Perfect for a career break, retirement jaunt or an adventure-packed holiday, Backpacker Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos is chock-full of tips on how to get the most out of your trip. Experience the sheer scale of Angkor Wat and the strangeness of the Plain of Jars, travel on a bamboo train and visit the Perfume Pagoda. With extensive planning tools in the concise and readable Essentials section, this guide will help you uncover the real essence of travelling. Takes you along the entire length of the mighty Mekong River. Lots of full colour maps. We tell it like it is. Best places to stay, including hostels and roadhouses, with suggestions on where to splash the cash. Expert advice on how to get the most out of the region if time is short. Where to buy the best silk and taste the finest indochine cuisine. Takes you round all the main temples, palaces and pagodas, and a few hidden surprise too...

Thailand Handbook

by Joshua Eliot and Jane Bickersteth

Published February 1997
Written by a specialist on South East Asia who has lived, worked and travelled extensively in the region for over 15 years, this updated handbook on Thailand provides both background and detailed travel information. It explains how to get off the well-mapped out "routes" to other areas such as Northeast Thailand, a highly distinctive part with a Laothian culture and a Cambodian heritage. Lightweight and portable, the handbook also includes: information about where to stay from luxury hotels to good-value guest houses; useful words and phrases; information on bars, nightlife and where and what to eat; detailed coverage of the expanding number of parks such as Khoa Sam Roi Yod National Park in the southern peninsula which was opened in 1996 and is Thailand's first marine park; and background on history, culture, the archaeological heritage and modern Thailand.

This guide to Malaysia and Singapore is designed as a companion for any visit, whether on a package or going independently. The "Malay Archipelago" is an exotic region of spectacular variety and travel opportunity; there are excellent beaches and resorts, coral reefs and new dive sites, ancient jungle, mountain and hill resorts. This second edition has been updated throughout and covers the whole of Peninsular Malaysia and the East Malaysian states of Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. The guide contains information on: Malaysian highlights and how to plan a trip; Singapore - including where to eat, sleep and shop; accommodation details from luxury hotels on idyllic island retreats to youth hostels and government rest houses; the best bars and restaurants; and how to get about.

Southeast Asia Handbook

by Paul Dixon and Andrew Spooner

Published 1 October 2009
From the heights of Kinabalu to the palm-fringed beaches of the Andamans, Footprint's 2nd edition of "Southeast Asia" has been comprehensively updated with everything you need to know about travelling through this beautiful region. Whether trekking to mysterious jungle-thronged temples or plunging head-first into a seething metropolis, this is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to get off the banana-pancake trail and delve a little deeper into these diverse and fascinating countries. 7 countries are covered extensively in this title. Whether you want to experience some of the world's most beautiful beaches, discover your inner-self on a Buddhist retreat or fuel the adrenalin junkie within you, this book has it all. This title features fantastic information on Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore, the main travel hubs, ensuring you can get about easily. It features listings simply not covered in other guides that allow travellers to step away from the well-known routes and really discover this beautiful region. Annually updated - making this the most up-to-date guide available!

"At Saigon one exists; at Hanoi one lives," wrote one 19th-century French visitor. Stroll along the elegant tree-lined boulevards and admire the weathered colonial buildings while in the distance ultra-modern office blocks shoot up from the ground. Few places sum up Vietnam's history and future like Hanoi, while the Northern country retains what every visitor is looking for: the beauty of unspoilt Vietnam. Footprintfocus will guide you around Vietnam's charming capital and north, giving useful advice on what to see and do along the way. Perfect for intrepid travellers, there's an ideal balance of must-see destinations and little-known gems. * Essentials section with indispensable information on getting there and around.
* Comprehensive listings of where to eat, drink and sleep.
* Detailed street maps to help you find your way around.
* Slim enough to fit in your pocket.
Packed with practical and detailed advice on how to navigate this fascinating region, this concise Footprintfocus guide will help you get the most out of your trip without weighing you down.The content of Footprintfocus Hanoi and Northern Vietnam guide has been extracted from Footprint's Vietnam Handbook.

Discover black sand beaches on the Pacific coast, a lake crowned by volcanoes and an ancient civilization that came to an abrupt end, leaving its history hidden within the ruins of jungle-clad temples. Travel from beautiful colonial cities and sleepy villages, to deserted beaches and lush rainforests; Footprintfocus Guatemala covers all the top attractions in this colourful country, plus lesser-known sights off the beaten track. Provides recommendations for all budgets on where to eat, sleep and sample tequila, as well as the low-down on the region's best fiestas and adventure activities.
* Essentials section with practical advice on getting there and around.
* Highlights map so you know what not to miss.
* Comprehensive listings including where to eat, sleep and have fun.
* Detailed street maps for Guatemala City and other important towns and sights.
* Slim enough to fit in your pocket.

Loaded with advice and information, this concise Footprintfocus guide will help you get the most out of Guatemala without weighing you down.

The content of Footprintfocus Guatemala guide has been extracted from Footprint's Central American & Mexico Handbook.

This travel guide is suited for all those who want to combine exploring Bangkok with time relaxing on the beaches and islands of the Thai coast. All the latest popular destinations of Phuket and Koh Samui are covered, along with Phi Phi and beyond to the lesser known areas and islands. The book offers details on planning a trip and making the most of time spent in Bangkok, with practical information on getting about and where to stay and eat.

Singapore Handbook

by Joshua Eliot and Jane Bickersteth

Published 31 December 1998
The award-winning Footprint Handbooks series has been capturing worldwide attention and admiration for 75 years! Now this excellent series has been revamped to better serve world travelers. With its larger typeface, color sections and maps, bigger trim size, and travel-tough covers, Footprint Handbooks are more durable and easier to use. The series still is the best resource for comprehensive maps and vital information, making Footprint Handbooks indispensable tools for world travelers. Air and land transportation information Recommendations for restaurants and places to stay for any budget Highlights of virtually every site and town, including local history, culture, customs, and etiquette Money-saving tips and advice on staying healthy

Lush green paddy fields, winding rivers and a crazy metropolis all await intrepid explorers to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City is the economic and commercial centre of the nation. Home to manic traffic, trendy bars, and exclusive shops, this is a city that will confound your expectations and suck you in to its frenetic energy. The serene Mekong Delta on the other hand will refresh your traveller's soul as you pass miles of paddy fields, enjoying the winding rivers and little islands that make this area so enchanting to visitors. Featuring practical advice on getting there and around and tips on what to do and see, Footprintfocus is a thorough, yet concise guide to this fascinating region of Vietnam. * Essentials section with indispensable information on getting there and around.
* Highlights maps of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, so you know what not to miss.
* Comprehensive listings of where to eat, drink and sleep.
* Detailed street maps to help you find your way around.
* Slim enough to fit in your pocket.
Packed with practical and detailed advice on how to navigate this fascinating region, this concise Footprintfocus guide will help you get the most out of your trip without weighing you down.The content of Footprintfocus Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta guide has been extracted from Footprint's Vietnam Handbook.

Walk around Georgetown and admire the largest collection of pre-war buildings in Malaysia - from Chinese shophouses to colonial clocktowers. To cool off, head to the Cameron Highlands, a former British hill station, for a refreshing cup of local leaf tea. Malaysia is a melting pot of Indians, Chinese and Malays, resulting in an extraordinarily diverse array of architecture and cuisine. Singapore is Southeast Asia's Manhattan - a futuristic city-state filled with skyscrapers, shopping centers and restaurants serving almost every cuisine on earth. From expansive jungle parks and world-class diving sites to thronging cities and orangutan reserves, this fully revised Footprint Handbook provides detailed advice on how to make the most of your trip.
* Fully revised transport advice on how to get there and how to get around
* Extensive coverage of Malaysia & Singapore's exceptional sights
* Well researched cultural & historical insights
* Includes coverage of Sarawak and Sabah
* Recommended itineraries to help you plan your trip whether you're travelling for one week or four
* Detailed listings for where to eat and sleep, plus where to go diving and see orangutans
* Detailed street maps for important towns and cities
* Full-colour section which includes photos and maps to give you a real sense of the destination and help you plan your trip with ease

Loaded with information on all the main sites, as well as detailed tips on how to escape the crowd, Footprint's Malaysia & Singapore Handbook is the ideal travelling companion for your trip.