Review: Lonely Planet’s Southeast Asia on a Shoestring
August 19, 2009 in Travel Books
The first book in the Lonely Planet empire is still one of the best books to buy for travelling in South East Asia. This 988-page mammoth is full of detailed information about every country in South East Asia and great information on traveling between them.
I have mostly used the book while living in Cambodia and not only did I go to places recommended by Lonely Planet, but I often found myself at recommended places incidentally, just because they happened to be a hot-spot in town.
They also do a great job of giving admission prices and information about the big tourist sites, and their Angkor Wat, Siem Reap guide is perfect for people who want a quick but thorough guide rather than an entire book on the subject. Lonely Planet is never intended to be used as a sole guide, but as a starting point, and in that it is excellent.
The hotels and hostels recommended in Lonely Planet South East Asia on a Shoestring are good, but due to the nature of publishing, sometimes doesn’t have the most up-to-date information. For example, sometimes the most popular guesthouses in town have sprung up recently and haven’t been listed yet. And others are so small, they probably will never make the guide. However, the recommended houses are inexpensive, good quality, and in the best parts of town for a traveler. If it’s in Lonely Planet it’s probably going to be clean, busy, and good value.
The South East Asia restaurants that they recommend are often on the same street as plenty of other good spots to eat, so they’re really guiding the reader to good parts of town rather than just to specific eateries. With a 900+ page guide to 11 South East Asian countries this is probably the most economical way to go about it and it works. They also list places where a lonely traveler is likely to meet like-minded people to make friends with for the night, the rest of the journey, or even for life.
One of the best things about the Lonely Planet South East Asia on a Shoestring guide is that each country’s guide is written by someone who has spent many, many years living and traveling in that particular nation. They know the areas and this is reflected in their diverse recommendations and spot-on descriptions.
Another fanastic feature of the Lonely Planet South East Asia on a Shoestring guide is their lists of places to dine or shop for a cause. The book is sprinkled with lists of charity-run shops, restaurants, and cafes where you can enjoy a local experience while giving back. Their historical and cultural introductions are also invaluable. The guide manages to present a thorough and educational background without boring the reader with a 300-page thesis. They tell the reader what they need to know and often refer back to the information when it becomes relevant throughout the guide. LP really tries to emphasize holistic experience, not just seeing the sights and visiting the bars, but understanding- or at least attempting to understand- the cultural and historical context of the people and places.
I love my Lonely Planet Asia on a Shoestring guide, and judging from the amount of them I see running around town, other travelers love them too. The guide is a little big to be traveling with though, so if you can, get it on a Kindle. However, big or small, it is definitely the best $25 you’ll spend before heading on your big Southeast Asia adventure.
Evenings in Siem Reap are a blast. Everyone has rested after a long day of temple hunting and is ready to go out and enjoy themselves, which makes it easy to meet people. During a waxing/mani/pedi session that came to $11 I met two American girls my age who were visiting Cambodia in-between overseas teaching gigs. They were a blast and we went to Viva for dinner and margaritas.
but I also frequently check 
All but a few of the Smithsonian museums (all free) line the National Mall so you can easily walk from one to the next without having to bother with transportation. My personal favourite museums are the Natural History Museum, the Air and Space Museum, which is amazing, and the new National Museum of the American Indian, which is absolutely beautiful. The American Indian cafe is incredible, they have delicious food all based on traditional Native American dishes. I have never seen such a delicious and freshly cooked spread at a museum cafe before, it is definitely worth a lunch stop.
The 18th is when the events begin. President-elect Obama will host a free event at the Lincoln Memorial in the afternoon. Show up as early as possible, as one of the only free public events of the week, expect millions to attend.
The best way to get around DC is always the Metro and this will especially be true during the inauguration. The Metro is the best way to get from point A to point B without getting stuck waiting for limos and motorcades. Best to leave the roads to the celebrities. Plan to leave very early, there is no way to avoid the lines. The Metro is selling special inauguration passes online for $10, you can load them up as needed. It’s best to order these cards before you arrive. You can also purchase one of their many one- or seven-day passes.
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Hosts Craig and Linda Martin started travelling in February 2006 and have been to over 50 countries. They were 