Lonely Planet

Thailand (Country Guide)

Discover Thailand

Uncover Bangkok's best street stalls or enjoy a skyscraping gourmet dinner.
Climb aboard a long-tail boat and island hop to your own isolated beach paradise.
Get soaked at Songkran, the Thai celebration that becomes the world's biggest water fight.
Trek off the beaten path in remote Isan to watch a rare solar alignment at an ancient Angkor temple.

In This Guide

Ten authors, 259 days of in-country research and 150 maps.
Trek, dive or monkey-watch with our detailed coverage of national parks and natural wonders.
Visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews, updates and traveler suggestions.

India (Country Guide)

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

Explore the myriad wonders of India with this useful guide in hand. Whether you wish to cruise the backwaters of Kerala on the rooftop of a ferry, explore the Buddhist gompas of Leh, drink Darjeeling's namesake tea, get lost in the dusty bazaars of Hyderabad, or stroll the 16th-century ruins in Hampi, this book will help you get there. Highlights include more than 200 traveler-tested maps, thousands of places to stay and eat for all budgets, excellent health information, all you need to know about transportation options, and a 32-page color section on India's religions. --Kathryn True

Discover India

Shield your eyes as the desert sun ignites the sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, p. 245
Sway side-to-side as you lumber through the jungle tiger-spotting on the back of an elephant in Corbett Tiger Reserve, p. 472
Head for the hills and the heavens: adventure out from Darjeeling on a trek with stunning Himalayan views, p. 542
Align your chakras and get bent into a new position at a yoga class in Mumbai, p. 780

In This Guide:

Twelve authors, 252 days of in-country research, 28 new hotels in Delhi alone
Our new Activities chapter covers wildlife safaris, adventure tours, trekking, Ayurveda and yoga courses
Visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews, updates and traveler suggestions

Lonely Planet China

Removes greasy film and water marks. Resists fingerprints and streaking. Preserves the surface against deterioration. Also works on Formica, porcelain, fiberglass, enamel, plastic, leather and furniture. USDA Classification A7. 12 cans per case.

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

Just as the authors describe China as "massive and endlessly fascinating," so is the material they have collected in this guide--an important travelers' opus. The 200-plus maps feature keys in English and Chinese script and there are essential details on transport options, a 12-page Chinese arts section, and a useful feature on the Chinese language. --Kathryn True

Peru (Country Guide)

Discover Peru

Bike, hike and ride a scary cable car to Machu Picchu on one of five alternatives to the busy Inca Trail.
Glide past manatees, dolphins, monkeys and macaws in the Reserva Nacional Pacaya-Samiria.
Swill a scoopful of chicha - saliva-fermented corn beer - to earn the respect of the locals.
Descend into the narrow, hallucinatory underground chambers of the millennia-old ruins at Chavin de Huantar.

In This Guide:

Three authors, 144 days of on-the-road research via planes, riverboats, and dozens of death-defying bus rides.
Dedicated Peru Outdoors chapter, plus expanded activities coverage throughout.
Get the inside story on the Inca world from notes explorer and author Hugh Thomson.
Content updated daily - visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the minute reviews and traveler suggestions.

The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World

The world is a breathtakingly big place, and in this big book we have undertaken the big task of detailing as much of it as we can - every single country, many of the larger dependencies and other, smaller destinations. With the traveler's experience at its heart, this book shows a slice of life in every corner of the globe, and all points in between, engaging the reader's senses in an adventure which conjures up the sights, smells, tastes, sounds and feel of our amazing world.

Japan (Country Guide)

Discover Japan

Dodge flying fish at the world's greatest sashimi market
Find yourself spirited away to Miyazaki's museum of anime
Master the perfect double-clap and bow for your first shrine visit
Earn your keep in a Buddhist temple

In This Guide:

Japan resident authors, 343 days of research, 120 detailed maps, three geisha sightings
You asked for it, we researched it - everything you need to know about onsen (hot springs) and skiing, and more language assistance than ever
Cost-saving tips even the locals don't know.

Italy (Country Guide)

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

Explore the riches of Italy with Lonely Planet's essential guide. Featuring a special color feature on Italian art and architecture, this book also contains insider's advice on the best pasta and gelati; skiing and trekking information, notes on history, culture and current politics; as well as practical food and accommodation suggestions for every budget. Delightful sidebars add insight into the culture, with details on everything from gladiators to mushroom picking. --Kathryn True

Discover Italy

Ski off-piste, trek the Dolomites or shoot the rapids on the river Lao

Heed the command 'tutti a tavola!' and begin an epic journey around the Italian table

Thumb the latest fumetti or debate Fellini's finer points after you've read our Culture chapter

Compare classical columns with state-of-the-art structures from international architects

In This Guide:

Language, cookery and wine courses - you name it, our authors have checked it out

Book in and bed down at the best-value accommodation

Visit lonelyplanet.com for reviews, updates and traveler suggestions

South America (Shoestring)

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

Here is the ultimate budget traveler's guide to a continent that will never cease to stimulate the senses. From the Darién Gap to Terra del Fuego and all points in between, this is an essential travel tool. Lonely Planet's South America features 238 country, region, city, and town maps; safety and health tips; reviews of places to stay and eat; lively background on history, geography, and culture; practical outdoor activities including national parks and reserves; and coaching in Spanish, Portuguese, Quechua, and Aymara languages. The book also covers Easter Island, the Galápagos Islands, and the Falklands (Islas Malvinas). --Kathryn True

Challenging? Check. Rewarding? Beyond your wildest dreams. South America is made for travel-the gripping, spine-tingling, adrenaline-charged type of travel you live for. Tred the Cordillera Blanca, glide along the Amazon, explore lost cities and samba up a storm. For backpackers, by backpackers, this best-selling, unbeatable guide gives you the tools you need to create your own adventure.

Get Off The Trail-emerging hot-spots, overlooked attractions, alternatives to the Inca Trail-our authors go beyond the obvious, and show you how to do the same.

Live On The Edge-the best spots for hiking, skiing, diving, surfing, rafting, paragliding, and other thrills.

Straight Talk-opinionated reviews ensure you won't waste a precious peso.

Tread Lightly-make a positive impact with sustainable-travel tips and volunteering opportunities.

USA (Country Guide)

Discover the USA

Buckle up for a classic road trip along California Hwy 1 or legendary Route 66, the 'Mother Road'
Indulge in world-class regional and multicultural cuisine, from Jewish delis to fish tacos to Southern BBQ
Stargaze among towering red cliffs, stark cacti and distant howls of coyote in the Southwest's awe-inspiring national parks
Tap into the pulse of America in hip, progressive smaller cities like Austin and Minneapolis

In This Guide:

25 authors, 613 days on the road, 67,774 miles drives, four Elvis impersonators spotted
Special full-color national parks and USA's highlights chapter
Interviews with locals from every nook and cranny of the country
Expanded road-trip, activities, cultural and green-travel coverage plus heaps of itineraries.

Turkey (Country Guide)

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years, and as a result has experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

This bestselling guide is the ticket to no-nonsense travel in Turkey. Far-reaching coverage of the sights--from the modern to the ancient--is complemented by a Turkish food guide, useful language section and glossary, and thorough accommodation coverage (from hostels to hotels). A section devoted to Turkish carpets explains everything from traditional patterns to making a good buy. --Kathryn True

Discover Turkey

Imagine Byzantine chariot teams clashing as you cross the Hippodrome in Istanbul.
Hear the whoosh of the flame in the balloon as you float over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
Tackle Yusufeli Gorge's mighty 'King Kong' rapids on the Coruh River.
Learn how to cut your raki with water to lessen a hangover.

In This Guide

Eight authors, more than 300 days of in-country research, 123 detailed maps, dozens of doner kebaps consumed.
Special trekking chapter, complete with resources section, by trekking specialist Kate Clow.
From the caravan trail to tips for daredevils, explore Turkey your own way with our in-depth itineraries.
Content updated daily: visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews and traveler suggestions.