We have finally decided to plan our first trip to Thailand for December 2008 or January 2009! Of course we'll be doing lots of research online, but what books do you recommend in addition? Thanks!

We always but both Fodors and Frommers. Both have a very good overview of the majot sights and activities and some smaller things. Breezing through both will give you plenty of ideas. If you're going for two weeks, that's 12 days on the ground. The typical trip is 4 days BKK, 4 days in the north and 4 days at the beach. Take a look at the guide books and see what seems interesting.

NB: You are going in the high season. Book hotels and internal flights early.

You'll have a great time.

If you provide a proposed per night budget, we will be glad to suggest some possibilities.

I always rely on Frommers for books and Fodors for online help through the "talk" page here. Nether have ever steered me wrong.

i like both of the above....i also like access....

but my favorite is ron krannich's
the treasurers and pleasurers of thailand and myanmar...

while it is primarily a shopping guidebook it has an excellent hotel and restaurant section as well as some of the sights...

luxe guide to bkk is good too...

amazon is a good source....esp. used books...

Treasures and Pleasures of Thailand and Fodors. Happy Travels!

We'll also be going for the first time in Jan 09. Have decided in Bangkok, and Chiang Mae. Will end in Hong Kong. I have some extra time for a beach location after Chiang Mae for just 2-3 days. Any ideas other than Phuket. I'm looking for a really nice beach and something that is easily accessible as I don't have enough time to spend a day travelilng. Any thoughts?

Not a guidebook, but I'd read Bangkok 8 by John Burdett before you go. Fun and fascinating crime novel.

I read Bangkok 8 after I visited BKK and found it more interesting as you are familiar with many of the locals mentioned in the book and some of the culture as well.

i'm reading his bangkok haunts now...starts right in with the sex on page one..

What about Lonely Planet? I never leave home without it!

I second "Lonely Planet". It's my travel bible.

Fodors and Frommers are okay, but if you want to save some money take a Lonely Planet travel guide with you!

The LP guides have the same history and background that Fodors and Frommers have but they also have cheap hotels, hostels, inexpensive restaurants to eat at and hints on how to save on transportation. That's why so many backpackers use them!

You can always check one out of a library if your trip isn't too long.

Good luck.

When the first Lonely Planet Guidebooks were written, they were geared towards backpackers. They now review 5 star hotels as well as cheap hotels. Lonely Planet gives their honest opinion and says when a hotel is a dump. Also, little hole in the wall sights that many tourists would miss.
SirHalberd, don't act like a backpacker in checking a Lonely Planet out from the library for a short trip. There is enough information in any Lonely Planet for one's own travel library in the event you want to return to that country.
Monalua, enjoy Thailand. It is a wonderful country from the Long Neck people in the north, down to Koh Nan Guyan in the south. Take plenty of film, an open mind, be prepared to buy another suitcase, and enjoy the food.

Time Out Bangkok is a great guide. Granted I'm about to take my first ever trip to Bangkok but Time Out guides have been great in other cities and I'm bringing the Bangkok one with me... along with a few others!
Thanks for the suggestion on Bangkok 8, I'll bring that too!