I'm trying to do as much prep work as possible before moving to BKK, but I don't want to spend money on (and load up my luggage with) useless guides and handbooks.

Has anyone read this 'Bangkok Survivor's Handbook: A Guide to Living in Asia's City of Angels'

by Robert Hein?

Does it contain any info I couldn't find by digging around on Thai Visa?

What I'm really interested in is a 'guide' that doesn't just cover the tourist and business centers. This one sounds good though I figured it couldn't hurt to ask.

Thanks.

I bought a book "Bankgok Guide" by an Aus-New Zealand womans group shortly after I got here. It contained a lot of useful info (where to find electrical repair shops, etc). I read it once and since then (several years later) have not referenced it.

I would wait until you get here. Anything you buy will be out of date and the web is a more up to date source of info.

yep, the Bangkok Guide by the Australia-NZ womens group is the way to go. Very handy for when you first arrive, but as you get to know BKK, like all guides, becomes less relevant.

wait until you get here. Anything you buy will be out of date and the web is a more up to date source of info.

i was going to ask the same question - the best book on bangkok

so, [besides this one] which one is the best website that deals with the practical side of bangkok. not all in a forum though as it's difficult to wade though at times, but as a wealth of information. sort of like a survival manual.

i know a lot of oil companies and the diplomatic corps give out booklets to help new staff acclimatize to a different culture, so i'm trying to get a range of those to read before i arrive. sort of like the culture shock series, but i've found them to have errors. not serious, just enough to raise some eyebrows here and there with the locals when i follow suggestions.

cat

I would also recommend the Bangkok Guide from ANZ womens group...

its got everything you need and more.... nancy chandlers map is also useful and usually comes as an insert. You can buy it in most book stores here.

There was this very good book

by the much regretted Roger Welty

"the Thai and I" published by the now defunct BSC.

If anyone cd updat that it wd be wonderful.