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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Lacks even the most essential practical information, 15 Sep 2004
This review is from: Taiwan (Lonely Planet Travel Guides) (Paperback)
Taiwan being one of the few Asian countries I have not yet been to, I bought this book for advance planning. It has already failed even before leaving home! When trying to estimate travel costs by looking for long-distance bus fares, I could hardly believe they were not given! In the "Getting There & Away" section after each town/destination, it was merely mentioned that buses do run there (surprise, surprise!), but no information on how long they take and how much they cost. That is exactly the kind of practical information people usually buy Lonely Planet guides for, and I don't think I have ever seen another LP guide that didn't have them... The 2 stars were given as it does give information about major sights, but given how poorly-researched the practical information is, I would be surprised if the rest was accurate. This may just be the worst LP guide of all.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Lonely Planet Success, 23 Feb 2004
This review is from: Taiwan (Lonely Planet Travel Guides) (Paperback)
Lonely Planet set the benchmark for travel guides, and their Taiwan guide really delivers. It has a huge (and VERY informative) section on the cultural aspects of Taiwanese society, especially important information on subjects you would not normally think about such as its diplomatic relations with China, essential do's and dont's as well as basic etiquette. There is a comprehensive list of Accomodation in three different price ranges throughout the country, as well as sights and sounds, attractions and 'must see/do' locations. Full of helpfull maps and tips as well as many pages of full-colour pictures showing what there is to look forward too. One of the most helpfull things in this book however is that all place names and attractions are shown in English AND in Chinese characters. As anyone who has travelled outside of the English-speaking world will know, its very easy knowing that you need to get to a place called 'Sunny Gorge' but its a different matter altogether trying to recognise it. At least you can try to match the words up with this guide. Don't arrive in Taiwan without this guide, it will save you time, money and stress!
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
LP does it again, 31 Jan 2004
By A Customer
Once again Lonely Planet reaffirm their position as the leading proucer of travel guides. The Taiwan edition contains many maps, photographs and other useful bits such as street sign translations (including "McDonalds") and place names in Chinese. As always, the contributions of travellers make this edition more personal than your average travel guide and help to ensure an "authentic" experience and not merely a tourist view of the country. Not massively bulky either (unlike the LP India guide) this is an essential for any traveller. Lonely planet undoubtedly produce the best guides - I wouldn't leave home without one.
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