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Thailand: Buddhist Kingdom at the Heart of South East Asia
Thailand is a stunning collection of images celebrating one of the most exciting countries on Earth.
Thailand is renowned for food, beaches, friendly people, and a relaxed lifestyle. With 40,000 temples throughout the country and 97 percent of the population being Theravada Buddhists, the religion pervades everyday life. From the sophistication of modern Bangkok to the ruins of the ancient Hindu temples at Prasat Hin Phimai and Muang Tham, from the beaches of Koh Samui and Cha-am to the mountains of Chiang Mai to verdant national parks such as Kaeng Krachan, Thailand tours the country's most interesting destinations, region by region. Each area is very different, from the mountainous north and northeast to the glorious beaches in the east, west and south. Thailand is a biodiversity hotspot, and the national parks are a lesser-known delight. Featuring both street and floating markets, elephant rides and journeys by tuk-tuk, idyllic beaches, ancient cities and historic temples, Thailand shows just how much there is to explore.
Thailand is renowned for food, beaches, friendly people, and a relaxed lifestyle. With 40,000 temples throughout the country and 97 percent of the population being Theravada Buddhists, the religion pervades everyday life. From the sophistication of modern Bangkok to the ruins of the ancient Hindu temples at Prasat Hin Phimai and Muang Tham, from the beaches of Koh Samui and Cha-am to the mountains of Chiang Mai to verdant national parks such as Kaeng Krachan, Thailand tours the country's most interesting destinations, region by region. Each area is very different, from the mountainous north and northeast to the glorious beaches in the east, west and south. Thailand is a biodiversity hotspot, and the national parks are a lesser-known delight. Featuring both street and floating markets, elephant rides and journeys by tuk-tuk, idyllic beaches, ancient cities and historic temples, Thailand shows just how much there is to explore.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published October 14, 2022
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 18, 2022
This book is a beautiful photo tribute to the exotic country of Thailand. Bangkok is given its own section and the rest of the country is split by compass directions. Highlights in each section include, temples, nature, food, people, animals and coastal beauty. The stunning photos are in color and usually include a small descriptive blurb. There isn’t enough information for this to be a travel guide if I were going to Thailand several photos would inspire me find out if they were visitable for tourists. This is a perfect souvenir for someone who has been to Thailand or a wish book for the arm chair traveler.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books Ltd., for a temporary eARC in exchange for a review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books Ltd., for a temporary eARC in exchange for a review.
November 23, 2022
In a single word, "Thailand" by Narisa Chakrabongse is magnificent!
In a coffee table format, "Thailand" brought back many memories of my previous visits to Bangkok while simultaneously providing an intense longing to revisit Thailand to experience the many locations I have not seen that are so eloquently described with both words and colorful pictures in this book.
The 224 page book is splits Thailand into six geographical regions, with about 1/4 of the book covering Bangkok. Although I have visited Bangkok several times, many of the places were new to me. And I was quite impressed with the beauty of the pictures of places that I had visited. The lighting, angle, composition, etc of nearly every picture in this book is worthy of framing putting on display.
I also enjoyed how so many of the pictures reminded me of my visits to the neighboring countries of Vietnam and Cambodia.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in South East Asia, likes travel, or enjoys outstanding photography.
I thank the author and publisher for kindly providing an temporary electronic review copy of this excellent work.
In a coffee table format, "Thailand" brought back many memories of my previous visits to Bangkok while simultaneously providing an intense longing to revisit Thailand to experience the many locations I have not seen that are so eloquently described with both words and colorful pictures in this book.
The 224 page book is splits Thailand into six geographical regions, with about 1/4 of the book covering Bangkok. Although I have visited Bangkok several times, many of the places were new to me. And I was quite impressed with the beauty of the pictures of places that I had visited. The lighting, angle, composition, etc of nearly every picture in this book is worthy of framing putting on display.
I also enjoyed how so many of the pictures reminded me of my visits to the neighboring countries of Vietnam and Cambodia.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in South East Asia, likes travel, or enjoys outstanding photography.
I thank the author and publisher for kindly providing an temporary electronic review copy of this excellent work.
November 27, 2022
Thailand: Buddhist Kingdom at the Heart of South East Asia by Narisa Chakrabongse is an excellent introduction to Thailand for those who haven't been and a great reminder of its beauty and culture for those who have.
I spent some time the past couple of days reading several coffee table books. I use them as decoration but with an eye toward being conversation starters. So while attractiveness is important, for me, the information offered is just as important. I usually want a nice mix of illustrations and either good captions or short sections of text that only refer to one or two pictures. In other words, I want to put the pictures and the information together easily, unlike, say, a history book that may have a number of illustrations but they may not even be on the same page as the part of the chapter that refers to them. So…
This book, like many of Amber Books' titles, is set up perfect for my taste. A brief introduction for each chapter about the region covered, then informative captions for each photograph telling the reader what they are looking at as well as some background. The history, culture and, especially, the juxtaposition of the modern and the ancient are captured wonderfully in the photographs and captions. Plus just seeing some of the photographs makes you feel you're there.
I would definitely recommend this for those with an interest in Thailand as well as those who simply enjoy nice photography. As for gift giving, I think coffee table books make wonderful gifts, but I usually pick books on topics I know the person likes rather than guessing whether they might be interested. I don’t want them to feel like they have to set a book out because I might be dropping by. For the right person, this would make an excellent gift.
Some of the books in the Visual Explorer Guide series are smaller (the Flexibound versions), roughly the size of the old large postcards one bought on vacation. I like those as end table, rather than coffee table, books. This one (hardcover), however, is full size, roughly the size of standard printer paper (8.5”x11”) turned landscape.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
I spent some time the past couple of days reading several coffee table books. I use them as decoration but with an eye toward being conversation starters. So while attractiveness is important, for me, the information offered is just as important. I usually want a nice mix of illustrations and either good captions or short sections of text that only refer to one or two pictures. In other words, I want to put the pictures and the information together easily, unlike, say, a history book that may have a number of illustrations but they may not even be on the same page as the part of the chapter that refers to them. So…
This book, like many of Amber Books' titles, is set up perfect for my taste. A brief introduction for each chapter about the region covered, then informative captions for each photograph telling the reader what they are looking at as well as some background. The history, culture and, especially, the juxtaposition of the modern and the ancient are captured wonderfully in the photographs and captions. Plus just seeing some of the photographs makes you feel you're there.
I would definitely recommend this for those with an interest in Thailand as well as those who simply enjoy nice photography. As for gift giving, I think coffee table books make wonderful gifts, but I usually pick books on topics I know the person likes rather than guessing whether they might be interested. I don’t want them to feel like they have to set a book out because I might be dropping by. For the right person, this would make an excellent gift.
Some of the books in the Visual Explorer Guide series are smaller (the Flexibound versions), roughly the size of the old large postcards one bought on vacation. I like those as end table, rather than coffee table, books. This one (hardcover), however, is full size, roughly the size of standard printer paper (8.5”x11”) turned landscape.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
January 1, 2023
Read this review and more on my blog, uncovered-books.
I received a free copy of Thailand: Buddhist Kingdom at the Heart of Southeast Asia from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Southeast Asia is a stunning area, and Thailand is one of the more travelled locales in the area. A big country that has a been influenced by multiple different cultures and religions means that different areas of Thailand can feel very different, even while being next to each other.
We have seperate chapters to focus on the different regions of Thailand. Bangkok, Northern Thailand, Southern Thailand, Western and Central Thailand, Eastern Thailand, Southern Thailand. Each chapter has numerous pictures of locations within the area, as well as a brief description about the picture and the exact location that it is at. You are shown not just landscape and cityscape photos, but local farmers markets and rural towns are also heavily highlighted. Unsurprisingly, a lot of Buddhist temples are situated around Thailand so wherever you go, plenty are to be found.
A great addition to your coffee table book collection.
I received a free copy of Thailand: Buddhist Kingdom at the Heart of Southeast Asia from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Southeast Asia is a stunning area, and Thailand is one of the more travelled locales in the area. A big country that has a been influenced by multiple different cultures and religions means that different areas of Thailand can feel very different, even while being next to each other.
We have seperate chapters to focus on the different regions of Thailand. Bangkok, Northern Thailand, Southern Thailand, Western and Central Thailand, Eastern Thailand, Southern Thailand. Each chapter has numerous pictures of locations within the area, as well as a brief description about the picture and the exact location that it is at. You are shown not just landscape and cityscape photos, but local farmers markets and rural towns are also heavily highlighted. Unsurprisingly, a lot of Buddhist temples are situated around Thailand so wherever you go, plenty are to be found.
A great addition to your coffee table book collection.
December 12, 2022
I received a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
The review format wasn't the best but I imagine that this would make a very nice coffee table type book. I can't speak to the formatting of the digital copy that will be sold since the free copy was a PDF form. That being said, the book includes beautiful pictures and interesting information about Thailand. I was pleased to see many of the sights I visited during my time in Thailand and the book brought back fond memories. I wouldn't say it's detailed enough to be a guide, but if you're looking more for the beauty of the country, this seems like a good addition to any traveler's collection.
The review format wasn't the best but I imagine that this would make a very nice coffee table type book. I can't speak to the formatting of the digital copy that will be sold since the free copy was a PDF form. That being said, the book includes beautiful pictures and interesting information about Thailand. I was pleased to see many of the sights I visited during my time in Thailand and the book brought back fond memories. I wouldn't say it's detailed enough to be a guide, but if you're looking more for the beauty of the country, this seems like a good addition to any traveler's collection.
November 23, 2022
Thailand by Narisa Chakrabongse is a wonderful opportunity to travel vicariously. So many rich, vivid descriptions from everyday life, such as street scenes, open markets, expansive scenery, and beautiful art and history. Each photo provides a description or brief history of the significance. I love how the photos capture genuine moments in time. I felt welcomed and invited to explore this beautiful country and meet the people.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
November 24, 2022
This coffee table book takes readers around Thailand on a journey of filled with color and light. The book is organized by region and features everything from new building to, traditional temples to ancient wonders to nature to people and the food they eat. I have wanted to travel to Thailand for some time and this book only renewed my interest in visiting. The photographs are absolutely beautiful and provide a holistic approach to the beauties of the country. This book would make a wonderful gift for the traveler in your life.
November 16, 2022
This book Thailand by Narisa Chakrabongse was beautifully illustrated from the beginning till the end and bought back some wonderful memories of my holidays with my Husband in Thailand. This book was a joy to read and review especially as its changed so much over the last few years. Thailand is so magical and a wonderful place to visit. This book captured this with its beautiful illustrations and write up on them.
Just beautiful book.
Just beautiful book.
December 2, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley, Narisa Chakrabongse, and Amber Books Ltd, Amber Books for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
This book is perfectly balancing beautiful shots of cultural sites, daily life, bustling cities, and stunning nature. In addition, some introduction to different parts of Thailand is given, providing some depth.
I really enjoyed this book and can recommend it to any Thailand lover.
This book is perfectly balancing beautiful shots of cultural sites, daily life, bustling cities, and stunning nature. In addition, some introduction to different parts of Thailand is given, providing some depth.
I really enjoyed this book and can recommend it to any Thailand lover.
December 22, 2022
I usually give these books 5 stars for their stunning photography and the cultural enlightenment I experience. Unfortunately, I can't enjoy this one as much due to the animal cruelty. It is only shown on a few pages but it's enough that it has left a dark stain on the whole book for me.
That aside, I did very much enjoy the temple photography in particular.
Temporary access to a free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
That aside, I did very much enjoy the temple photography in particular.
Temporary access to a free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2023
'Thailand' is an eye-catching photography book depicting the huge variety of culture and heritage in this stunning country. After the brief introduction there are six sections, each focusing on different area of the country. The book is packed with colourful photograph revealing the many fascinating aspects of this beautiful country. Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2022
A gorgeous book filled with beautiful photos that make me want to visit Thailand again !
I love that the book covers history, architecture, food, people and the culture
I love that the book covers history, architecture, food, people and the culture
December 30, 2022
Breathtaking images, interesting texts. A great coffe table that made me wish I could visit the places.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews