I just returned after 6 weeks in China and I heartily recommend this book which I took with me. It has excellent descriptions of places, tourist attractions, accommodations and travel tips. It also has some very nice pictures and a nice little section on Chinese history that puts things into perspective. Most importantly, give the rate at which things are changing in China I was impressed with how current the information in it is. Definitely a strong recommendation in its favor!

I just returned from my 1st trip to China and was thoroughly impressed with your superb Traveler's CHINA Companion". Excellent writing throughout--the writers deserve an award! Although the Lonely Planet guide is extremely popular with most other travellers, after extensive reading, I believe your guide to be superior to all others!

Annie Chong

This book was given to me as a gift by my husband a short time ago. I was never interested in traveling in South East Asia until I read this book. I have read the book several times, gaining a greater understanding about the history of the land, people and cultures. The combination of Maitland's concise and well organized text with Evrard's magnificent photography creates an intriguing book for travlers and those interested in South East Asian cultures. The images and text are wonderfully intertwined and the historical information is outstanding. Furthermore, this text serves well as a starting point to planning a trip to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

The book is geared more for the traveler that will not be going "too-far-off-the-beaten-path". It does not discuss many places in Cambodia other than Phnom Penh and Ankgor. In additon, this book does not delve into the places NOT to visit. Other travel text "guides" do discuss places to avoid.

Should you buy this book? Yes, if you are interested in learning more about a beautiful area of our world. Yes, if you are considering traveling there and don't know where to visit. Yes, if you want to surprise that special someone and have two airline tickets to tuck in the jacket cover.

Derek is British by way of Australia. In this book, he makes the Americans look like idiots waging war. If you read this book, be prepared to see Americans killing Americanc, VC killing Americans, and the wonderful North Vietnamese killing Americans. Since this book came out in 1970, it was understandabe why Derek would be anti-war. The history of the war is a little different. The kill ratio of Vietnamese to Americans were very different, and the North Vietamese were not angels. The humor is OK, but this was a tragic war. I did like the rivalry between Marines and Army.

For those who were there and for those who have studied the farce that passed for a war, this book shows the insanity that passed for a war effort. Corrupt government officials, Happy Hour influencing air support, NVA regiments in search of Hershey Bars, and a medic who treats his patients with dope. It is a must read! You'll laugh so hard you'll cry.