Should I get a shoestring guidebook?

In terms of quality-coverage,options etc.,the individual guides are much better.....obviously buying all 5 will cost a lot more and weigh a few kilos more as well ;-)

An alternative could be to download the more extended parts (for the areas you want to visit) from this website...if you are carrying a netbook...and maybe just have the shoestring guide as a paper copy-useful for maps etc.

yeah I've got an e-reader for exactly this reason. Saves me having to lug around many kgs of books. Plus many classic books are free.

But as for your actual question OP... the SE Asia on a shoestring isn't actually that bad (compared to the Europe one for example) and the latest one I found was quite current. I generally use the shoestring ones and also check the wikitravel page and ask locals/other travellers for hot tips.

Get the shoestring guide. You can find individual guides lying around hostels and you can do some additional reading there. Like jianjian says you can do some additional research online and talk to other travelers to

I haven't seen the latest version of the shoestring guide, but I have travelled with older versions and it was well worth it. It may not have all the places in the country guides, but it gives you enough information on how to get around and the main highlights.

Cool thanks guys! Was really helpful :)

No. Don't use a bible, use local travel brochures and locals you find on the road.

I agree with the above, but sometimes having the LP guides is useful for maps and general budgetary references. I certainly don´t agree with it being used as a bible like some people do- all the hostels and restaurants have usually jacked up their prices since their LP listing or they have slacked off on their quality.

I found the latest SE Asia on a Shoestring pretty useless. Tried to cram too much in, yet it was also too vague. Lots of the prices were well out of date for the areas I went. Anywhere that it did mention favourably was overrun and had jacked up their prices.

I had much better results searching online for recommendations, and just looking around while on the ground at the destination.

From my experience,the days of 'using it as a bible' are pretty much finished.......most people use it for the maps and the info. on attractions.....not for the accommodation or restaurant info.

The 'new bibles' are sites like tripadvisor,hostelworld etc.