Thailand's Islands & Beaches - Ko Samui & the Lower Gulf by Lonely Planet

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Thailand's Islands & Beaches - Ko Samui & the Lower Gulf (PDF Chapter)

The Lower Gulf features Thailand’s ultimate island trifecta: Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao. This family of spectacular islands lures millions of tourists every year with their powder-soft sands and emerald waters.

- find Nemo in the technicolour dive kingdom of Ko Tao

- paddle to hidden bleach-blond beaches in Ang Thong Marine National Park

- string up a cotton hammock and toe the curling tide along a secluded beach on Ko Pha-Ngan

Coverage includes: Gulf Islands, Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan, Ko Tao, Ang Thong Marine National Park, Surat Thani Province, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat Prov-ince, Ao Khanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla Province, Songkhla & Around, Hat Yai, Deep South, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat.

Jordan - Petra (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Jordan - Petra (PDF Chapter)

Jordan - Petra (PDF Chapter)

Petra, the great Ancient City that lies half-hidden in the wind-blown landscape in southern Jordan – and voted by popular ballot in 2007 as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’ ¬– is one of the world’s most treasured Unesco Heritage Sites.

- follow the path of pilgrims through the Siq’s sheer-sided chasm that leads to an ancient world

- catch the early-morning sun slanting off the pillars of the Treasury at the end of the Siq

- climbe the processional way, pausing for tea with the Bedouin in the gardens of wildflowers, to reach the High Place of Sacrifice

Coverage includes: The Ancient City, Wadi Musa, Siq Al Barid (Little Pet-ra).

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Kyoto - Kyoto Station & South Kyoto (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Kyoto - Kyoto Station & South Kyoto (PDF Chapter)

Kyoto - Kyoto Station & South Kyoto (PDF Chapter)

For most travellers, the Kyoto Station area is the entry point to the city, so your first glimpse of the city may be an anticlimax. But, rest assured, there is good stuff (and the more traditional landscape you probably came here for) in every direction.

- wander through the hypnotic arcades of torii (entrance gates) at Fushimi Inari-Taisha

- gaze up at Kyoto Station’s striking architecture and taking in views from the Sky Garden

- whisk up to the top of Kyoto Tower for great views over the city

Coverage includes: Neighbourhood Top Five, Local Life, Getting There & Away, Sights, Eating, Drinking & Nightlife, Shopping.

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Nepal - Kathmandu to Pokhara (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Nepal - Kathmandu to Pokhara (PDF Chapter)

Nepal - Kathmandu to Pokhara (PDF Chapter)

While many travellers head directly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, missing out on some of Nepal’s finer attractions. This includes the historic town of Bandipur, a lovingly restored, pic-ture-postcard village offering European ambience in the middle of gorgeous Nepalese vistas.

- step back in time among the Newari houses of historic Bandipur, set on the ancient trade route to India

- ride the majestic cable car to the mountaintop Manakamana Temple

- scramble into the gloom to see spectacular stalactites and stalagmites at Siddha Gufa, Nepal’s largest cave

Coverage includes: The Trisuli River to Abu Khaireni, Manakamana, Gorkha, Bandipur, Dumre.

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Vietnam - Plan your trip Lonely Planet

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Vietnam - Plan your trip

Your journey to Vietnam starts here. You’ll find the tools to plan your adventure: where to go and when, how much to budget, plus in-depth info on the country’s famous cuisine.

- tailor-made itineraries, arranged by region, themes and events

- list of highlights and best experiences

- everything you need to know about trekking, rafting and other outdoor activities

- user-friendly country overview ensures you won’t miss a thing

Coverage includes: Welcome to Vietnam, Vietnam’s Top 20, Need to Know, First Time Vietnam, What’s New, If You Like: War History, Impressive Architecture, Fine Dining, Markets, Remote & Hidden, Tombs & Temples, Beautiful Beaches, Month by Month, Itin-eraries, Outdoor Activities, Eat & Drink Like a Local, and Regions at a Glance.

easyJet launches four new routes from Liverpool John Lennon Airport

easyJet has launched its first flights this weekend to Palermo, Sicily and Pula in Croatia from Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

A new route to Dalaman, Turkey will also take off, while the inaugural flight to Toulouse departs in October.

The new routes will be supported by the arrival of an eighth aircraft at the Liverpool base.

Operating twice a week, easyJet expects to carry more than 20,000 passengers to Palermo, Pula and Dalaman this summer.

Avianca to allow direct booking through Skyscanner




Avianca has joined Skyscanner’s direct booking platform.

The pioneering integration, powered by Amadeus Altéa, makes Avianca one of the first airlines in North or South America to sell directly within the Skyscanner marketplace using IATA’s new distribution capability.

This solution will power Avianca’s retail future by providing a single source of offers for travellers whether direct, via Skyscanner direct booking or from more traditional referral models.

With the initial roll-out completed, Avianca inventory can now be booked directly within Skyscanner by customers in United Kingdom, United States and Spain, with additional markets to be deployed later.

The platform gives Avianca a unique opportunity to showcase their brand and upsell products to increase ancillary sales and mobile conversion.

Click here to visit the Avianca website >

Etihad Airways to increase Toronto flights from October



Etihad Airways will increase its flights from Abu Dhabi to Canada’s largest city, Toronto, from three to five weekly services from October 28th.

The flights will be operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring 40 seats in business and 340 in economy class.

Robin Kamark, chief commercial officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “We are thrilled to announce more flights to cosmopolitan Toronto, one of the most successful and popular destinations on our global route network.

Click here to visit the Etihad website >

Nepal - Kathmandu (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Nepal - Kathmandu (PDF Chapter)

Nepal - Kathmandu (PDF Chapter)

For many, stepping off a plane into Kathmandu is a pupil-dilating experience, a riot of sights, sounds and smells that can quickly lead to sensory overload. This endlessly fascinating, some-times infuriating city has enough sights to keep you busy for a week.

- wander labyrinthine backstreets, little-known temples and hidden courtyards such as the Kathesimbhu Stupa in Kathmandu’s Old Town

- marvel at the ornate courtyard of Kumari Bahal and at how much survived the 2015 earth-quake in Kathmandu’s regal Durbar Sq

- dine on momos (dumplings) and wild boar to the beat of madal (drums) and bansari (flutes) at a traditional restaurant

Coverage includes: History, Kathmandu, Sights, Activities, Courses, Fes-tivals & Events, Sleeping, Eating, Drinking & Nightlife, Entertainment, Shopping, Around Kath-mandu.

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East Africa - Burundi (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet East Africa - Burundi (PDF Chapter)

East Africa - Burundi (PDF Chapter)

Tiny Burundi is an incongruous mix of soaring mountains, languid lakeside communities and a tragic past blighted by ethnic conflict. Sadly, at the time of writing, the entire country was considered unsafe to visit.

- sample the great nightlife and delicious food of the sultry capital, Bujumbura

- experience the soft white sands, warm waters and a stash of cool beach bars that make Saga Beach one of the most enticing inland beaches in Africa

- watch antelopes and hippos splash and stomp through Parc National de la Rusizi, just out-side Bujumbura

Coverage includes: Understand Burundi, Burundi Today, History, Culture, Environment, Introduction, Burundi at a Glance, Fast Facts.

Ireland - Counties Down & Armagh (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Ireland - Counties Down & Armagh (PDF Chapter)

Ireland - Counties Down & Armagh (PDF Chapter)

Bird-haunted mudflats, ancient monasteries and picturesque peninsulas call County Down home, while County Armagh is largely rural, from the low, rugged hills of the south to the apple orchards and strawberry fields of the north. Both counties are home to exceptional eateries.

- hike ancient trails or follow the Mourne Wall to Slieve Donard’s peak in the Mourne Moun-tains

- explore the stately home and exquisite gardens of Mt Stewart House

- watch vast flocks of geese, ducks and waders at the Strangford Lough mudflats at Castle Espie

Coverage includes: County Down, Bangor, Ards Peninsula, Newtownards & Around, West Side of Strangford Lough, Downpatrick, Saul, Lecale Peninsula, Newcastle, Dundrum & Around, Mourne Mountains, Mournes Coast Road, Newry, Hillsborough & Around, County Armagh, Armagh City, Navan Fort, Lough Neagh, Ring of Gullion.

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Norway - Svalbard (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

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Norway - Svalbard

This wondrous archipelago is a land of dramatic snow-drowned peaks and glaciers, of vast icefields and forbidding icebergs, an elemental place where the seemingly endless Arctic night and the perpetual sunlight of summer carry a deeper kind of magic.

- hike onto Longyearbreen glacier

- experience the polar silence like explorers of old on a dog-sledding trip

- take a summer day trip to see walruses on Prins Karls Forlandet

Coverage includes: Longyearbyen, Barentsburg, Pyramiden, Ny Åle-sund.

Lonely Planet Offer! Spend only £10 and get The World ebook for FREE


At a whopping 960 pages, Lonely Planet's Guide to The World (RRP £17.49/$22.96)) is our all-in-one guidebook to every country on Earth – and the ebook is yours for FREE when you spend just £10 in our shop.

In an A-Z format, this guide provides a flavour of each country, including a map, travel highlights, info on where to go and how to get around, as well as some quirkier details to bring each place to life.

Simply make your selections, and when you kick over the total of £10 the FREE ebook will automatically drop into your cart! You can download as soon as checkout is complete!

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Thailand's Islands & Beaches - Bangkok by Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Thailand's Islands & Beaches - Bangkok

Thailand's Islands & Beaches - Bangkok

Same same, but different. This Thailish T-shirt philosophy sums up Bangkok, a city where the familiar and the exotic collide like the flavours on a plate of pàt tai.

- try to stop your jaw from dropping to the floor upon encountering the enormous reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

- bask in the glow of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace

- burn baht on colourful souvenirs, vintage gear and food galore at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Coverage includes: History, Sights, Activities, Courses, Tours, Festivals & Events, Sleeping, Eating, Drinking & Nightlife, Entertainment, Shopping, Around Bangkok.

Grand Teton National Park (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the eBook version of Lonely Planet's Grand Teton National Park PDF chapter from the Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks guidebook

Grand Teton National Park (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Rough-cut summits rising sharply from a lush valley floor, the Tetons are a sight to behold. Simply put, this is sublime and crazy terrain, crowned by the dagger-edged Grand (13,770ft), a giant in the history of American mountaineering.

- float down the lazy Snake River, which parallels the park to the east

- cycle Mormon Row, a historic back road with weathered barns and herds of pronghorn

- explore Colter Bay, the center for water sports on Jackson Lake

Coverage includes: Colter Bay Region, Central Teton, The Tetons via Idaho, Moose—Wilson Road and John D Rockefeller Jr Memorial Parkway.

You can pick and choose from complete guides and individual chapters, and download them to any device you like.

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Africa - Zambia (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Africa - Zambia (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Africa - Zambia (PDF Chapter)

The rewards of travelling in Zambia are those of exploring remote, mesmerising wilderness as full of an astonishing diversity of wildlife as any part of Southern Africa. Zambia is a logistical challenge, but for those who venture here, the lack of crowds means an even more satisfying journey.

- follow the tracks of wild animals like a detective in South Luangwa National Park

- paddle a canoe down the mighty Zambezi River, past pods of hippos, menacing-looking crocs and thirsty elephants

- spot leopards in Kafue National Park, where wildlife dreams unfold amid stunning landscapes.

Coverage includes: Lusaka, Eastern Zambia, South Luangwa National Park, Southern Zambia, Lower Zambezi National Park, Siavonga, Western Zambia, Kafue National Park, Liuwa Plain National Park, Northern Zambia, Kasanka National Park, Shiwa Ng’andu, Kasama, Lake Tanganyika, Kalambo Falls, The Copperbelt, Ndola, Kitwe, Chingola, Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, Understand Zambia and Survival Guide.

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Bangkok - Siam Square, Pratunam, Phloen Chit & Ratchathewi (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet Bangkok - Siam Square, Pratunam, Phloen Chit & Ratchathewi

Bangkok - Siam Square, Pratunam, Phloen Chit & Ratchathewi

Siam Sq, Pratunam and Phloen Chit combine to form the de facto geographical and commer-cial centre of modern Bangkok. Huge malls, towering hotels and open-air shopping centres dominate the area – if you’re serious about shopping, you’ve come to the right place.

- visit Jim Thompson House, the teak mansion that put Thai style on the map before its ex-spy owner disappeared off that map

- shop at Mbk Center and the other mega-malls, department stores and shops that practically engulf Siam Sq

- explore the pencil-thin lanes of the canal-side Muslim village of Baan Khrua, where Jim Thompson first encountered Thai silk

Coverage includes: Neighbourhood Top Five, Local Life, Getting There & Away, Sights, Eating, Drinking & Nightlife, Entertainment, Shopping.

Croatia - Inland Croatia (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Croatia - Inland Croatia (PDF Chapter)

Croatia - Inland Croatia

In addition to Zagreb, the country’s burgeoning capital, inland Croatia offers diverse landscapes featuring a mix of small-town highlights, countryside delights and natural marvels.

admire Varaždin’s immaculately preserved baroque architecture

explore Baranja’s wine roads and historic cellars

take a boat tour through the vast wetlands of Kopački Rit Nature Park

Coverage includes: Around Zagreb, Samobor, Mt Medvednica, Zagorje, Marija Bistrica, Klanjec, Krapinske Toplice, Krapina, Varaždinske Toplice, Varaždin, Međimurje, Slavonia, Ðakovo, Osijek, Kopački Rit Nature Park, Northern Baranja, Vukovar and Ilok.

Etihad to bring Dreamliner to Rabat, Morocco, route

Effective October 3rd, Etihad Airways will introduce the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its scheduled services from Abu Dhabi to Rabat, capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, replacing the Airbus A330-300 currently serving the route.

The introduction of the technologically advanced aircraft on Rabat services is a further boost to its presence in the Moroccan market.

On May 1st this year, the airline placed the 787 Dreamliner on its daily flights to the kingdom’s commercial hub, Casablanca.

The move to place the aircraft on Rabat flights will provide customers travelling on Etihad Airways’ Moroccan routes with full product consistency, the latest inflight technology, and increased cargo capacity to further boost trade.

Robin Kamark, chief commercial officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Morocco is a very important destination on the Etihad network, underscoring the close cultural and commercial ties between the kingdom and the UAE.

Click HERE to visit the Etihad website >

British Airways to take off for Pittsburgh in April next year

British Airways will become the only airline to offer a direct flight from the UK to Pittsburgh when a new service takes off in April next year.

From April 2nd, the airline will launch a year-round four-per-week service to the Pennsylvanian city from Heathrow.

The new route will take the number of US destinations the airline flies to from London up to 26, and the number of daily flights offered by British Airways and American Airlines as part of their transatlantic joint business up to 67 per day.

The route will be operated by one of British Airways’ newest aircraft, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Sean Doyle, British Airways director of network and alliances, said: “We are extremely pleased to be adding Pittsburgh to our global network of over 250 destinations.

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Florida - The Panhandle (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Florida - The Panhandle (PDF Chapter)

Florida - The Panhandle (PDF Chapter)

The Panhandle – that spit of land embedded in the left shoulder of the Florida peninsula – is all powdered white-sand and teal- to jade-green waters. This is a coast of primal, wind-blown beauty.

- gaze at the gulf waters, home to the country’s most beautiful beaches, in Grayton Beach State Park

- embrace your inner romantic in Apalachicola, the gulf’s most charming town

- marvel at the Blue Angels’ death-defying maneuvers and then getg hands-on with the amazing exhibits at National Naval Aviation Museum

Coverage includes: Gulf Coast, Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, South Walton & 30A Beaches, Panama City Beach, Cape San Blas & Port St Joe, Apalachicola, St George Island, Big Bend, Tallahassee, Steinhatchee, Cedar Key, Apalachicola National Forest, Quincy.

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Philippines - Mindoro (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Philippines - Mindoro (PDF Chapter)

Philippines - Mindoro (PDF Chapter)

Most visitors head to the dive resorts around Puerto Galera on the north coast, but there is much more to Mindoro. If you prefer remoteness, venture into Mindoro Occidental, where virtually tourist-free Sablayan and the pristine dive mecca of Apo Reef await.

- swim with turtles, sharks, wrasses and other sea critters at the incredible protected marine park of Apo Reef

- explore the pretty coves, waterfalls and beaches of the resort town of Puerto Galera, and dive into its underwater wonders

- observe the headcount of critically endangered tamaraw (native buffalo) and visit Mangyan villages in Mt Iglit-Baco National Park

Coverage includes: Puerto Galera, Calapan, Roxas & Around, Bulalacao, San José, Mt Iglit-Baco National Park, Sablayan.

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Mongolia - Ulaanbaatar (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Mongolia - Ulaanbaatar (PDF Chapter)

Mongolia - Ulaanbaatar (PDF Chapter)

If Mongolia’s yin is its pristine countryside, then Ulaanbaatar harmonises as its vibrant yang. It’s a sprawling, industrialised city of pulsating commerce, wild traffic, sinful nightlife and bohe-mian counterculture. This ever-changing city may be the biggest surprise of your Mongolian ad-venture.

- weave through Mongolia’s ancient past at the impressive National Museum of Mongo-lia

- walk the prayer circuit around Gandan Khiid, the country’s largest monastery

- ponder the eccentric collection of curios and artefacts at the 19th-century Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan

Coverage includes: History, Sights, Activities, Festivals & Events, Sleep-ing, Eating, Drinking & Nightlife, Entertainment, Shopping.

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Jordan - Amman (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Jordan - Amman (PDF Chapter)

Jordan - Amman (PDF Chapter)

Downtown Amman is a must-see. At the bottom of the city’s many hills and overlooked by the magisterial Citadel, it features spectacular Roman ruins, an international-standard museum and the hubbub of mosques, souqs and coffeehouses that are central to Jordanian life.

- admire the ancient ruins of the Citadel with fine hilltop views across Amman

- marvel at the engineering precision of Amman’s most spectacular ancient monument, the Roman Theatre

- discover the story of ancient Jordan in the world-class Jordan Museum

Coverage includes: History, Sights, Activities, Courses, Tours, Festivals & Events, Sleeping, Eating, Drinking & Nightlife, Entertainment, Shopping, Around Amman.

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Have an adventure to East Africa. Lonely Planet's 3 NEW travel guides

Africa! There's nowhere like it on the planet for wildlife, wild lands and rich traditions. 

Check out these 3 new Lonely Planet travel guides!


Vast savannahs peppered with immense herds of wildlife. Snow-capped equatorial mountains. Traditional peoples who bring soul and colour to the earth.

Gape at a million wildebeest migrating across the rolling savannah of the Masai Mara; try to calm your breath as you get close to big cats and mighty elephants; take your pick from national parks for mountain hiking, wildlife spotting or snorkelling.

Coverage Includes: Nairobi, Southeastern Kenya, Mombasa & the South Coast, Lamu & the North Coast, Southern Rift Valley, Masai Mara & Western Kenya, Central Highlands & Laikipia, Northern Kenya, and more

Tanzania travel guide

Wildlife, beaches, ruins, Mt Kilimanjaro, friendly people, fascinating cultures – Tanzania has all these and more wrapped up in one adventurous, welcoming package.

Listen to the sound of pounding hooves as wildebeest stampede across the Serengeti; pick your beach from over 100km of Indian Ocean coastline; track chimpanzees in Tanzania’s remote western parks.

Coverage Includes: Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Southeastern Tanzania, Southern Highlands, Western Tanzania, Lake Victoria, Central Tanzania, Northern Tanzania, Northeastern Tanzania, and more

East Africa

East Africa is the Africa of childhood longings, a wild realm of extraordinary landscapes, peo-ples and wildlife in one of our planet’s most beautiful corners.

Feel the pounding of hooves as wildebeest stampede across the plains of the Serengeti; get close to gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda; hike on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Coverage Includes: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi

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Qatar Airways to launch Gothenburg route in December

Qatar Airways will launch a direct five-times weekly flights to Gothenburg, Sweden, on December 12th, making it the airline’s second Swedish gateway after Stockholm.

The route will be served with a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, featuring 22 seats in business class and 232 seats in economy.

Qatar Airways chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “It is with great pleasure that we announce the launch of direct services to Gothenburg, our second gateway into Sweden.

“Gothenburg is a charming city with much to offer both business and leisure travellers. This new direct route demonstrates our commitment to expanding our presence in the Nordic countries, a highly important market for us, and to further connecting these destinations on our global network.

Click HERE to visit the Qatar website >

Etihad Airways expands upgrade auction with live updates

Etihad Airways has enhanced its upgrade offering to a dynamic live auction which will make it easier for customers to secure a premium seat in a higher cabin class.

Customers will be able to take part in a bidding system where real-time notifications of their bid will be displayed on their screen, allowing two or more individual bids at the same time.

Regular email and SMS updates will also be sent to notify them if they have been outbid.

Jamal Al Awadhi, Etihad Airways head of guest experience, commercial, said: “A first in the region, this dynamic live auction will give guests the chance to select a premium offering at a price they are willing to pay by putting them in control of the experience.

Click HERE to visit the Etihad website.

California - Palm Springs & the Deserts (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet California - Palm Springs & the Deserts (PDF Chapter)

California - Palm Springs & the Deserts (PDF Chapter)

The riches of the desert soil have lured prospectors and miners; its beauty and spirituality have tugged at the hearts of artists, visionaries and wanderers. Hipsters and celebs come for the climate and retro flair, especially in unofficial capital, Palm Springs.

- feel fabulous in the revitalized mid-Century Modern Rat Pack hangout of Palm Springs

- traverse ethereal landscapes to Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in the western hemisphere

- marvel at whimsically eroded rock formations on a hike in Wonderland of Rocks

Coverage includes: Palm Springs & the Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park & Around, Route 66, Mojave National Preserve & Around, Death Valley National Park & Around, Upper Mojave Desert, Las Vegas.

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Thailand - Northern Thailand by Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet Thailand - Northern Thailand

Thailand - Northern Thailand - click here to buy on Amazon

The region’s premier draw is its nature, and its rugged geography is a playground for outdoor pursuits ranging from a rafting excursion in Um Phang to a hike among wild orchids in Mae Hong Son.

For those drawn to the human side of things, there’s also northern Thailand’s buffet of cul-tural attractions. The region is regarded as the birthplace of much of Thai culture and is a great place to take part in activities, from exploring a Buddhist temple in Phrae to crashing at a homestay in rural Sukhothai.

In the north, even niche players are catered for: intrepid explorers can join a hill-tribe trek in Mae Sariang or a road trip to Phayao; history buffs can travel back in time at Sukhothai Historical Park; and even the most devout beach bum could be converted by the inland party scene in Pai.

- explore one of Thailand’s lesser-known protected areas, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

- hike and raft to Nam Tok Thilawsu, the country’s most beautiful waterfall

- investigate the unique culture of northern Thailand’s remote Chinese outposts at Doi Mae Salong

Coverage includes: Chiang Rai Province, Chiang Rai, Ban Ruam Mit & Around, Doi Mae Salong (Santikhiri), Mae Sai, Chiang Saen, Sop Ruak, Chiang Khong, Pha-yao Province, Phayao, Nan Province, Nan & Around, Phrae Province, Phrae, Lamphun Prov-ince, Lamphun, Doi Khun Tan National Park, Lampang Province, Lampang & Around, Su-khothai Province, Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Park, Phitsanulok Province, Phitsanulok, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Kamphaeng Phet Province, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak Province, Mae Sot, Mae Sot to Um Phang, Um Phang & Around, Mae Sot to Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son Province, Pai, Soppong & Around Soppong, Mae Hong Son & Around Son, Khun Yuam, Mae Sariang.

Philippines - Southeast Luzon (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Philippines - Southeast Luzon (PDF Chapter)

Philippines - Southeast Luzon (PDF Chapter)

Southeast Luzon is one of the more overlooked parts of the Philippines, but those travellers who do make it here will find a wildly varied and unusual part of the country.

- snorkel alongside Bicol’s gentle whale sharks in Donsol

- ride an ATV near the base of Mt Mayon, Bicol’s prettiest volcano

- sample the best of Bicol’s spicy cuisine in Legazpi

Coverage includes: Bicol, Daet & Bagasbas, Naga, Mt Isarog National Park, Caramoan Peninsula, Tabaco, Legazpi & Around, Sorsogon, Bulusan Volcano National Park & Around, Donsol, Pilar, Catanduanes & Around, Virac, Puraran, Masbate & Around, Mas-bate Town, Ticao Island, Marinduque, Boac, Gasan & the West Coast, East Coast.

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Switzerland - Fribourg, Drei-seen-land & the Jura (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet  Switzerland - Fribourg, Drei-seen-land & the Jura (PDF Chapter)

 Switzerland - Fribourg, Drei-seen-land & the Jura (PDF Chapter)

A far cry from the dramatic, heavily touristed Alpine landscapes most readily associated with ‘la Suisse’, this gentle western corner comprising the Canton of Fribourg, the Jura Mountains and the three lakes of Drei-Seen-Land is where you go to ‘get away’.

- light up on the inside in response to the incredible illuminations of the Festival of Lights against the backdrop of medieval Murten

- cruise the Bielersee to St Peter’s Island from Biel-Bienne for a picnic and a swim

- turn back the clock as you stroll the streets of the beautiful medieval village of Es-tavayer-le-Lac on the Murtensee

Coverage includes: Pays de Fribourg, Fribourg, Gruyères, Charmey, Drei-Seen-Land, Biel-Bienne, Ligerz, Murten, Neuchâtel, Yverdon-les-Bains, The Jura Moun-tains, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Porrentruy, Val de Travers.

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Amsterdam - Southern Canal Ring (PDF Chapter) by Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Amsterdam - Southern Canal Ring (PDF Chapter)

Amsterdam - Southern Canal Ring (PDF Chapter) by Lonely Planet

The Southern Canal Ring spans the area from the radial Leidsegracht in the west to the Am-stel in the east. Packed with museums, restaurants, cafes, shops and miles of gorgeous canals, the district deserves at least a day to explore.

- goggle at blockbuster exhibitions drawn from the treasures at the original St Petersburg museum, at Hermitage Amsterdam

- amble along the Golden Bend, a stretch of canal-side property that practically purrs with Golden Age elegance, and imagine which house you would choose if you could

- enjoy romantic ahhs on Reguliersgracht, the so-called ‘canal of seven bridges’, and see how many of them you can spot at once

Coverage includes: Neighbourhood Top Five, Local Life, Getting There & Away, Sights, Eating, Drinking & Nightlife, Entertainment, Shopping.

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Bangkok - Ko Ratanakosin & Thonburi (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet Bangkok - Ko Ratanakosin & Thonburi

Bangkok - Ko Ratanakosin & Thonburi

The artificial island of Ko Ratanakosin boasts incredible remnants of the city’s history, in-cluding Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho. Across the river, neighbouring Thonburi has less to offer in terms of sights, but is great to explore.

- try to stop your jaw from dropping to the floor upon encountering Wat Pho’s enormous Re-clining Buddha for the first time

- get up close and personal with iconic riverside Wat Arun

- bask in the glow of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand’s most sacred tem-ple

Coverage includes: Neighbourhood Top Five, Local Life, Getting There & Away, Sights, Eating, Drinking & Nightlife, Entertainment.

East Africa - Rwanda (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet East Africa - Rwanda (PDF Chapter)

East Africa - Rwanda (PDF Chapter)

Stunning little Rwanda is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills thanks to its endless mountains. Nowhere are they more majestic than the Virunga volcanoes in the northwest, and hidden among the bamboo forests are some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.

- hike the forested slopes of the Virungas in Volcanoes National Park for a close encounter with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys

- hack through steamy rainforests in search of colobus monkeys and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park

- confront the horrors of the genocide at the haunting Kigali Genocide Memorial

Coverage includes: Kigali, Northwestern Rwanda, Musanze (Ruhengeri), Volcanoes National Park, Gisenyi (Rubavu), Southwestern Rwanda, Huye (Butare), Nyanza (Nyabisindu), Nyungwe Forest National Park, Cyangugu (Rusizi), Kibuye (Karongi), Eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park, Understand Rwanda, History, Rwanda Today, Culture, Reli-gion, Arts, Environment, Food & Drink, Survival Guide.

Thailand - Central Thailand (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Thailand - Central Thailand (PDF Chapter)

Thailand - Central Thailand (PDF Chapter)

History lives and breathes in central Thailand’s misty valleys and jungle-fringed rivers. The region’s crowning glory is Ayuthaya, Siam’s former royal capital. The town is practically an open-air museum, with dozens of breathtaking temple ruins peopled by stone Buddhas. Khmer-style temples are also a draw in Lopburi, 50km north, though the atmosphere is far less serene in Thailand’s ‘Monkey City’.

Heading west, Kanchanaburi’s museums chronicle the dark history of the Thailand–Burma Railway (aka the Death Railway) and WWII memorials pay tribute to thousands of lost lives. Scenery gets wetter and wilder following Mae Nam Khwae Yai northwest. The river’s tributaries are hugged by sedate villages (and the occasional riverside resort) and skirt national parks such as the waterfall-kissed Erawan and Sai Yok.

Life dawdles at an even slower pace in Sangkhlaburi in the multi-ethnic northwest, where villages and national parks bordering Myanmar have a beguiling, frontier feel.

- cycle between enigmatic ruins and colossal Buddhas in Ayuthaya, and watch the sunset paint them gold

- be rendered speechless by the harrowing history of the Death Railway in Kanchana-buri

- clamber up seven levels of waterfall to splash in aquamarine pools in Erawan National Park

Coverage includes: Ayuthaya Province, Ayuthaya & Around, Lopburi Province, Lopburi, Kanchanaburi Province, Kanchanaburi & Around, Nam Tok, Sai Yok National Park, Thong Pha Phum National Park, E-Thong, Sangkhlaburi.

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Ukraine - Lviv & Western Ukraine (PDF Chapter)

Download the Lonely Planet Ukraine - Lviv & Western Ukraine (PDF Chapter)

Ukraine - Lviv & Western Ukraine (PDF Chapter)

More quintessentially Ukrainian than the rest of the country, and distinctly more European, is the Galician capital of Lviv. An emerging tourist magnet, the city is a truly captivating place, rich in historic architecture and with an indulgent coffee-house culture.

- cobble-surf Lviv’s city centre packed with churches, museums and eccentric restau-rants

- pay your respects to Lviv’s great and good of yesteryear at Lychakivske Cemetery

- make a caffeine-and-cake halt at some of Ukraine’s best cafes

Coverage includes: Lviv, Ternopil Region, Ternopil, Kremenets, Volyn & Rivne Regions, Lutsk, Dubno.

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Start Planning France!

Yes, France is beautiful, yes, it's time to start planning your summer of relaxation! France is a paradise destination for food and wine lovers, explore the stunning countryside and crumbling architecture, browse the colourful fruit and vegetable markets, laze on it's many beaches - climb mountains!

Start Planning France!

France (PDF) Lonely Planet >

You can download the eBook versions as individual chapters and read them on your tablet, smartphone, eBook reader or laptop.


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Lonely Planet France (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet France
Lonely Planet France is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you.

Lonely Planet France (Travel Guide)

Grab a cafe creme at a Parisian sidewalk cafe, take in glacial panoramas above Chamonix or explore the Champagne-soaked city of Reims; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of France and begin your journey now!

Covers Paris, Lille, Flanders, the Somme, Normandy, Brittany, Champagne, Alsace, Lorraine, the Loire Valley, Burgundy, Lyon, the French Alps, Basque Country, the Pyrenees, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, Corsica and more

Kaua'i travel guide - 3rd edition

Download the Lonely Planet Kaua'i travel guide - 3rd edition

Kaua'i travel guide

Emerald mountains, weeping waterfalls, red-rock canyons, jaw-dropping beaches, clear seas and big waves. Kaua‘i’s natural gifts are unparalleled in Hawaii, the USA, the world.

Kayak through sea caves along the Na Pali Coast, absorb the grand vistas of the Waimea Canyon, or surf the breaks at beautiful Hanalei Bay.

Coverage Includes: Lihu’e, Kapa’a, Hanalei, Po’ipu, Waimea Canyon and more

Click here to visit the Lonely Planet shop for more ebooks and print versions.

Vietjet to launch new Ho Chi Minh-Osaka route in December

Vietjet is making it easier than ever to visit Japan, by adding a second route to Osaka, this time from Ho Chi Minh City.

The Ho Chi Minh City to Osaka route will commence operations on a daily basis from December 14th.

With an average flight time per sector of five hours, the flight will depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 01:40 and arrive at Osaka at 08.30.

The return leg will depart at 09:20 and land in Ho Chi Minh City at 13:30.

The Hanoi to Osaka route, which was first announced last month, will fly on a daily basis from November this year, with an average flight time of four hours.

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Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands travel guide - 11th edition by Lonely Planet

Download the Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands travel guide - 11th edition

Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands travel guide

Postcard-pretty colonial centers, Kichwa villages, Amazonian rainforest and the breathtaking heights of the Andes – a dazzling array of wonders is squeezed into this compact country. Lonely Planet will get you to the heart of Ecuador & the Galápogos Islands, with amazing travel exp

Delve into the past in Quito’s vibrant Centro Historico, hike around Cotopaxi for million-dollar views, and spot blue-footed boobies and red-billed tropicbirds in Punta Suarez.

Coverage Includes: Quito, Northern Highlands, Central Highlands, Cuenca & the Southern Highlands, The Oriente, North Coast & Lowlands, South Coast, The Galapagos Islands

Click here to visit the Lonely Planet shop for more ebooks and print versions.

fastjet to launch Harare-Bulawayo connection in Zimbabwe

fastjet will commence daily flights between Harare and Bulawayo from July 20th.

Ticket sales are already open on fastjet.com, fastjet shops and all travel agents, with a special Launch Fare starting at $59 taxes included.

Fastjet will be the first affordable airline to operate the Harare-Bulawayo route; the airline presently flies between Harare and Johannesburg four times daily, between Harare and Victoria Falls twice daily and up to three times a week between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg.

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Autumn in the Himalayas?

You will of heard of the more famous Fall in New England USA. But travel to the Himalayas in India or Nepal in the Autumn, and be prepared for a seasonal color explosion. Your reward for visiting this picturesque region in late October and early November will be the backdrop of snow capped mountains, dry weather and crisp clean air.

Download the Lonely Planet Nepal travel guide

Nepal travel guide

A trekkers’ paradise, Nepal combines Himalayan views, golden temples, charming hill villag-es and jungle wildlife-watching to offer one of the world’s great travel destinations.

Explore the historic temples of old Kathmandu, search for rhinos and tigers in the dawn mist of Chitwan National Park, and trek in the shadow of the world’s highest mountain on an Everest Base Camp expedition.

Coverage Includes: Kathmandu, Around the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara & Around, The Terai & Mahabharat Range.

Click here to visit the Lonely Planet shop for more ebooks and print versions.