David Eimer

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand. Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from devouring street food specialties like bun cha (barbecued pork) in Vietnam's Hanoi, to relaxing on the idyllic tropical islands of Si Phan Don in Laos, and cycling past crumbling temples in Thailand's Sukhothai Historical Park.Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand travel guide:Our classic guidebook format provides you with the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week tripsUpdated with an all new structure and design so you can navigate Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand and connect experiences together with easeCreate your perfect trip with exciting itineraries for extended journeys combined with suggested day trips, walking tours, and activities to match your passionsGet fresh takes on must-visit sights and expert local recommendations on when to go, eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, adventure activities, festivals, and moreEssential information toolkit containing tips on arriving; transport; making the most of your time and money; LGBTIQ+ travel advice; useful words and phrases; accessibility; and responsible travel Connect with Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history, and traditions Inspiring full-colour travel photography and maps Covers: Vietnam - Hanoi, Northern Vietnam, Central Vietnam, Southeast Coast, Southwest Highlands, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Mekong Delta. Cambodia - Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Temples of Angkor, Northwestern Cambodia, Eastern Cambodia, South Coast. Laos - Vientiane & Around, Luang Prabang & Around, Northern Laos, Central Laos, Southern Laos. Northern Thailand - Bangkok, Thailand's Eastern Seaboard, Northeastern Thailand, Northern Provinces Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary part of the world with Lonely Planet's Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand.

Lonely Planet Southeast Asia on a Shoestring is your passport to having big experiences on a small budget, offering the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, what hidden discoveries await you and how to optimise your budget for an extended continental trip. Explore Hoi An; discover the Temples of Angkor; surf in Bali; and more. Inside Lonely Planet Southeast Asia on a Shoestring Travel Guide:Budget-oriented recommendations with honest reviews - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, hidden gems that most guidebooks missExtensive planning tools and budget calculatorsHighlights and 1-3 month itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interestsInsider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spotsEssential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, pricesCultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, art, literature, cinema, landscapesColour maps and images throughoutCovers: Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; Indonesia; Laos; Malaysia; Myanmar (Burma); Philippines; Singapore; Thailand; Timor-leste; VietnamUseful features:First Time Southeast Asia, Big Adventures Small Budget, Off the Beaten Track, Border Crossing, Splurge, and Responsible Travel The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Southeast Asia on a Shoestring, is perfect for staying within a budget when taking a longer, multi-country trip, yet still getting to connect with the cultures and explore both top sights and roads less travelled. Looking for suggestions from a wider range of prices for a shorter, multi-country trip? Check out Lonely Planet Southeast Asia for a comprehensive look at all the continent has to offer. About Lonely Planet:Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is the world's number one travel guidebook brand. Providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973, Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travellers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com and join our community of followers on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet), Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet), and TikTok (@lonelyplanet). 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' Fairfax Media (Australia)

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Laos.Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from visiting the mysterious mountainside Khmer ruin of Wat Phu Champasak, to experiencing a local homestay in the Lanten, Khmu, and Tai Daeng communities, and relaxing in Laos' tropical hammock-flopping mecca: Si Phan Don.Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Laos travel guide:Our classic guidebook format provides you with the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week tripsUpdated with an all new structure and design so you can navigate Laos and connect experiences together with easeCreate your perfect trip with exciting itineraries for extended journeys combined with suggested day trips, walking tours, and activities to match your passionsGet fresh takes on must-visit sights and expert local recommendations on when to go, eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, adventure activities, festivals, and moreEssential information toolkit containing tips on arriving; transport; making the most of your time and money; LGBTIQ+ travel advice; useful words and phrases; accessibility; and responsible travelConnect with Laos culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history, and traditions Inspiring full-colour travel photography and mapsCovers: Luang Prabang & Around; Northern Laos - Xieng Khuang & Hua Phan Provinces, Muang Ngoi District, Phongsali Province, Northwestern Laos, The Middle Mekong; Vientiane, Vang Vieng & Around; Central Laos - Bolikhamsai & Khammuan Provinces, Savannakhet Province; Southern Laos - Pakse Region, Around Pakse, Champasak, Around Champasak, Bolaven Plateau Region, Si Phan DonCreate a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary country with Lonely Planet's Laos.

The ultimate snapshot of every country in the world featuring new local insights from travel experts and the top experiences for each destination.Spot wildlife in Australia's lush green Daintree Rainforest; tour Japan's exquisite temples in Kyoto; discover Gaudi masterpieces in Spain's buzzing Barcelona. Get to know the amazing countries that populate our planet and start planning your next big adventure.Inside the new edition of The World:Easy-to-navigate A-Z format provides a fascinating look at over 200 countriesThemed features spotlight the best wildlife, landscape, festival, foodie, beach, historical, and adventure experiencesItineraries from 5 weeks to 3 months help travellers to plan ahead and explore a multitude of landscapes across the continentsInsightful summaries describe each destination's culture with details about the national flag, capital, population, size, and official languagesExpert insider knowledge throughout on when to go, seasonal weather charts, places to eat and drink, top experiences, getting around, and moreIncludes preparation tips from the best clothes and gear for different climates, to local greetings, and book recommendations to inspire your journeyBeautiful photography and locator maps give a flavour of each placePresented with a vibrant cover by Rui Ricardo with new internal layouts that include refreshed imagery and moreExplore every country in The World with this comprehensive guide that makes a perfect gift or self-purchase for the traveller in your life.

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Indonesia.Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from visiting the dozens of golden beaches along the coastline of Gunung Kidul to taking a diving tour of the Liberty shipwreck in Bali, and trekking through the rainforest in little-visited Gunung Palung National Park.Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Indonesia travel guide:Our classic guidebook format provides you with the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week tripsUpdated with an all new structure and design so you can navigate Indonesia and connect experiences together with easeCreate your perfect trip with exciting itineraries for extended journeys combined with suggested day trips, walking tours, and activities to match your passionsGet fresh takes on must-visit sights including Prambanan, Tumpak Sewu, and Pulau MenjanganSpecial features on where to spot wildlife, volcano climbing guide, Borneo river cruiseExpert local recommendations on when to go, eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, adventure activities, festivals, and moreEssential information toolkit containing tips on arriving; transport; making the most of your time and money; LGBTIQ+ travel advice; useful words and phrases; accessibility; and responsible travelConnect with Indonesian culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history, and traditions Inspiring full-colour travel photography and maps Covers Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, Papua, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary country with Lonely Planet's Indonesia.

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet's Southeast Asia on a Shoestring is your passport to having big experiences on a small budget, offering the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, what hidden discoveries await you and how to optimise your budget for an extended continental trip. Watch the sun rise over Cambodia's temples of Angkor; hang out, hit the beach and learn to cook in Vietnam's cosmopolitan, buzzing Hoi An; and kayak around the turquoise waters of Laos' Si Phan Don. All with your trusted travel companion. Inside Lonely Planet's Southeast Asia on a Shoestring: Budget-oriented recommendations with honest reviews - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, hidden gems that most guidebooks missExtensive planning tools and budget calculatorsHighlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interestsInsider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spotsEssential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, pricesCultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - covering history, art, literature, cinema, landscapesColour maps and images throughoutCovers Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Singapore, VietnamUseful features: First Time Southeast Asia, Big Adventures Small Budget, Off the Beaten Track, Border Crossing, Splurge, and Responsible Travel The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Southeast Asia on a shoestringis perfect for budget- and value-conscious travellers taking a big trip, and is packed with amazing sights and experiences, savvy tips and recommendations. After only a few of the destinations in this guide? Check out the relevant Lonely Planet destination guides. These are our most comprehensive titles, designed to immerse you in the culture and help you discover the best sights and get off the beaten track. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia)

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Thailand's Islands and Beaches.Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from visiting Phuket Elephant Sanctuary to feed the rescued elephants, to dining with locals at the vibrant Surat Thani Night Market, and freediving off the north coast of Ko Pha-Ngan.Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Thailand's Islands & Beaches travel guide:Our classic guidebook format provides you with the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week tripsUpdated with an all new structure and design so you can navigate Thailand's Islands & Beaches and connect experiences together with easeCreate your perfect trip with exciting itineraries for extended journeys combined with suggested day trips, walking tours, and activities to match your passionsGet fresh takes on must-visit sights including Ko Kut, Ko Mak, and Trang's beaches & islandsSpecial features on picking your ideal island, thai food explained, Bangkok gateway guideExpert local recommendations on when to go, eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, adventure activities, festivals, and moreEssential information toolkit containing tips on arriving; transport; making the most of your time and money; LGBTIQ+ travel advice; useful words and phrases; accessibility; and responsible travel Connect with Thai culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history, and traditions Inspiring full-colour travel photography and maps including a pull out map of ThailandCovers Bangkok and around, Ko Chand and the Eastern Seaboard, Hua Hin and the Upper gulf, Ko Samui and the Lower Gulf, Phuket and the Andaman Coast Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary country with Lonely Planet's Thailand's Islands & Beaches.

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Thailand.Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from sinking your toes into the soft white sand of Ko Lipe's Sunrise Beach to slurping boat noodles with locals at food stands in Ayuthaya, and spotting wild elephants on a night safari at Khao Yai National Park.Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Thailand Travel Guide:Our classic guidebook format provides you with the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week tripsUpdated with an all new structure and design so you can navigate Thailand and connect experiences together with easeCreate your perfect trip with exciting itineraries for extended journeys combined with suggested day trips, walking tours, and activities to match your passionsGet fresh takes on must-visit sights and walk through the Buddhas of Wat Pho, explore Chatuchak weekend market, see the three Sukhothai-era citiesSpecial features on finding the perfect beach, thai food and nightlife, market shopping explainedExpert local recommendations on when to go, eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, adventure activities, festivals, and moreEssential information toolkit containing tips on arriving; transport; making the most of your time and money; LGBTIQ+ travel advice; useful words and phrases; accessibility; and responsible travelConnect with Thai culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history, and traditions Inspiring full-colour travel photography and maps including a pull out map of BangkokCovers Bangkok & Around, Central Thailand, Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai Province, Northeastern Thailand, Ko Chang & the Eastern Seaboard, Hua Hin & the Upper Gulf, Ko Samui & the Lower Gulf, Phuket & the Andaman Coast Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary country with Lonely Planet's Thailand.

Lonely Planet's Cambodia is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Explore the elaborate temples of Angkor Wat, relax on pristine island beaches and immerse yourself in the history of Phnom Penh; all with your trusted travel companion. Inside Lonely Planet's Cambodia Travel Guide: Lonely Planet's Top Picks - a visually inspiring collection of the destination's best experiences and where to have them Itineraries help you build the ultimate trip based on your personal needs and interestsLocal insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - whether it's history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, politics Eating and drinking - get the most out of your gastronomic experience as we reveal the regional dishes and drinks you have to try Toolkit - all of the planning tools for solo travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, family travellers and accessible travel Colour maps and images throughoutLanguage - essential phrases and language tips Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Covers Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Temples of Angkor, South Coast, Northwestern Cambodia, Eastern Cambodia and more About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is the world's number one travel guidebook brand. Providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973, Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travellers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com and join our community of followers on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet), Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet), and TikTok (@lonelyplanet). 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' Fairfax Media (Australia)

Lonely Planet's Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Visit Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand, discover a secret beach on Cambodia's Koh Rong, or loosen up in Ho Chi Minh City; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet's Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand Travel Guide:Up-to-date information - all businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after 2020’s COVID-19 outbreak NEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel Improved planning tools for family travellers - where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kids What's New feature taps into cultural trends and helps you find fresh ideas and cool new areas our writers have uncovered Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics Over 70 maps Covers Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Vientiane, Luan Prabang, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand, our most comprehensive guide to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet Vietnam, Lonely Planet Cambodia, Lonely Planet Laos or Lonely Planet Thailand for a comprehensive look at all these countries have to offer. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day. 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' – New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' – Fairfax Media (Australia)

The first of its kind: an exploration of one of the most mysterious countries in the world, as told by one of the first outsiders to access the country in its entiretyFor almost fifty years Burma was ruled by a paranoid military dictatorship and isolated from the outside world. A historic 2015 election swept an Aung San Suu Kyi-led civilian government to power and was supposed to usher in a new golden era of democracy and progress, but Burma remains unstable and undeveloped, a little-understood country. Nothing is straightforward in this captivating land that is home to a combustible mix of races, religions and resources. A Savage Dreamland: Journeys in Burma reveals a country where temples take priority over infrastructure, fortune tellers thrive and golf courses are carved out of war zones. Setting out from Yangon, the old capital, David Eimer travels throughout this enigmatic nation, from the tropical south to the Burmese Himalayas in the far north, via the Buddhist-centric heartland and the jungles and mountains where rebel armies fight for autonomy in the longest-running civil wars in recent history. The story of modern Burma is told through the voices of the people Eimer encounters along the way: former political exiles, the squatters in Yangon’s shanty towns, radical monks, Rohingya refugees, princesses and warlords, and the ethnic minorities clustered along the country’s frontiers. In his vivid and revelatory account of life, history, culture and politics, David Eimer chronicles the awakening of a country as it returns to the global fold and explores a fractured nation, closed to foreigners for decades. Authoritative and ground-breaking, A Savage Dreamland: Journeys in Burma is set to be a modern classic of travel writing.

Lonely Planet Myanmar (Burma) is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Be dazzled by Buddhist architecture in Yangon, explore Bagan's amazing plain of ancient temples, or hike to the floating gardens and markets of Inle Lake -all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Myanmar and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet Myanmar (Burma) Travel Guide: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, religion, politics, cuisine, environment, wildlife, architecture, responsible travel, festivals, sport, traditional crafts, dance, theatre, music, literature, cinema Over 60 maps Covers Yangon, Southern Myanmar, Bagan, Central Myanmar, Yangon-Mandalay Highway, Temples of Bagan, Eastern Myanmar, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Northern Myanmar, Lashio, Myitkyina, Western Myanmar and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Myanmar (Burma) , our most comprehensive guide to Myanmar, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet Southeast Asia on a Shoestring guide. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day. Lonely Planet enables the curious to experience the world fully and to truly get to the heart of the places they find themselves, near or far from home. TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 winner in Favorite Travel Guide category 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia)

#1 best-selling guide to Beijing* Lonely Planet Beijing is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Scale the Great Wall, sip a cocktail in an historic alleyway, or go ice skating with the locals in Houhai; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Beijing and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet Beijing Travel Guide: Full-colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, hutong, architecture, religion, literature, visual arts, music, cinema, Peking Opera, festivals, cuisine, shopping Free, convenient pull-out Beijing map (included in print version), plus 30 colour maps Covers Chaoyang, the Forbidden City, Xicheng, Dongcheng, Sanlitun, Beihai Park, Wudaokou, Haidian, Dashilar, the Temple of Heaven and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Beijing , our most comprehensive guide to Beijing, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. Looking for just the highlights of Beijing? Check out Pocket Beijing, a handy-sized guide focused on the can't-miss sights for a quick trip. Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet China guide for a comprehensive look at all the country has to offer. About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves. The world awaits! Lonely Planet guides have won the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times *Best-selling guide to Beijing. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Australia, UK and USA

Far from the glittering cities of Beijing and Shanghai, China’s borderlands are populated by around one hundred million people who are not Han Chinese. For many of these restive minorities, the old Chinese adage ‘the mountains are high and the Emperor far away’, meaning Beijing’s grip on power is tenuous and its influence unwelcome, continues to resonate. Travelling through China’s most distant and unknown reaches, David Eimer explores the increasingly tense relationship between the Han Chinese and the ethnic minorities. Deconstructing the myths represented by Beijing, Eimer reveals a shocking and fascinating picture of a China that is more of an empire than a country.