Our recommendations on the best travel books for Southeast Asia
Traveling to Southeast Asia can be an extraordinary adventure, offering a rich mosaic of unforgettable experiences. From exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia to island-hopping in Thailand's pristine waters, the region is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders. Adventurers can trek through lush jungles in Borneo, encountering orangutans in their natural habitat, or immerse themselves in the vibrant street food scene of Hanoi, savoring fragrant pho and crispy banh mi. The ethereal beauty of Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts rising from emerald waters is a sight that leaves visitors in awe, while the chance to witness the daily alms-giving ceremony of monks in Luang Prabang, Laos, offers a serene and spiritual moment. A knowledgeable travel guide can be invaluable in navigating the region's diverse landscapes and cultures, ensuring travelers don't miss hidden gems and gain deeper insights into local customs and history. Whether it's watching the sunrise over the mist-shrouded rice terraces of Bali or diving into the technicolor underwater world of the Philippines, Southeast Asia promises a journey filled with wonder, discovery, and life-changing moments.
Our Travel Book Recommendations - Southeast Asia
Our Travel Book Recommendations - Southeast Asia
Lonely Planet Thailand
Our favorite guidebook series for Thailand and all of Southeast Asia is Lonely Planet. Their comprehensive Thailand Travel Guide offers a perfect blend of popular attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences. From the sun-soaked beaches of Ko Lipe to the bustling food stands of Ayuthaya and the wild elephant safaris in Khao Yai National Park, this guide unveils the best of Thailand's diverse offerings. It's packed with expert local insights, exciting itineraries, and fresh takes on must-visit sights like Wat Pho and Chatuchak weekend market. The guide covers everything from finding the perfect beach to navigating Thai nightlife and market shopping, complete with essential travel tips, cultural insights, and stunning photography. Whether you're exploring Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ko Samui, or Phuket, this all-in-one resource ensures you'll create the trip of a lifetime across Thailand's captivating landscapes and vibrant cities.
National Geographic Traveler Vietnam
National Geographic actually offers a very beautifully illustrated guidebook series, as evidenced by their guide for Vietnam. From the historic Hindu temples of My Son and Ponagar Tower to the diverse landscapes encompassing mountain passes, verdant rice fields, and pristine beaches along its extensive tropical coastline, Vietnam presents a wealth of experiences for travelers. The guidebook caters to various interests, featuring self-guided walks through Hanoi's Old Quarter, adventures along the Mandarin Road, and even tours of Viet Cong tunnels for history enthusiasts. For the more adventurous, activities range from kite-surfing in Mui Ne to wildlife spotting in Chu Mom Ray Park, while those seeking cultural immersion can explore mountain tribe markets.
Catfish and Mandala, by Andrew X. Pham
One of our top recommendations for travel books on Vietnam is Catfish and Mandala, the autobiographical story of Andrew X. Pham, a Vietnamese-American who moved to California as a young child after the fall of Saigon and decides to return to visit his homeland as an adult. This very funny and well-written travelogue with an insightful perspective into life in Vietnam. Pham's journey, undertaken primarily by bicycle, offers readers a unique and intimate view of the country's landscapes, people, and culture through the eyes of someone straddling two worlds. Click here to read our full review of Catfish and Mandala.
Seven Years in Tibet, by Heinrich Harrer
Seven Years in Tibet is the best-selling travel book by Heinrich Harrer telling the story of how he escaped from a British POW camp during WWII into the Himalayas and to the mysterious land of Tibet, where he ultimately befriended the young Dalai Lama. He was there during the Communist Chinese invasion in 1950, providing history and insight into the plight of the Tibetans. Harrer's unique perspective as an outsider who immersed himself in Tibetan culture offers readers a rare glimpse into a world that was largely unknown to the West at the time. His detailed accounts of Tibetan customs, religious practices, and daily life paint a vivid picture of a civilization on the brink of profound change.
The Snow Leopard, by Peter Matthiessen
The Snow Leopard is a classic in travel writing, worth reading both for the beauty of the prose and for the reflection on Buddhist teaching. The author Peter Matthiessen recounts his 1973 trek through the Dolpo region in the Himalayas with a naturalist friend studying Himalayan blue sheep, embracing the landscape, and hoping to see a rare snow leopard. The book is best though for the description of Matthiessen's moving spiritual journey. Throughout the narrative, Matthiessen's introspective musings and vivid descriptions of the rugged terrain intertwine, creating a deeply contemplative and immersive reading experience. Click here for our full review of The Snow Leopard.
The Third Pole, by Mark Synnott
This audiobook, titled The Third Pole, offers a gripping account of veteran climber Mark Synnott's 2019 expedition to Mount Everest. Driven by a century-old mystery surrounding George Mallory and Sandy Irvine's ill-fated 1924 summit attempt, Synnott's journey intertwines historical intrigue with the modern-day challenges of scaling the world's highest peak. The narrative explores the obsessive nature of mountaineering, the dangers of high-altitude climbing, and the complex geopolitical and environmental issues surrounding Everest. Listeners are taken on a harrowing adventure that includes drone footage, oxygen-deprivation training, and a perilous ascent during a season marred by tragedy and controversy, all while Synnott pursues the tantalizing possibility of solving a longstanding mountaineering mystery.