“Where the smiles are as warm as the sunsets.”
With nearly forty million visitors annually, Thailand is the second-most visited country in Asia. Stretching across 513,120 square kilometres (198,120 sq mi), this Southeast Asian country is renowned for being one of the most popular destinations for a gap year and solo travellers, as well as those looking to fuel their wanderlust or get in touch with their spiritual side. Thailand is a stunning country full of geographic regions. From the Thai Highlands in the north of the country, the bustling marketplaces of cities like Bangkok and Phuket to the miles and miles of white sands and crystal clear seas, check out the best Thailand travel books at What We Reading!
Fodor’s Essential Thailand – Fodor’s Travel
Whether it’s shopping in the floating markets, sampling some stunning street food or taking a pilgrimage to a Buddhist Temple, Fodor’s collection of local experts is on hand to deliver one of the best Thailand books for tackling the country. Filled with useful maps, curated recommendations and other helpful guides, it is the only guidebook you need for making your trip across the country one to remember.
The latest edition comes with a revamped layout and updated high-quality imagery, meaning that whether you’re looking to inspire your wanderlust or plan out an itinerary, Fodor once again showcases why their ‘Essential’ series was named by Booklist as the Best Travel Guide Series.
Thailand: The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide – Alexa West
Covering Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Tao and everything in between, Alexa West’s Thailand: The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide is the guide you need for discovering a land of picturesque white beaches and bright turquoise water. Accessible and personal, it is the ultimate Thailand book for females looking to trek the country solo.
West answers the most commonly asked questions about travelling solo around the Far East, helping readers avoid the sketchy hangout spots, creeps and scammers that can derail a journey. As practical as it is inspiring, it is the perfect Thailand book for showing you don’t need to have friends, partners or loved ones to forge the trip of a lifetime.
22 Walks In Bangkok: Exploring the City’s Historic Back Lanes And Byways – Kenneth Barrett
Bangkok is one of the world’s most visited cities, and Kenneth Barrett helps tourists pay homage to its beauty, history and culture in 22 Walks in Bangkok. Aimed at first-time visitors to the city, the book provides a unique journey of discovery along its cobbled streets, unearthing hidden mansions, palaces, shops, markets, shophouses and shrines.
Teaching tourists what to expect from the second they land in the city, Barrett breaks down how Bangkok is a collection of complex villages, woven together by a vast maze of side streets. Capturing the magic of each of these villages, Barrett explores how they have developed and evolved, as well as what their main attractions are.
Lonely Planet Thailand – Lonely Planet
The world’s leading travel guide planner offers the most relevant and up-to-date tour of Thailand in their books on the Southeast Asian country.
Featuring coloured maps and photographs, budget guides, highlights on what to do and what to avoid, cultural insights and essential information for all the phone numbers, websites and prices you need to know, it is the ultimate travel planning companion to have. Providing inspiring and trustworthy advice, when it comes to fastening together an itinerary for Thailand, Lonely Planet is still one of the go-to gurus.
Thailand’s Best Street Food: The Complete Guide To Street Dining In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket And Other Areas – Chawadee Nualkhair
If there is one thing synonymous with Thailand for visitors, it’s the food. Thailand is home to some of the world’s most stunning dishes, with the majority prepared right in front of visitors on the streets of Phuket, Bangkok Chiang Mai or any other region of the country.
In his book, Thailand’s Best Street Food, blogger and freelance writer Chawadee Nualkhair teaches readers what the best delicacies are in the country, and where they can find them. One of the best Thailand travel books for getting back to the grassroots and enjoying an authentic slice of real Thai cuisine, Thailand’s Best Street Food comes complete with maps, recipes and countless useful culinary tips!
Luxurious Chiang Mai: The 5-Star Travel Guide To Hotels, Dining, Spa And Sightseeing In Chiang Mai – Laura Gibbs
For those looking for a more luxurious travel experience across Thailand, look no further than Luxurious Chiang Mai by Laura Gibbs. In it, Gibbs offers readers an incredible travel guide through the lush tropical rainforests, stunning golden temples, rolling mountains and stunning cuisines of northern Thailand.
Luxurious Chiang Mai showcases the most glamorous destinations for those looking to plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will create memories lasting a lifetime, from riding elephants to hopping between the 300 temples in the Chiang Mai region.
Thailand For Couples: Travel Guide – David Nguyen
With its picturesque beaches, serene temples, vibrant marketplaces and stunning natural landscapes, Thailand is one of the best travel destinations for couples. In his book, Thailand For Couples, travel expert David Nguyen offers his experience in planning the ultimate trek across the country for couples looking to travel together.
Whether you’re embarking on your first trip abroad together or planning a journey to rekindle your relationship, Nguyen provides insider tips and recommendations customized for a romantic and spiritual experience. From culinary delights to discovering untapped natural beauties, this book combines the spirit of adventure with practical tips that will make any trip to Thailand an unforgettable experience for your relationship.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
