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The Best Books to Read For Traveling in Asia

11/28/2014 by Kristin Addis 69 Comments

Reading is where I get the majority of my enjoyment these days. Whether it be a book or an online publication, reading has been such a great way to learn more about each culture I’m in, to figure out how to develop income streams, and even how to better understand interpersonal relationships.

This particular list is a set of my favorites for traveling in Asia. Each of them sheds some light on the cultures, and many are autobiographical. One thing they all have in common is they are each incredibly compelling reads.

This is an ever growing and evolving list as I find more great reads to add, but for the time being, here are the books that I’ve read from cover to cover over the past two years and would absolutely recommend that you do the same:

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Cambodia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Nepal
  • Any Buddhist Country
  • Everywhere in Asia
  • Everywhere in Southeast Asia

Cambodia

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers by Loung Ung

This is easily one of the most powerful books I have ever read and is one of the best insights into Cambodia’s troubled past. It helped me appreciate even more the vibrant, smiling people Cambodians are today.  It details the loss, hardship, and ugly realities of the Pol Pot regime from 1975 onward in Cambodia in such a way that brought tears to my eyes more than once while reading.

It wasn’t easy to get through and there were times when my hair was standing straight up on my arms, immersing myself in the story of this remarkable woman’s childhood. More than that, her strength and courage shines through as the reader watches her turn from a spoiled city child to a strong, independent fighter. For those traveling in Cambodia, understanding the genocide is important to understanding how the country has become what it is today.

Thailand

Miss Bangkok: Memoirs of a Thai Prostitute by Bua Boonmee

First of all, I don’t meant to say that this book is everything you need to know about Thailand or its vibrant culture, but there is no denying that a great many people come to Thailand as sex tourists. This book really helped highlight how some women come to end up in the sex business, and it is incredibly eye-opening.

I won’t give away any more than that, but suffice to say, it’s a powerful story and one that shed some light on the reasons behind why some of these women do what they do in order to survive. I’m willing to bet many of the patrons of the Thai sex industry have no idea about the harsh realities behind the curtain.

Vietnam

Catfish and Mandala: A Two-Wheeled Voyage Through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam by Andrew X. Pham

This book was a compelling page-turner written by an author who truly has a gift for writing. I felt like reading his words helped me grow as a writer, as a traveler in Vietnam, and even as an American. Andrew X. Pham was born in war-torn Vietnam and he and his family risked their lives to come to the United States as refugees when he was a child. He grew up as a quasi-outsider in the US and as an adult, only to feel the same feeling as an outsider in his birth country. His objective was to cycle through the country, and while this would have been a compelling enough story, it’s really the cultural reflections and Andrew’s feelings and difficulties that made it so interesting for me.

I personally really loved visiting Vietnam. As a white American, it’s amazing how different our experiences ended up being. If you read this before or even during a trip to Vietnam, you’ll be moved.

Nepal

Little Princes: One Man’s Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal by Conor Grennan

Little Princes is the first book I read during my travels in Southeast Asia. It left a lasting impact as I made my own way to Nepal less than a year and a half later. Grennan’s self-deprecating writing style in the beginning endeared me to him as a reader, and made it easy to empathize with him throughout the book as he made astonishing discovery after astonishing discovery about orphanages in Nepal.

Whether you plan to visit Nepal or not, this is a fantastic read and one that I have recommended over and over to friends and family.

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Sold is a novel based on the true stories of thousands of girls smuggled from Nepal to India to become sex slaves. While this is certainly not a feel good book with puppies and rainbows jumping out of every page, I sometimes think reads like this are important to understanding the world in every aspect – the good and the bad. Through awareness and education, there can be growth and change.

Any Buddhist Country

(Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, parts of China, the list goes on)

What Makes You Not a Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse

The title of this book really is misleading.  It seems like it’s going to be a long, dry, boring account of the religion when in reality, it’s a genius, engaging, and easy-to-understand explanation of Buddhism as a philosophy towards life, love, and loss. Though I’m not a religious person, this book truly did change my life and outlook for the better. It helped me understand change, what is really important in life, helped me grasp compassion, and to let go of anger.

I know that’s a lot for one book to do, but it opened a world to me that I otherwise couldn’t quite understand given my Western background and upbringing. The author does a great job of explaining Buddhism in a Western framework without pushing Buddhism as a religion, making it appropriate for people of any religious or cultural background. It was a super helpful intro for me before going into a 10-day silent meditation in Thailand. In short, it just seeks to help spread understanding.

This is the book I recommend the most to friends of mine who are traveling, going through a transformative time, or simply looking for a better understanding of life in general. Best of all, all the proceeds are donated.

Everywhere in Asia

Conquering Mountains: How to Solo Travel the World Fearleassly

I wrote this guidebook after three years of traveling by myself, two of which I spent in Asia. I’ve gone back after 5 years of consecutive solo travel and updated it with new information as well, including how to get over the fear of traveling alone, how to stay safe on the road, how to save up, earn, and save money on the road, and have included a bunch of case studies and advice from other solo female travelers as well. This is the most comprehensive resource out there for women traveling alone!

Everywhere in Southeast Asia

A Thousand New Beginnings: Tales of Solo Female Travel in Southeast Asia is a memoir I wrote during the first year that I traveled alone in Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Australia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It’s the personal account of deciding to leave my job and boyfriend to travel solo with a one-way ticket and nothing but a carry-on backpack.

It includes excerpts from this blog, along with a lot of entries from my diary that I never posted, including falling in love, nursing heartbreak, and finding surprises on the road at every turn.

—

I read all of my books on a Kindle because my goal of traveling light would be quite hampered by large books. Given I’m usually reading 2-3 at a time, I need them in electronic format. Plus, I can keep highlights and clippings of the books for later reference – which I do make use of.

I am always looking to add to this list, so if you know of a great read, let me know!

These 8 books will give you a better idea of a country's history and culture, and I recommend you adding them to your reading list! Books to read when traveling in Asia | Asia Travel Books |  Best Travel Books | Wanderlust books | Travel Reading List | Be My Travel Muse #TravelBooks #TravelReadingList
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Lastly, these are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase via the link, I get a very small percentage of the sale price. It’s not much but it does help me maintain this website. Now that I think about it, if you have someone special in your life that is traveling soon, one of the best gifts would be these books loaded on a Kindle. Just a thought! Happy travels.

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Which are the best travel books for Asia? Which ones are fun, compelling reads? Check out this list of top books from a nomad in Asia.
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About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Comments

  1. Emiko says

    11/28/2014 at 6:59 am

    I love this because I always try to read a book about the place I’m traveling to/in. I also appreciate that you highlighted books written by people who actually live or are from those countries. I think both perspectives (insider vs outsider) are good, but I always tend to lean to the home country authors. Last, I read Catfish and Mandala about 10 years ago and I still remember how good it was! Which is at lot considering I often can’t remember books I read last year:)

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      11/28/2014 at 7:35 am

      I like the first-hand narrative style of people from the countries as well. Sometimes it’s an outsider who wrote it as in the cases with the Nepal books, but the others gave me a better insight, I felt.

      Reply
      • Moeez says

        02/12/2015 at 12:20 am

        Hi,
        I was going through the comments, and saw your reply asking for the affiliate link of the book Nothing to Envy. I will take this opportunity to send the link to you
        Here’s the link:
        Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

        I loved your website and articles. You are doing a great job!

        Reply
        • Kristin says

          02/12/2015 at 6:18 am

          Thanks and thanks!

          Reply
  2. Kristin says

    11/28/2014 at 7:34 am

    It’s important to understand all aspects, I think. Not just the good parts. Thanks for the recommendation!

    Reply
  3. Charlie says

    11/28/2014 at 10:20 am

    Ah, amazing! I was just thinking one of my aims for my trip next year should be to read at least one book about each country I visit. This is a great selection to get me started. Wish I had some recommendations for you, I plan to have many by the end of my trip!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      11/29/2014 at 5:25 am

      Great then I look forward to your eventual recommendations!

      Reply
  4. Katy says

    11/28/2014 at 9:18 pm

    I know a must-read for Myanmar- From the Land of Green Ghosts http://www.amazon.com/From-Land-Green-Ghosts-Burmese/dp/0060505230

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      11/29/2014 at 5:24 am

      Awesome, thank you!

      Reply
    • Pavel says

      01/07/2015 at 12:22 pm

      Thank you, Kristin for your great list of book. Next week I will go to Myanmar and I was glad find book about this country in comment to this post. Now I read “From the Land of Green Ghosts” and expect very interesting travel.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        01/08/2015 at 3:16 am

        I just love the commenters on this blog! They’re so helpful.

        Reply
  5. Rachel says

    11/29/2014 at 6:33 am

    Anything on China? I’m heading there in a few days. I’ve been reading China in Ten Words by Yu Hua, which has been a fairly easy read and talks about the author’s upbringing during the Cultural Revolution, among other things. I’m definitely going to check out What Makes You Not a Buddhist. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      11/29/2014 at 11:32 am

      I’ve read a lot of textbooks about China, especially modern Chinese politics (it was an area of study for me at University) but not as many memoirs. A good friend of mine loves My Several Worlds by Pearl S. Buck. There’s a novel called To Live by Yu Hua that you might find very interesting. It’s about a formerly rich family’s struggle as Mao rises to power.

      Reply
    • Paul says

      11/29/2014 at 7:57 pm

      There actually are a lot of memoirs about China, too many of them. The most popular ones are Peter Hessler’s books, works by Xinran, Wild Swans, Wild Grass, and Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. I personally recommend Ancestral Leaves by Joseph W. Esherick, which chronicles his wife’s family through most of Modern Chinese history. As a historian, he knows his facts. Many of them focus on the turbulence of the Mao Era or the strains on society caused by the neck-breaking pace of development. Pearl S. Buck, writes from the Republican era.

      Mo Yan, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature, is a good place to start for contemporary Chinese literature. He works tend to be a bit political and focus on Chinese society. Soul Mountain, also by a Chinese Nobel laureate for literature, Gao Xingjian, is in contrast a much more personal journey and doesn’t touch much on the social upheavals of the era. The Republican era was a golden era for Chinese arts and literature. Writers from that era, such as Lu Xun, Xiao Hong, Ba jin, Qian Zhongshu, and Lao Shu, are still deeply revered in modern Chinese society.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        11/30/2014 at 6:39 am

        Thanks so much for the suggestions, Paul! It’s clear to me now that I should have been reading a lot more books on China all along. It’s the country that fascinates me the most. Will definitely add some of these to my list of books to read and hopefully grow this post to include some of these.

        Reply
  6. Sheri says

    11/30/2014 at 12:04 pm

    Oh, totally love this post. I’m always looking for books or movies that have the places I want to see in them. Great idea. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      11/30/2014 at 4:13 pm

      I absolutely adore The Lover for Vietnam. It’s an oldie but a goodie. Adapted from a book as well which I suppose I should have included here as I’ve read that one too but forgot about it until now!

      Reply
  7. Emily says

    11/30/2014 at 12:21 pm

    I’ve just started ‘Anil’s Ghost’ by Michael Ondaatje which touches on Sri Lanka during their civil war. So far I really love it – perhaps I am slightly biases since I was there in September and have a huge love for the country, but I would say it’s worth reading!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      11/30/2014 at 4:14 pm

      I do as well since I was there about a year ago. Thanks for letting me know because I’d love to learn more about that beautiful island.

      Reply
  8. Christine | The Traveloguer says

    12/01/2014 at 1:18 am

    Great list Kristen! I haven’t read Miss Bangkok, Sold, or What Makes You Not Buddhist, but the others are great and really do have a lasting imrpession, especially when you read them in the country they’re set in. 🙂
    Reading books about different countries and their history, and other travellers’ account of their adventures is one of my favourite parts of travel!!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/01/2014 at 4:24 am

      You’ve read all the others? Nice! I guess great minds think alike. Out of those I’d recommend What Makes You Not Buddhist next, but that is my favorite book so I’m biased 🙂

      Reply
  9. Alana - Paper Planes says

    12/01/2014 at 1:56 pm

    For fiction, the Bangkok 8 series is interesting and entertaining. Certainly not an accurate representation of Thailand in general, but the author does highlight several finer points of Thai Buddhist practices and cultures that are fascinating and interesting to read about if you’ve spent some time there.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/03/2014 at 10:06 am

      I really enjoy books about Buddhism so I might like that one a lot.

      Reply
  10. Camels & Chocolate says

    12/01/2014 at 5:51 pm

    Ahhh thank you for the reminder that I have been meaning to read “First They Killed My Father” for three years now since first visiting Cambodia! Added it to the list.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/02/2014 at 10:22 am

      Great, great read.

      Reply
  11. Tom @ Waegook Tom says

    12/01/2014 at 8:31 pm

    I just read a great book set in India, by Kiran Desai, called Hullabaloo In The Guava Orchard. A really easy, funny read, with engaging characters and great descriptive prose. Of course for fiction, there’s always Memoirs Of A Geisha, too, which I LOVE.

    One I really recommend is called Nothing To Envy, by Barbara Demick. There are accounts of six defectors who escaped North Korea during the massive famine that killed millions in the 90’s. Such a good book about a country that we don’t know that much about.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/03/2014 at 10:06 am

      I loved Memoirs of a Geisha as well! I read it in high school.

      THANK YOU for the Nothing to Envy suggestion. I think I’ll read that next because N. Korea really fascinates me. If you have an affiliate link with amazon send it over 🙂

      Reply
  12. Ligeia and Mindy says

    12/02/2014 at 6:12 am

    What a great list of books. Thanks! I think I’d start with the What Makes You Not a Buddhist.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/02/2014 at 10:17 am

      Its a great one to start with

      Reply
  13. Glamourous Traveller says

    12/04/2014 at 7:13 pm

    One of my absolute favorite books has always been Shantaram. I recommend it to everyone! Its a beautiful autobiography (some ppl do challenge this) of a convict from Australia who escaped prison and ran off to India. He really writes beautifully about living in the country and his adventures there.

    And then of course if you want a lighter take on India, there’s always Holy Cow that helps balance off the two experiences =)

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/05/2014 at 1:36 am

      I did read Shantaram and while I felt the guy was a good writer I just couldn’t get past his god complex. It bothered me. It did help me get a better feel for India (I guess?) but I didn’t love it enough for it to make the list. It was a compelling read, though. I give it a 6 out of 10.

      Reply
  14. runawaybrit says

    12/05/2014 at 11:08 pm

    There are some great books here! Some of my favourites are A Fine Balance (India), Wild Swans (China), The Quiet American (Vietnam), Wind-Up Bird Chronicle (Japan) and Ghostwritten (set in many locations, but the Mongolia story is my favourite). Maybe I should write my own post!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/07/2014 at 3:22 am

      Thanks for the recommendations! Looks like I need to do some China reading.

      Reply
  15. Jess says

    12/06/2014 at 10:00 pm

    Thanks for this list! I’m living in bangkok at the moment and really wanted some reading inspiration! What makes you not a Buddhist is honestly one of the most amazing books I’ve read, I’m going to spread the word it’s very rare to find something so grounded in fact and truth yet so magical at the same time. Keep doing what you’re doing – I love your blog! Xx

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/07/2014 at 3:21 am

      Yay! I’m glad you liked the book! It really did change my life for the better.

      Reply
  16. Abi says

    12/09/2014 at 6:57 am

    Oh, this brings back memories. I always used to try to read a book set in another country before I got there/while I was travelling around. I’m not quite sure when I got out of the habit. I’d like to do it again, though. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/09/2014 at 2:30 pm

      Always such a nice way to understand and appreciate a country’s history 🙂

      Reply
  17. Rebekah says

    12/10/2014 at 7:31 am

    I love to read about places that I’ve been too. I read a LOT of China books because it helps me grasp the country a bit more. You should check out Peter Hessler’s books – he’s an awesome writer. I’m really curious about the Buddhism book, it would be nice to learn a bit more.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/12/2014 at 1:43 am

      Awesome thank you.

      Reply
  18. Kristin says

    12/12/2014 at 1:39 am

    I think you’re the second to comment recommending Holy Cow so I’ll look that one up. The other sounds incredible as well.

    Reply
  19. Jenia from HTL says

    12/16/2014 at 8:39 pm

    Thanks for the great list, I am excited to check these out. I always try to read books when traveling in a country – I feel like it gives so much great context and cultural understanding that you don’t always get just by interacting with locals. Here are a few that I found useful – for Cambodia – Report from the Stricken Land; for China – easily the best travel companion is China Road by Rob Gifford (also available as an excellent audio book); and for India – Inspite of the Gods – the rise of Modern India. All of these were written by journalists who covered these countries for decades and have plenty of anecdotes, historical knowledge and well rounded understanding of a range of subjects pertinent to these countries.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/17/2014 at 4:07 am

      Those are great suggestions! A lot on this list are written by locals but it would be great to get a journalist’s perspective as well.

      Reply
  20. estays says

    12/21/2014 at 7:55 pm

    Thank you for the incredible list its helpful..

    Reply
  21. Kelsie says

    12/27/2014 at 11:08 pm

    Great suggestions! I loved Catfish and Mandala! Although its not as deep and insightful… No touch monkey was a great lighthearted traveler’s book for southeast asia (and other parts of the world)… definitely recommend for a light read 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/28/2014 at 2:57 pm

      Thanks for the suggestion. I definitely agree with the title at least!

      Reply
  22. Jub says

    01/01/2015 at 6:59 am

    Thanks for the recommendation for: What Makes You Not a Buddhist
    Great description and awesome read. Just finished the book this avo!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/01/2015 at 11:52 am

      Awesome I’m so glad you liked it! I was excited to see that a lot of people ordered that one. I think it would make the world a better place if everyone read it 🙂

      Reply
  23. Bren says

    01/06/2015 at 10:18 pm

    I read “When Broken Glass Floats” while in Phnom Penh which is a similar memoir to First They Killed My Father. I had planned to read them both, but after the first one, I didn’t think I could handle reading about that tragic history again. The book reduced me to tears more than a few times, and like you say, made me appreciate the smiles and hospitality around the country so much more. The other books you’ve listed look great as well, Miss Bangkok looks powerful, and Bkk is one of my favourite cities ever – might have to read that one on my next plane ride there. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/07/2015 at 11:41 am

      I cried too reading First They Killed My Father. I agree it might be tough to read two such memoirs back to back. I started reading one about a child soldier in Sierra Leone and wondered to myself why I read such tough books but then realized, it helps you appreciate the current situation much more and the need for love in this world more than ever.

      Reply
  24. Iris says

    01/17/2015 at 2:28 am

    Hi Kristin,

    Did you use a travel guide in south east Asia? Awesome website by the way, inspiring and useful!

    X iris

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/21/2015 at 11:38 pm

      Nope. I never do. I get my ideas by talking to locals.

      Reply
  25. Drew says

    02/24/2015 at 2:57 am

    Orwell’s first novel, Burmese Days, paints Colonial Burma in a satirical light and offers decent insight into old traditions such as chewing betel. It’s worth reading just to see Orwell’s nearly century old take on present day Myanmar as well as his stunning insights into the bureaucratic nonsense that came along with it.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      02/24/2015 at 4:56 am

      Thank you for the recommendation!

      Reply
  26. rebecca says

    04/07/2015 at 3:34 am

    Hi there, I really enjoyed reading your past updates and most recent post 🙂 I was recommended your blog by transient20s. I have just started on WordPress since I am just beginning my travels – not only to keep my own recording of the journey, but also to read other people’s recommendations and insights. Some of the stuff I have read so far is great and I would love if you had any other recommended bloggers etc for me to follow? I am 23 and my first post lists the places I will be visiting. Thank you! Rebecca x

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      04/17/2015 at 9:00 am

      How kind of them to recommend me. Yes for sure! These are my faves: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/best-travel-blogs/

      Reply
  27. Cest La Vibe says

    07/01/2015 at 8:31 pm

    I’ve always considered “The Beach” a must read for anyone visiting Asia, but I love your list. Will definitely try to read at least one of those books this year!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      07/03/2015 at 8:05 am

      I haven’t actually read it but based on the movie, can definitely see why. I was trying to think of things that are less based on fiction and more based on the culture of the countries, but should read that one as well.

      Reply
  28. maria says

    07/03/2015 at 8:20 am

    If you are travelling India I absolutely recommend “The God of Small Things” for some beautiful magic realism and accurate “images” of local kids. And of course I have to recommend the famous “the white tiger” also full of indian typical images and very very entertaining reading. Both Indian writers

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      07/03/2015 at 8:47 am

      Would love to read them regardless! I love having a peek into a culture I’m not yet familiar with

      Reply
  29. Stephen says

    07/06/2015 at 5:08 am

    Yep, Catfish and Mandala is a good one. I read it long before I ever wen to SE Asia, but remember it as a compelling read.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      07/06/2015 at 7:55 am

      So compelling and well-written. I love reading people who are such great writers as they encourage me to improve.

      Reply
  30. Grainne says

    07/16/2015 at 5:18 pm

    I loved Little Princes! I recently did a Buddhist temple stay here in Korea and loved my time there. I’ll definitely have to check out “What makes you not a Buddhist” as I really want to learn more about the religion.
    Thanks for the recommendation!
    Some of my favourites are Escape from camp 14, a book about one of the few people to have escaped from North Korea’s prisoner camps. A shocking but interesting read (although it came out recently that he had lied about a few things in the book)
    Into Thin Air is also a great read!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      07/17/2015 at 9:05 am

      I am so fascinated by North Korea so I’m definitely going to give that a read. Thank you for the suggestion!

      Reply
  31. Nhân says

    07/27/2015 at 8:09 am

    Are there book about Malaysia and How long can I use these book?

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      07/27/2015 at 2:15 pm

      I haven’t read one about Malaysia yet but when I do I’m happy to post about it! These are mostly memoirs and relevant any time.

      Reply
  32. Mary Hood says

    10/16/2015 at 6:10 am

    Thanks for the awesome list! I am definitely going to check them out, especially the one about Buddhism. When I’m in Thailand later this year I am going to check out a meditation retreat in a temple, so I should probably learn more about Buddhism first. 😛

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      10/16/2015 at 8:11 am

      That’s a really good idea and I was very glad I’d read that book prior to going simply to have the basics down when the monks referenced the Truths.

      Is it this one you’re going to? Was a very profound experience for me: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/monastery-thailand/
      I have some tips to help you prep here: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/suan-mokkh/

      Reply

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