VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & LAOS - TRAVEL GUIDES

“Nobody gives way to anybody. Everyone just angles, points, dives directly toward his destination, pretending it is an all-or-nothing gamble. People glare at one another and fight for maneuvering space. All parties are equally determined to get the right-of-way--insist on it. They swerve away at the last possible moment, giving scant inches to spare. The victor goes forwards, no time for a victory grin, already engaging in another contest of will. Saigon traffic is Vietnamese life, a continuous charade of posturing, bluffing, fast moves, tenacity and surrenders.”
- Andrew X. Pham, Catfish and Mandela

TRAVELING TO VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & LAOS

The allure of Southeast Asia is undeniable for most travelers, with colorful markets, chaotic streets, and colonial architecture in cities like Ho Chi Minh and Phenom Phen, stunning landscapes of terraced rice fields and jungles, and one of the true wonders of the world - Angkor Wat. Find our top recommendations on travel books below on this amazing region.

A5 RECOMMENDATIONS

Lonely Planet: Vietnam

Our favorite guide book for those traveling to Vietnam is Lonely Planet. The roots of the company started in Asia, with a concentration on local insights and helpful tips designed to help travelers truly experience the essence of the country and make the most of each trip. Their coverage includes most of the country, with some great tips on smaller villages and cultural highlights that other guidebooks might miss.

National Geographic Traveller: Vietnam

One of the best books for someone looking in advance to plan the perfect itinerary for Vietnam is the travel guide by National Geographic. This book is a great source of information for those looking for authentic cultural experiences and inspiration. It is very comprehensive, with good recommendations and tips both for Vietnam’s most popular sites and for some lesser known surprises.

Catfish and Mandala, by Andrew X. Pham

One of our top recommendations for travel books on Vietnam is Catfish and Mandela, 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. It isn’t a travel guide, but it is a very funny and well-written travelogue with an insightful perspective into life in Vietnam. Click here for our review of Catfish and Mandala.

Inside Out & Back Again, by Thanhha Lai

Children ages 10+ should read Inside Out & Back Again, a beautiful story of a ten year old Vietnamese girl who is forced to immigrate with her family to the US during the Vietnam War. The book is written in free-form verse, making it seem authentically child-like and interesting to read. Much more of this moving story takes place in America, providing more of a look into the life of a Vietnamese refugee than into Vietnam itself. Click here to learn more about Inside Out & Back Again.

Focusing on the Angkor Temples: The Guidebook

The Angkor temples in Cambodia are important enough to warrant their own guidebook, and our recommendation on the best is Focusing on the Angkor Temples. This book has it all – 880 photos, suggested itineraries, easy-to-use maps, and detailed floor plans. Note that the Angkor site does change due to ongoing restorations, and it is very important to get an up-to-date edition.