5 Recommended Books Featuring Thailand

Heading into a country completely blind and without any knowledge about the culture, customs, or even geography, has never been the brightest of ideas. That is why we suggest picking up any one of the many books on, about, or set in Thailand. From murder mysteries to historical fiction, there are many novels that will help you navigate your way through the Land of Smiles, if not make you just a bit more familiar with this unique country. Get ready for your red-eye flight by picking up a copy of one of the best five books featuring Thailand.

The Bridge Over the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle

The Bridge Over the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle is the oldest book on our list, having been published in 1942. The story follows the internal struggle of a prisoner of war during World War II. It was during this time that POWs were forced to work on the railway that was intended to help the Japanese get to Burma from Thailand. This book has also been made into a movie in 1957. We highly recommend picking up a copy of this book, being that Kanchanaburi, the city in which the bridge was being built, is one city on many tourists’ itineraries, and one we think you shouldn’t miss visiting while traveling in Thailand. Make your trip that much more memorable by having a slight grasp of its history.

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Private Dancer by Stephen Leather

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The Beach by Alex Garland

The Beach, by Alex Garland, tells the story of a privileged British man, named Richard. He finds himself in Bangkok trying to escape his normal routine and find adventure. After receiving a map from a man who shortly thereafter commits suicide, Richard decides he must follow its instructions to find the secret island it describes. This book was made into a seemingly more popular movie in 2000. Many people claim that the movie The Beach, starring Leonardo Dicaprio, put Thailand on the tourist shoestring of places to visit throughout Southeast Asia. Scenes from the impeccable Maya Bay in the south of Thailand take over the screen as a much younger DiCaprio runs around like a mad man on a seemingly deserted island. If you plan on visiting any of Thailand’s beautiful islands, this is a must-read.

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Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap

We love short stories, and Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap is no exception. Unlike some of the other books on our list, this one is set in present day Thailand. The collection tells the tales of a number of different characters, including the son of a motel owner who falls for an American tourist. This book breaks the stereotypical box that tourists and visitors of Thailand oftentimes put this nation in. You’ll be hard-pressed when deciding which short story is your favorite in this powerful collection.

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Bangkok 8 by John Burdett

Bangkok 8 by John Burdett is the first novel in a series of six. This thriller will have you roaming the back streets of Bangkok as Sonchai Jitpleecheep, the main character, seeks revenge for his partner who was murdered. This story wouldn’t be complete without a love component, which is provided by an FBI agent named Jones, who Jitpleecheep is paired with in hopes of avenging his friend. He inevitably falls for her, but this is no ordinary love story. Watch as these two reveal a much more sinister Bangkok than many of us will ever be exposed to during our travels. Learn more about the city, Buddhism (which Jitpleecheep practises), and much more in this violent, edgy, and exotic novel.

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.