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Top 3 Travel Guide Books for Thailand

While this blog is aimed at guiding travelers through Thailand, ThaHoliday is aware that many still prefer to carry around the good old guidebook, whether it be a print or digital version. It can be time consuming to search through the app or book store so we wanted to make your life easier by listing three of the best guidebooks to accompany you on your travels (until ThaHoliday becomes an eBook or app)!

Where shall we go? (Photo by The Wandering Angel)


1) Lonely Planet
One of the most successful guide book publisher in history, Lonely Planet has produced guides for countries you have probably never even heard of. Their guide books are dedicated to the backpacker, younger traveler, and adventure seeker. Most cities that you won’t find in any other guide are listed in LP for the off-the-beaten-trek traveler. Each publication lists informative information including city maps, language assistance, scam advisories, and expected prices. The price information made Lonely Planet extremely popular for those on a tight budget. Since LP caters to the younger traveler, it can be quite helpful in finding the best nightlife too. As most backpackers travel extensively and without a plan, there is a Lonely Planet guide for all of South East Asia (along with the Thailand guidebook).

2) DK Eyewitness
If you need visuals to help guide you on your travels then DK Eyewitness is your best bet. It is quite rare to find a guidebook offering such vivid photos in such a high quantity. Being so highly visual makes their guidebooks entertaining to flip from page to page. Best part is, each visual is described in detail for your convenience. Dk Eyewitness is more for the traveler looking to really understand Thailand’s culture, customs, architecture, nature and history. It provides more of this information than where to sleep, eat, party, etc. If you are only planning to have a beach holiday, there is also a Thailand Beach and Island guide available.

3) Fodor’s
Starting with ‘The Best of Thailand’, the Fodor guide makes travel easy from page one. Their guidebooks are for all travelers of all ages except those travelers on a tight budget considering more hotels and resorts are listed than hostels. There are hardly any illustrations or photos, but considering Fodor’s authors write so creatively descriptive, there is no need for them. They even offer suggested itineraries and an active trip planner. Oh and it is less expensive than the above competitors!

About Lauren

Lauren Vita Sgarlato quit her corporate New York lifestyle in 2009 to explore the world for a few months. Little did she know, a few months would turn into years. Having traveled around 30 countries or so, she decided to settle for love in Brazil, but she’s itching to return to Southeast Asia, especially for the food! Learn more about us

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