Best Bangkok Travel Guides of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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Bangkok is a vibrant city with a unique culture and countless attractions. For anyone planning a trip to this bustling metropolis, a Bangkok travel guide can be an invaluable resource. These guides offer insider tips on the best places to eat, shop, and explore, as well as practical advice on transportation and accommodations. From the famous temples and markets to the lesser-known hidden gems, a Bangkok travel guide can help visitors make the most of their time in the city. With so much to see and do, a good guide can help travelers navigate the chaos and truly experience all that Bangkok has to offer.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hot Thai Kitchen: Demystifying Thai Cuisine with Authentic Recipes to Make at Home: A Cookbook Cover #TOP 1
Hot Thai Kitchen: Demystifying Thai Cuisine with Authentic Recipes to Make at Home: A Cookbook
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Women We Buried, Women We Burned: A Memoir Cover #TOP 2
Women We Buried, Women We Burned: A Memoir
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Simple Thai Food: Classic Recipes from the Thai Home Kitchen [A Cookbook] Cover #TOP 3
Simple Thai Food: Classic Recipes from the Thai Home Kitchen [A Cookbook]
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Bangkok Travel Guides

#TOP 1

Hot Thai Kitchen: Demystifying Thai Cuisine with Authentic Recipes to Make at Home: A Cookbook

Chongchitnant, Pailin
Appetite by Random House
Mar 8, 2016
Hot Thai Kitchen: Demystifying Thai Cuisine with Authentic Recipes to Make at Home: A Cookbook Cover
Hot Thai Kitchen: Demystifying Thai Cuisine with Authentic Recipes to Make at Home: A Cookbook

Hot Thai Kitchen: Demystifying Thai Cuisine with Authentic Recipes to Make at Home is a cookbook by Pailin Chongchitnant, a Cordon Bleu-educated chef and YouTube star. The book offers a beautifully photographed trip to Thailand to explore the culinary culture and building blocks central to Thai food. With easy-to-follow instructions and QR codes to video tutorials, Pailin breaks down the key ingredients, flavors, equipment, and techniques necessary to master authentic Thai cooking. The book also includes chapters on vegetarian and vegan dishes, dips and dipping sauces, and sumptuous Thai desserts. This definitive resource is an extraordinary exploration of Thai cuisine and a must-have for Thai food lovers everywhere.

Women We Buried, Women We Burned: A Memoir

Snyder, Rachel Louise
May 23, 2023
Women We Buried, Women We Burned: A Memoir Cover
Women We Buried, Women We Burned: A Memoir

Women We Buried, Women We Burned is a memoir by Rachel Louise Snyder, the author of the award-winning No Visible Bruises. Snyder shares her own story of survival, self-discovery, and forgiveness after being thrust into an evangelical, cult-like existence by her distraught father after her mother's death. She was expelled from school and home at age 16 and lived out of her car, talking her way into college and eventually travelling the globe. Snyder's memoir is a beautiful, frank, and forgiving account of her experiences with the darkest social issues that impact women's lives. It's a must-read for fans of Educated and The Glass Castle.

#TOP 3

Simple Thai Food: Classic Recipes from the Thai Home Kitchen [A Cookbook]

Punyaratabandhu, Leela
Ten Speed Press
May 13, 2014
Simple Thai Food: Classic Recipes from the Thai Home Kitchen [A Cookbook] Cover
Simple Thai Food: Classic Recipes from the Thai Home Kitchen [A Cookbook]

Thai takeout meets authentic, regional flavors in this collection of 100 recipes for easy, economical, and accessible Thai classics—from the rising star behind the blog She Simmers.. Who can say no to a delicious plate of Pad Thai with Shrimp; a fresh, tangy Green Papaya Salad; golden Fried Spring Rolls; or a rich, savory Pork Toast with Cucumber Relish? Thai food is not only one of the most vibrant, wonderfully varied cuisines in the world, it also happens to be one of the tastiest, and a favorite among American eaters.. The good news is, with the right ingredients and a few basic tools and techniques, authentic Thai food is easily within reach of home cooks. Take it from Leela Punyaratabandhu, a Bangkok native and author of the popular Thai cooking blog She Simmers. In her much-anticipated debut cookbook, Leela shares her favorite recipes for classic Thai fare, including beloved family recipes, popular street food specialties, and iconic dishes from Thai restaurant menus around the world.. All of Leela’s recipes have been tested and tweaked to ensure that even the busiest cook can prepare them at home. With chapters on key ingredients and tools, base recipes, one-plate meals, classic rice accompaniments, and even Thai sweets, Simple Thai Food is a complete primer for anyone who wants to give Thai cooking a try. By the end of the book, you’ll be whipping up tom yam soup and duck red curry that will put your local takeout joint to shame. But perhaps more importantly, you’ll discover an exciting new world of Thai flavors and dishes—including Stir-Fried Chicken with Chile Jam, Leaf-Wrapped Salad Bites, and Crispy Wings with Three-Flavored Sauce—that will open your eyes to all the wonderful possibilities that real Thai cooking has to offer.

#TOP 4

POK POK Noodles: Recipes from Thailand and Beyond [A Cookbook]

Ricker, Andy
Goode, JJ
Ten Speed Press
May 21, 2019
POK POK Noodles: Recipes from Thailand and Beyond [A Cookbook] Cover
POK POK Noodles: Recipes from Thailand and Beyond [A Cookbook]

Pok Pok Noodles is an exceptional cookbook that showcases the most delicious and authentic noodle dishes of Thailand, including the iconic phat thai and phat si ew. Chef Andy Ricker shares his expertise with easy-to-follow recipes that anyone can make at home. The book is filled with stunning photography and engaging storytelling that will transport readers to the vibrant streets of Thailand. Andy Ricker's deep dive into the culture and cuisine of Thailand will make you a master of Thai noodle craftsmanship. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves Thai food and culture.

#TOP 5

Thai Food

Thompson, David
Ten Speed Press
Aug 27, 2002

THAI FOOD is a comprehensive account of Thai cuisine written by renowned chef David Thompson. After falling in love with Thailand's culture and cuisine, Thompson documented traditional recipes and culinary techniques passed down for generations. The book features hundreds of authentic Thai dishes, including lesser-known ones, that will inspire cooks to go beyond the classics. Earl Carter's superb photography brings the essence of Thai food and culture to life. This groundbreaking work earned Thompson a James Beard Award and an IACP Award. THAI FOOD is a must-read for anyone interested in Thai cooking and culture.

#TOP 6

The Ultimate Thai Visual Dictionary: learn 2,000+ everyday Thai words with 1,100+ pictures, for all ages, FREE audio

Fereday, Ian
Pimsuwan, Rattanaporn
Sep 24, 2022
The Ultimate Thai Visual Dictionary: learn 2,000+ everyday Thai words with 1,100+ pictures, for all ages, FREE audio Cover
The Ultimate Thai Visual Dictionary: learn 2,000+ everyday Thai words with 1,100+ pictures, for all ages, FREE audio

The Ultimate Thai Visual Dictionary is an essential vocabulary-building tool for beginner and intermediate learners. With over 2,000 Thai words and more than 1,100 color photographs, this engaging book is a powerful word-learning tool suitable for all ages. It covers 47 different themes, ranging from Eating Out to The Human Body, making it an excellent resource for everyday use. Additionally, the book comes with FREE audio that can be listened to online or downloaded. This visual dictionary is a unique approach to language learning, making it an excellent addition to any Thai study book or for those looking to boost their Thai vocabulary on their own.

DK Eyewitness Thailand (Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness
Jan 25, 2022
DK Eyewitness Thailand (Travel Guide) Cover
DK Eyewitness Thailand (Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness Thailand is a comprehensive travel guide that takes readers on a journey through Thailand's diverse cultural and natural landscapes. The guide covers everything from buzzing cities to idyllic islands, with expert-led insights, colorful photographs, and hand-drawn illustrations that bring the country to life. It includes practical tips for getting around safely, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, and accessible itineraries to make the most out of each day. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, DK Eyewitness Thailand is an essential guide that captures the essence of this beautiful country.

#TOP 8

POK POK The Drinking Food of Thailand: A Cookbook

Ricker, Andy
Goode, JJ
Bush, Austin
Ten Speed Press
Oct 31, 2017
POK POK The Drinking Food of Thailand: A Cookbook Cover
POK POK The Drinking Food of Thailand: A Cookbook

The cookbook "POK POK The Drinking Food of Thailand: A Cookbook" features 50 recipes for Thai drinking food, a subset of Thai cuisine largely unknown in the United States. Author Andy Ricker shares accessible and detailed recipes for his favorites, including phat khii mao, kai thawt, and thua thawt samun phrai. The book also includes stories and insights from the Thai cooks who taught Ricker along the way. With its fun-to-read style, this book will become a modern classic for any lover of Thai cuisine. Overall, this book is an outstanding, authoritative, and essential work, making it unique in its category.

#TOP 9

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Bangkok (Pocket Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness
Jan 24, 2023
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Bangkok (Pocket Travel Guide) Cover
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Bangkok (Pocket Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Bangkok is a must-have pocket travel guide for anyone planning to visit the bustling city. The book features insider tips and advice on staying safe, themed lists, and easy-to-follow itineraries, making it a breeze to plan your trip. The laminated pull-out map of Bangkok and the five full-color area maps are invaluable resources for navigating the city. The book covers Bangkok's most interesting areas, including the best places for sightseeing, food, drink, and shopping. Overall, this updated 2022 travel guide is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore Bangkok.

#TOP 10

Bangkok in Your Pocket!: Your Essential Portable Travel Guide to Bangkok and Beyond...From Food to Local Experiences and the Best Cultural Activities (Travel in Your Pocket!)

J. Nicholson, Michael
Apr 11, 2023
Bangkok in Your Pocket!: Your Essential Portable Travel Guide to Bangkok and Beyond...From Food to Local Experiences and the Best Cultural Activities (Travel in Your Pocket!) Cover
Bangkok in Your Pocket!: Your Essential Portable Travel Guide to Bangkok and Beyond...From Food to Local Experiences and the Best Cultural Activities (Travel in Your Pocket!)

Bangkok in Your Pocket! is a clever travel guide that fits in your pocket, perfect for exploring Bangkok and beyond with true peace of mind. The author shares their local knowledge to help travelers avoid missing out on the best bits of their vacation. The guide includes easy-to-follow itineraries, smart budget tips, advice on interacting with locals, and personal recommendations for eating, drinking, shopping, and taking photos. This guide is a must-have for anyone looking to embark on the trip of a lifetime to Bangkok.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much should I budget for a trip to Bangkok?

A budget of 2,500 to 5,000 baht per day is enough to stay in a three or four star hotel, eat at most of Bangkok's mid range and high-end restaurants and easily get around the city by taxi instead of depending on the BTS, khlong boats and bus system.

2. What is a travel guide book?

A guide book or travel guide is "a book of information about a place designed for the use of visitors or tourists". It will usually include information about sights, accommodation, restaurants, transportation, and activities. Maps of varying detail and historical and cultural information are often included.

Editor's Notes

During our bangkok travel guide research, we found 972 bangkok travel guide products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,035 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bangkok travel guides list. We found that most customers choose bangkok travel guides with an average price of $17.70.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.