Best General Asia Travel Books of 2025

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For those planning a trip to Asia, there are a plethora of travel books available to help guide their journey. From Lonely Planet to Fodor's, there are many options to choose from. These books provide valuable information on everything from local customs and culture to the best places to eat and stay. Some books even offer suggested itineraries for travelers with limited time. Whether one is looking to explore bustling cities or serene landscapes, there is a travel book to suit their needs. These books not only offer practical advice but also inspire a sense of adventure and excitement for the upcoming trip.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 General Asia Travel Books
Lonely Planet Japan 17 (Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Japan 17 (Travel Guide) is an up-to-date guidebook with detailed information on what to see and skip in Japan. It features over a thousand temples in Kyoto, onsens scattered across the archipelago, and Japan's sublime cuisine. The guidebook offers planning tools for family travelers, insider tips, and cultural insights. It covers Tokyo, Mt Fuji, The Japan Alps, Honshu, Kyoto, Kansai, Hiroshima, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Shiko-ku, Kyushu, and Okinawa with over 150 maps. Overall, it is a comprehensive guide for exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled in Japan.
Learning Japanese Workbook for Beginners: Hiragana Katakana And Kanji - Quick and Easy Way to Learn the Basic Japanese Up-to 300 Pages (EXPANDED EDITION)
The Learning Japanese Workbook for Beginners: Hiragana Katakana And Kanji - Quick and Easy Way to Learn the Basic Japanese Up-to 300 Pages (EXPANDED EDITION) is an ideal resource for anyone who wants to learn the Japanese language. This newly revised and updated edition includes additional reading and writing exercises, updated stroke order and kanji, and expanded content. The book covers the Japanese writing system, stroke order diagrams, writing instructions, hiragana and katakana writing practice, daily vocabulary, and 103 kanji symbols required for JLPT Level N5. Upon completion, learners will be able to read simple texts in Japanese and use basic vocabulary in everyday communicative situations. Overall, this book is an excellent tool for beginners looking to explore the rich and mysterious culture of Japan through language learning.
Lonely Planet Thailand 18 (Travel Guide)
The Lonely Planet Thailand 18 is a comprehensive travel guide that provides up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await in Thailand. With insider tips, cultural insights, and essential information at your fingertips, this guidebook is perfect for discovering both popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences. The book also includes a pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM, and transport info, making it a convenient travel companion. Overall, Lonely Planet Thailand 18 is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to Thailand.
Vanishing Asia: Three Volume Set: West, Central, and East
This three-volume set of oversize books, titled "Vanishing Asia," is a remarkable documentation of ancient and beautiful traditions that are rapidly disappearing across Asia. With 9,000 images and 1,000 pages, the author has captured the costumes, architecture, festivals, and lifestyles of diverse cultures spread across 35 countries in Asia. The book is an ambitious and extreme passion project that the author/photographer has worked on for 49 years. Many of the scenes depicted in the book are now gone from the world, and others are becoming rarer by the day. This is a unique and valuable contribution to the preservation of Asian culture and heritage.
Lonely Planet Korea 12 (Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Korea 12 (Travel Guide) is an up-to-date guidebook that offers a comprehensive coverage of Korea. This guidebook provides a wealth of information, from accommodation and transportation to cultural insights and history. It features a pull-out passport-size card with essential information for a smooth journey. The book also includes improved planning tools for family travellers and insider tips to save time and money. With over 95 maps and images, it covers Seoul, Incheon, Jeju-do, Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Cheongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Sokcho, Samcheok, Chungju, Daejeon, Gongju, Daegu, North Korea, Pyongyang, Panmunjom, the DMZ, and more. Overall, Lonely Planet Korea 12 is an excellent travel guide for anyone planning a trip to Korea.
Lonely Planet Vietnam 15 (Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Vietnam 15 is a comprehensive travel guide to experience the best of Vietnam. The guidebook features up-to-date information, insider tips, and essential information to help travelers plan their trip. The book covers major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Siem Reap, and also explores off-the-beaten-path destinations. The book's unique feature is the 'What's New' section that highlights cultural trends and cool new areas to explore. The book also includes color maps, images, and itineraries to help travelers tailor their trip to their interests. Overall, Lonely Planet Vietnam 15 is a must-have guide for anyone planning a trip to Vietnam.
Lonely Planet Tokyo 13 (Travel Guide)
The Lonely Planet Tokyo 13 (Travel Guide) is an up-to-date and comprehensive guidebook for anyone planning to visit Tokyo. It features top experiences, essential information, and insider tips to make the most out of the trip while saving time and money. The book covers a wide range of areas, including Marunouchi, Ginza, Shibuyo, Shinjuku, and more. The guidebook is a great choice for both first-time and returning visitors to Tokyo. Overall, the Lonely Planet Tokyo 13 is an indispensable guidebook for anyone who wants to explore Tokyo like a local.
JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE: Exploring the Land of the Rising Sun | A Cultural Odyssey for Every Budget Through Japan’s Enchanting Cities and Timeless Traditions
JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE: Exploring the Land of the Rising Sun is a comprehensive guide for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of Japan. Packed with insider tips and practical information, it offers easy and exciting itineraries for every budget, covering everything from the best attractions to visit to the tastiest local cuisine to try. With in-depth cultural insights, transportation tips, and language phrases, it provides a complete travel experience. Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Japan, offering unique insights and practical advice that make it stand out from other travel guides.
Lonely Planet Taiwan 11 (Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Taiwan 11 is a comprehensive travel guide that offers up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you in Taiwan. With a pull-out passport-size 'Just Landed' card, accommodation features, and insider tips, this guide is perfect for discovering both popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences. The guide covers Taipei, Northern Taiwan, Taroko National Park, the East Coast, Yushan National Park, Western Taiwan, Southern Taiwan, Taiwan's Islands, and more. Lonely Planet's Taiwan is a must-have for any traveller seeking a richer, more rewarding travel experience in Taiwan.
Lonely Planet Experience Japan 1 (Travel Guide)
The Lonely Planet Experience Japan 1 is a must-have travel guide for anyone looking to explore Japan in an authentic way. The book offers insider knowledge from local experts who share their love for the real Japan, offering fresh perspectives on the country's traditions, values, and modern trends. The guide includes in-the-know tips, fun insights, and a handy seasonal trip planner to help you build your own unique trip. The comprehensive selection of maps and beautiful full-color photography will inspire you as you plan your unforgettable journey. This book is an essential guide for all explorers looking to immerse themselves in the Japanese way of life.
During our general asia travel book research, we found 1,000+ general asia travel book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,930 customer reviews through our big data system to write the general asia travel books list. We found that most customers choose general asia travel books with an average price of $17.81.

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.