Best General Thailand Travel Guides of 2026

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.

National Geographic A Diver's Guide to the World: Remarkable Dive Travel Destinations Above and Beneath the Surface is an exceptional guidebook for divers and ocean lovers. It features 50 breathtaking dive locations worldwide, accompanied by stunning National Geographic photography, practical tips, and conservation efforts. The authors, Carrie Miller and Chris Taylor, spent more than 250 hours underwater to bring this comprehensive guidebook to life. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the beauty of the underwater world while learning about conservation efforts. Overall, it is an inspiring and informative read.

The Islands Book by Lonely Planet is a coffee table book that highlights 150 of the world's most captivating islands with striking photographs, illustrations, and maps. Readers can island-hop across cosmopolitan archipelagos and hidden tropical paradises, learn about the fascinating stories of each destination, and encounter wildlife. The book offers an intriguing overview of the backstory, history, and culture of each island destination, along with an introduction from a Lonely Planet expert. It also includes a bespoke illustrated map with top five recommended experiences for each island, making trip planning a total breeze. Overall, The Islands Book is an extraordinary collection of alluring island destinations that will inspire globetrotters and island metropolises alike.

Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand 6 (Travel Guide) is an up-to-date and comprehensive guidebook that provides travelers with all the essential information they need to explore these countries. The book includes insider tips, cultural insights, and honest reviews for all budgets, making it a perfect choice for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled. The book also features improved planning tools for family travelers, a 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM, and transport info, and a 'What's New' feature that taps into cultural trends. Overall, this guidebook is highly recommended for anyone planning to visit Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Northern Thailand.

Fodor's Essential Thailand: with Cambodia & Laos is a comprehensive travel guidebook that provides readers with everything they need to know to plan their trip and maximize their time in the region. With detailed itineraries, maps, and recommendations from local experts, this guidebook is an excellent resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich culture and natural beauty of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. The book is also filled with stunning color photos and features special sections on topics such as Bangkok street food and silk-making in Thailand. Overall, Fodor's Essential Thailand is an excellent choice for travelers looking to make the most of their trip to Southeast Asia.

Mediocre Monk by Grant Lindsley is a funny, insightful, and deeply personal book about his journey towards spiritual growth after the sudden death of his friend. He quits his corporate job to become a monk in Thailand, hoping to find answers to his questions. However, the journey is more complicated and rewarding than he anticipated. Lindsley's honest and intimate account speaks to struggles that are deeply personal yet universal. The book is a great read for those who have nurtured a fantasy of dropping out in search of answers. It's a unique and compelling personal transformation self-help book.

Frommer's Thailand (Complete Guides) is an excellent travel guide that delivers honest and frank advice on how to experience Thailand like a local. The book covers everything from Bangkok and its sublime cuisine to the world-famous island escapes. It provides insider tips on where to eat and drink, where to find the best beaches, resorts, markets, hiking trails, scenic vistas, and much more. The book is opinionated and offers candid reviews of hotels and restaurants, making it an invaluable resource for travelers. Overall, Frommer's Thailand is a must-have for anyone planning to visit Thailand and wants to experience the country's culture and beauty.

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 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.

Read & Write Thai Today is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to learn to read and write Thai. The course is suitable for both beginners and those who already speak Thai and want to improve their reading skills. The method used in the book has been developed and tested over 40 years and is proven to be effective. With clear and simple explanations and free online audio and writing practice sheets, learners can progress step by step and start reading Thai on the very first day. Overall, this book is a great option for anyone looking to learn Thai quickly and easily.