Best Southeast Asia Travel Guides of 2026
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Southeast Asia Travel Guides are an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to this beautiful region of the world. These guides are packed with useful information about the best places to visit, local customs and traditions, and practical travel tips. Whether you are interested in exploring the bustling cities of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, or relaxing on the pristine beaches of Bali and Phuket, these guides have got you covered. With detailed maps, insider recommendations, and stunning photography, Southeast Asia Travel Guides are a must-have for any traveler looking to make the most of their trip to this enchanting part of the world.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Southeast Asia Travel Guides
Fodor's Essential New Zealand (Full-color Travel Guide)
Fodor's Essential New Zealand is a comprehensive travel guide that covers everything from Auckland to Middle-earth. The guidebook features multiple itineraries, detailed maps, and insider recommendations on where to eat, sleep, and explore. With stunning color photos and historical and cultural insights, Fodor's Essential New Zealand is the perfect companion for anyone planning a trip to this beautiful country. The "Best of" features on national parks, wineries, and beaches are particularly noteworthy. Overall, this guidebook is an excellent resource for travelers seeking to make the most of their time in New Zealand.
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.
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 Bali, Lombok & Nusa Tenggara 18 (Travel Guide)
The Lonely Planet Bali, Lombok & Nusa Tenggara 18 (Travel Guide) is an essential read for anyone planning a trip to Bali, Lombok, or Nusa Tenggara. Packed with up-to-date information, insider tips, and honest reviews, this guidebook covers everything from the top sights to the hidden gems. The book also features a new top experiences section, cultural insights, and a pull-out passport-size 'Just Landed' card with all the necessary travel information. The book's comprehensive coverage and attention to detail make it a must-have for any traveler to the region.
Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines (Online Audio included)
Tagalog for Beginners is a comprehensive guide to the Filipino language, providing learners with a practical and engaging introduction to this fascinating language. The book covers everything from the history of the language to pronunciation, grammar, and everyday conversation, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn Tagalog on their own. With its accompanying online audio recordings and useful exercises, Tagalog for Beginners is an excellent choice for language learners of all levels. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning Tagalog and exploring the rich culture of the Philippines.
Bali: The Solo Girl's Travel Guide
The Solo Girl's Travel Guide to Bali is a must-read for any woman or couple planning a trip to Bali. The book offers practical advice and insider tips on the best beaches, waterfalls, markets, and resorts, as well as information on Indonesian history, culture, and local markets. The author also provides money-saving tips and time-stretching advice, making this book an essential vacation planner. What sets this guide apart is its focus on safety, with the author answering important questions such as whether there are drugs in drinks or if dark alleys are safe. Overall, The Solo Girl's Travel Guide to Bali is an informative and engaging read that will help travelers make the most of their trip.
Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand 6 (Travel Guide)
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.
Lonely Planet Indonesia 13 (Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Indonesia 13 is a comprehensive travel guide that offers up-to-date advice on exploring Indonesia’s top sights as well as the roads less travelled. With information on what to see and skip, insider tips, and planning tools for family travellers, this guidebook is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to Indonesia. The book also features cultural insights, history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, and politics, as well as over 135 maps. The pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM and transport info is a handy addition for travellers. Overall, this guidebook is an excellent resource for exploring Indonesia.
Lonely Planet Singapore 12 (Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Singapore 12 (Travel Guide) is an all-in-one travel guide that provides up-to-date information on the best places to see, eat, and stay in Singapore. With insider tips and honest reviews for all budgets, this guide is perfect for both first-time and seasoned travelers. The book features a visually inspiring collection of Singapore's best experiences and highlights, including the breathtaking National Gallery Singapore and the open-air enclosures at Singapore Zoo. The guide also includes improved planning tools for family travelers and a new accommodation feature that gathers all the information needed to plan your stay. Overall, Lonely Planet Singapore 12 (Travel Guide) is an essential companion for anyone planning a trip to Singapore.
Lonely Planet Philippines 14 (Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Philippines 14 is the ultimate travel guide for exploring the stunning archipelago. With up-to-date information and insider tips, this guidebook helps travelers tailor their trip to their personal needs and interests. It covers everything from secluded beaches to adrenaline-pumping activities, and also provides essential information on transportation, accommodation, and dining options. The book's unique features include a pull-out passport-size card with WiFi, ATM, and transport information and improved planning tools for family travelers. Overall, this guidebook is a must-have for anyone planning to visit the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to travel Southeast Asia for 6 months?
On a Budget
I personally spent $7,958 USD (without SCUBA diving – $6,095) for six months in Southeast Asia, with a month each in Cambodia, Laos, northern Thailand, southern Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. With flights and pre-trip expenses, it added up to $11,000.
2. How much money do you need to backpack Southeast Asia?
Note: To make a relatively accurate budget calculation for your South East Asia trip, plan for $50 – $60 per day for a couple, which equals $1,500 – $1,800/month. Plan on $35 – $40 per day for one person travelling, which equals $1,050 – $1,200/month. Now You Have a Southeast Asia Backpacking Budget!
3. How do you travel between countries in Southeast Asia?
The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Southeast Asia is by bus. A bus will take you everywhere and anywhere you want to go, no matter how far. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well established and oiled tourist bus system to take you anywhere.
During our southeast asia travel guide research, we found 1,000+ southeast asia travel guide products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,407 customer reviews through our big data system to write the southeast asia travel guides list. We found that most customers choose southeast asia travel guides with an average price of $17.41.
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.