I am heading out soon for an epic trip across Southeast Asia, spending a good chunk of time in Chiang Mai, Thailand training Muay Thai, then onto Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
I LOVE reading novels based on where I am traveling to pick up little hints at culture, history, norms, etc.
For example, I read a few books from Elif Shafak before traveling to Turkey, sharks in the time of saviors in Hawaii, The Venetian Sketchbook before Italy, etc.
Any books from good Thai authors and/or books based in Thailand or even elsewhere in Southeast Asi that’s on my list?
Thanks!!
by bichoraro_412
8 Comments
Pitchaya Sudbanthad’s *Bangkok Wakes to Rain* is an interesting one. Sunisa Manning’s *A Good True Thai* might also work.
Vaddey Ratner’s *Music of the Ghosts* doesn’t get recommended enough, nor does Laksmi Pamuntjak’s *Fall Baby*.
Everyone and their mother will recommend you Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai’s novels, so I might as well say that I agree.
Build Your House Around My Body by Violet Kupersmith (vietnam)
In the Shadow of the Banyan, by Vaddey Ratner
Both The Gift of Rain and The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng take place in Southeast Asia! They’re both beautifully written and compelling stories, but also part of what I loved about them was that I felt like I learned a lot about Malaysia in and around WWII.
For Indonesia, Beauty is a Wound by Eka Kurniawan
Cattish and Mandala – Andrew X.Pham
Eaves of Heaven
Twilight Territory
I loved Bangkok 8, it’s a sort of thriller by an expat, but pretty solid.
Check out The Beach by Alex Garland. Famous fiction adventure story about a young man backpacking in Thailand. There’s a movie too but best stick to the book!