Reading recommendations for curious travellers
The ETG Book Club: Thailand
Thailand: A Short History
In this clear and authoritative overview, leading historian David K. Wyatt charts the development of Thailand from its early kingdoms to the modern nation state, offering essential insight into a history shaped by monarchy, Buddhism, regional power struggles and skilful diplomacy.
Written to be both scholarly and accessible, the book examines Thailand’s unique ability to maintain its independence during the colonial era, the evolving role of the monarchy, and the political and social changes of the twentieth century, providing valuable context for understanding the country’s culture, identity and place in Southeast Asia today.
Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok
Created by long-time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler, this much-loved map has become a cult classic and an essential companion for exploring the city. Combining hand-drawn charm with meticulous local knowledge, it reveals Bangkok’s landmarks, neighbourhoods, eateries and hidden corners, offering an intimate, practical and endlessly engaging guide to the city’s secrets and sights.
Thai Ways
Thai Ways is a delightful collection of nearly everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Thai customs and beliefs, engagingly explained in a grandfatherly way by a long-time English resident of Thailand. Compiled from a series of articles published in the popular weekly column “Thai Ways” from the 1970s, the selections remain as current and informative today as when the author first wrote them. They demystify constructs like the system of royal ranks and the Thai musical scale, and customs like the Loi Krathong festival and the Wai Khru ceremony.
Rosa’s Thai Cafe: The Cookbook
In keeping with its contemporary twist on authentic Thai cuisine (sometimes based on western ingredients), Rosa’s Thai Cafe celebrates traditional Thai cooking techniques and features over 100 recipes, including dishes from the menu at Rosa’s as well as family favourites and regional dishes from founder Saiphin Moore’s regular trips back home. Recipes range from the aromatic Beef Massaman Curry to the Soft Shell Crab Salad, Larb Spring Rolls, homemade Sriracha Sauce and Mangoes with Sticky Rice.
See also Rosa’s Thai Cafe: The Vegetarian Cookbook
Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories
A collection of modern travel essays on Thailand. One contributor lives as a monk for a month, gaining an inside look at monastic life. Another discovers Bangkok’s riverine pleasures, a world away from its car-choked streets. Yet another finds refuge as the house guest of an isolated tribesman.
Catfish and Mandala
A classic story of paradise found and lost. Richard lands in East Asia in search of an earthly utopia. In Thailand, he is given a map promising an unknown island, a secluded beach – and a new way of life. What Richard finds when he gets there is breathtaking: more extraordinary, more frightening than his wildest dreams. But how long can paradise survive here on Earth? And what lengths will Richard go to in order to save it?
The film adaptation that followed, starring Leonardo di Caprio, had a dismal reception but this mid-90s novel is much better: a dark, fast-paced read that is very much of its time. And as it says on goodreads.com, if Jack Kerouac wore shorts and hung out with William Golding, the two might have produced something like this.
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The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Thailand
Looking for more insider info?
Our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Thailand describes the different regions of Thailand and the best time of year to book a holiday, as well as our experts’ edit of the best beaches, unmissable sites, and much more.
