vietnam travel book Vietnam is a country that has a lot to offer to travelers, from its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. It is also a country that has a fascinating and turbulent history, a complex and diverse society, and a vibrant and dynamic present.
If you are planning to visit Vietnam or are already there, you may want to read some books that can help you understand and appreciate this amazing country better. Books can give you insights, perspectives, stories, and tips that can enrich your travel experience and make it more memorable. vietnam travel book
In this blog post, I will review some of the best books to read before and during your trip to Vietnam. I will also give you some suggestions on how to choose the right book for you, depending on your interests, preferences, and goals. Let’s get started!
How to Choose the Right Vietnam Travel Book for You
Before you pick up a book and start reading, you may want to consider some factors that can help you choose the right book for you. Here are some of them:
- Genre: There are many genres of books that can relate to Vietnam travel, such as history, memoir, fiction, guidebook, photography, and more. Depending on your mood, taste, and purpose, you may want to read different genres of books. For example, if you want to learn more about the historical background and context of Vietnam, you may want to read a history book. If you want to immerse yourself in the personal stories and experiences of people who lived or traveled in Vietnam, you may want to read a memoir or a fiction book. If you want to get practical information and advice on how to plan your trip, where to go, what to do, and what to eat, you may want to read a guidebook. If you want to see the beauty and diversity of Vietnam through images and captions, you may want to read a photography book. vietnam travel book
- Author: The author of the book can also influence your choice of reading. Depending on your perspective and preference, you may want to read books written by different authors. For example, if you want to read books written by Vietnamese authors who can give you an authentic and insider view of their country, culture, and people, you may want to read books such as The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh, The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai, or The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen . If you want to read books written by foreign authors who can give you an outsider and comparative view of their experiences and observations in Vietnam, you may want to read books such as Catfish and Mandala by Andrew X. Pham, The Quiet American by Graham Greene, or When Heaven and Earth Changed Places by Le Ly Hayslip . vietnam travel book
- Topic: The topic of the book can also affect your decision of reading. Depending on your interest and curiosity, you may want to read books that cover different topics related to Vietnam travel. For example, if you want to read books that focus on the war and its aftermath in Vietnam, you may want to read books such as The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, Fire in the Lake by Frances FitzGerald, or The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui . If you want to read books that explore the culture and society of Vietnam, you may want to read books such as Dumb Luck by Vu Trong Phung, The Sacred Willow by Duong Van Mai Elliott, or Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong . If you want to read books that showcase the nature and wildlife of Vietnam, you may want to read books such as A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of Southeast Asia by Chris R. Shepherd and Loretta Ann Shepherd, Vietnam: A Natural History by Eleanor Jane Sterling and Martha Maud Hurley and Le Duc Minh or Wild Orchids in Myanmar Vol 3: Shangri-La of Wild Orchids by Tanaka Noriyuki and Myint Tun. vietnam travel book
A Review of the Best Vietnam Travel Books
Now that you have some ideas on how to choose the right book for you, let me introduce you to some of the best books that I have read or heard about that relate to Vietnam travel. I will give you a brief summary and my opinion of each book, as well as a link where you can find more information or buy the book online. Here they are:
History
- Vietnam: A History by Stanley Karnow: This is one of the most comprehensive and authoritative books on the history of Vietnam, from its ancient origins to its modern challenges. It covers the political, social, economic, and cultural aspects of Vietnam, as well as its relations with other countries, especially the United States. It is well-written, well-researched, and well-balanced, offering a variety of perspectives and sources. It is also very informative and engaging, making it a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about Vietnam and its people. You can find more information or buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Vietnam-History-Stanley-Karnow/dp/0140265473 vietnam travel book
- The Vietnam War: An Intimate History by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns: This is a companion book to the acclaimed documentary series by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick that aired on PBS in 2017. It tells the story of the Vietnam War from multiple angles and voices, including those of soldiers, civilians, leaders, journalists, and protesters. It is richly illustrated with photographs, maps, and documents, as well as quotes and excerpts from interviews and memoirs. It is also very captivating and compelling, making it a great book for anyone who wants to understand the Vietnam War and its impact on the world. You can find more information or buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Vietnam-War-Intimate-History/dp/0307700259 vietnam travel book
Memoir
- The Unwanted: A Memoir of Childhood by Kien Nguyen: This is a heartbreaking and inspiring memoir of a boy who was born in Vietnam to a Vietnamese mother and an American father. He grew up in Saigon during the war and the fall of the city, and faced discrimination, abuse, and poverty as a mixed-race child. He also witnessed the horrors and hardships of life under the communist regime, and eventually escaped to the United States as a refugee. He tells his story with honesty, courage, and grace, making it a great book for anyone who wants to read a personal and powerful account of survival and resilience. You can find more information or buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Unwanted-Memoir-Childhood-Kien-Nguyen/dp/0316284610 vietnam travel book
- The House on Dream Street: Memoir of an American Woman in Vietnam by Dana Sachs: This is a charming and insightful memoir of a woman who moved to Hanoi in the 1990s as a journalist and a teacher. She describes her experiences and adventures in Vietnam, from learning the language and culture, to making friends and falling in love, to witnessing the changes and challenges of a country in transition. She writes with humor, warmth, and curiosity, making it a great book for anyone who wants to read a personal and positive account of living and working in Vietnam. You can find more information or buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/House-Dream-Street-American-Vietnam/dp/1565122965 vietnam travel book
Fiction
- The Lover by Marguerite Duras: This is a classic and controversial novel that tells the story of a young French girl who has an illicit affair with a wealthy Chinese man in colonial Indochina in the 1930s. It is based on the author’s own life and explores the themes of love, desire, identity, and colonialism. It is written in a lyrical and poetic style, making it a great book for anyone who wants to read a sensual and provocative account of passion and betrayal in Vietnam. You can find more information or buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Lover-Marguerite-Duras/dp/0375700528 vietnam travel book
- The Eaves of Heaven: A Life in Three Wars by Andrew X. Pham: This is a remarkable and moving novel that tells the story of a man who lived through three wars in Vietnam: the French war, the American war, and the civil war. It is based on the author’s father’s life and recounts his experiences and struggles as a soldier, a prisoner, a farmer, a father, and a refugee. It is written in a vivid and compelling style, making it a great book for anyone who wants to read a historical and human account of war and survival in Vietnam. You can find more information or buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Eaves-Heaven-Life-Three-Wars/dp/0307381218 vietnam travel book
Guidebook
- Lonely Planet Vietnam by Lonely Planet: This is one of the most popular and trusted guidebooks on Vietnam, written by experts and travelers who know the country well. It covers all the essential information and advice on how to plan your trip, where to go, what to see, what to do, and what to eat. It also includes maps, photos, itineraries, tips, and recommendations for different budgets and interests. It is updated regularly and reflects the latest trends and developments in Vietnam. It is also very user-friendly and practical, making it a great book for anyone who wants to have a smooth and enjoyable trip to Vietnam. You can find more information or buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Vietnam-Travel-Guide/dp/1786579361 vietnam travel book
- Vietnam: A Traveler’s Literary Companion by John Balaban and Nguyen Qui Duc: This is a unique and fascinating guidebook that features a collection of stories and poems by Vietnamese and foreign writers who have lived in or traveled to Vietnam. vietnam travel book It covers different regions and aspects of Vietnam, from its history and culture, to its nature and people. It also offers insights, perspectives, and emotions that can enrich your understanding and appreciation of Vietnam. It is also very well-written and enjoyable, making it a great book for anyone who wants to have a deeper and more literary experience of Vietnam. You can find more information or buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Vietnam-Travelers-Literary-Companion-Travelers/dp/1883513012 vietnam travel book
Photography
- Another Vietnam: Pictures of the War from the Other Side by Tim Page and Doug Niven: This is a stunning and revealing photography book that showcases the images of the war from the perspective of the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong photographers. vietnam travel book It features over 100 photos that capture the scenes and moments of the war, from the battles and bombings, to the soldiers and civilians, to the victories and losses. It also includes interviews and essays that provide context and background to the photos. It is also very eye-opening and impactful, making it a great book for anyone who wants to see a different side of the war in Vietnam. You can find more information or buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Another-Vietnam-Pictures-War-Other/dp/1426201798 vietnam travel book
- Vietnam: The Real War: A Photographic History by Pete Hamill: This is another amazing photography book that showcases the images of the war from the perspective of the Associated Press photographers who covered it. It features over 300 photos that document the events and stories of the war, from its beginnings to its end. It also includes captions and essays that provide context and commentary to the photos. It is also very powerful and moving, making it a great book for anyone who wants to see a realistic and comprehensive portrayal of the war in Vietnam. You can find more information or buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Vietnam-Real-War-Photographic-History/dp/1419708643 vietnam travel book
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Conclusion
Vietnam is a wonderful country that has a lot to offer to travelers, from its beauty and diversity, to its history and culture, to its people and food. If you are planning to visit Vietnam or are already there, you may want to read some books that can help you understand and appreciate this amazing country better. vietnam travel book
I hope this blog post has given you some useful information and inspiration for your Vietnam travel book reading. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
