Asia Travel Book

Going to a strange continent, especially for the first time, can be a daunting prospect. Asia is a beautiful and exciting place to go and a good Asia travel book is recommended. There is a wide variety to choose from, and several from well established publishers in the travel field.

Asia is a continent of vibrant cities, historic buildings, hill villages, temples, mountains and waterfalls. It can be a great culture shock for many people and it's a good idea to have a companion guide for company. Most people embrace the sights, sounds and food and want to go back for more.

The Lonely Planet Shoestring Guide series includes Southeast Asia on a Shoestring. Countries covered include Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The latest book is a revised edition from March 2008. This part of the world is a very popular destination with young backpackers from the US, UK and Australia and this is the perfect budget travel companion.

The Rough Guide to First-Time Asia claims that "everything you need to know before you go is here". Twenty-one different countries are discussed and there is lots of advice on going there on a budget, health issues and careful planning if traveling alone. This travel guide to Asia has tips on accommodation, eating places, what to take, and transport. The culture of the area is also explored and insurance and visa requirements are explained.

The Asia Book is in the Lonely Planet Pictorial series and is a coffee table hardback. The beauty of the area is captured in color photographs and there is detailed information on every country. Articles feature the terrain, culture, religion and the hippie trail from the 1960s. The Asia travel guide also contains useful maps and journey suggestions.

The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia includes nine countries with Hong Kong and Macau. Advice is given on moving around the region and on borders, ferry crossings and local flight details. There are also lists on the best places to stay and restaurants and bars. There are detailed maps and plans to cover every region with hotels and restaurants highlighted.

Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos and the Greater Mekong is a Lonely Planet Multi Country Guide, which takes the reader on an exciting journey down the Mekong River. This Asia travel book also covers Thailand. Maps show border crossings and ancient landmarks. There is also a section on which borders are open.

Southeast Asia (Globetrotter Travel Map) is designed to help first time tourists to the region. There are color photographs, information on where to stay and charts for climate and distance between towns. In addition to the general map of Southeast Asia, there are detailed town plans of major centers, such as Mandalay, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore City, and Ho Chi Minh City. Other plans cover Bali, Penang and Phuket Town, all with places of interest and key attractions shown on the maps.