Let's Go Southeast Asia: The World's Bestselling Budget Travel Series

This book was the most interesting and entertaining travel book I've ever come across. Gautam Bhan (one of the editors) is one of the most entertaining writers I've ever enountered and when he told me that his book was coming out, I got a hold of it ASAP and had the greatest pleasure reading it. Warning: Contents can be really raunchy (but in a hilarious way) at times, with headings like "Where to see Wildlife" followed by "Where to eat Wildlife". Extremely entertaining, even for browsing purposes.

This guide was my constant companion during my two-month Southeast Asian odessey and it never let me down! You'll find that most travellers in SEA use Lonely Planet, but the truth is, the information in Let's Go is vastly more up-to-date. I particularly recommend their coverage of Indochina and the Philippines. If you make one purchase before you leave, make it this book!