Laos is one of favourite countries in the world. I first travelled to Laos for just a week, as part of a wider Southeast Asia backpacking trip, but quickly realised I had not left myself nearly enough time in this beautiful place. I returned to Luang Prabang a few years later (it was just as magical as I remembered!) and had hoped to make more frequent trips to Laos while I was living in Bangkok, but sadly, Covid had other plans.
For those hoping to explore the nation a level deeper, here are some books about Laos to help you understand this often overlooked Southeast Asian country.
I’ve included Amazon links to each recommended book, but you can also see my post on where to get e-books and audiobooks for free. (Check out how to gift Kindle books and how to gift Audible for digital versions.)
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Books on Laotian History
1. A Short History of Laos: The Land in Between by Grant Evans
A Short History of Laos is a comprehensive historical account that delves into Laos’ complex past, from ancient kingdoms to French colonization and the Vietnam War. Evans provides a clear and insightful overview of the forces that shaped modern Laos.
“Laos… has always been a land caught between powerful neighbors.”
2. Bamboo Palace: Discovering the Lost Dynasty of Laos by Christopher Kremmer
Bamboo Palace chronicles Kremmer’s quest to uncover the story of the forgotten royal palace built entirely of bamboo. It starts as a travelogue, but ends up offering insights into Laotian history.
“The palace was a symbol of a bygone era, a whisper of a lost Laos.”
3. Another Quiet American: Stories of Life in Laos by Brett Dakin
Another Quiet American (in reference to Graham Greene’s The Quiet American) is a collection of personal essays by an American journalist who lived in Laos for decades. Dakin offers a nuanced perspective on Laotian culture, history, and the impact of the Vietnam War, which directly impacted Laos in many ways.
[Did you know Laos is the most bombed country in the world? More than 260 million bombs were dropped on Laos by the US between 1964 and 1973 as part of Operation Barrel Roll to disrupt the Ho Chi Minh Trail from neighbouring Vietnam. Even today, the country has a huge problem with UXO, Unexploded Ordnance, leftover from this time.]
“Laos is a country that whispers rather than shouts.”
Travelogues About Laos
4. Love Began in Laos: The Story of an Extraordinary Life by Penelope Khounta
Love Began in Laos is a heartwarming memoir by a French woman who married a Laotian man and built a life in the country. Khounta’s story offers a glimpse into Laotian culture and customs.
“Laos is a country where time seems to slow down.”
5. Ant Egg Soup: The Adventures of a Food Tourist in Laos by Natacha Du Pont De Bie
Ant Egg Soup is a fun food-driven adventure through Laos, written by a true foodie. Discovering there was only one book on Lao cuisine (and by the royal chef, no less!), Natacha decided to explore this hidden culinary world. This book is a delicious culmination of her Laotian adventure, capturing the stories, people, and flavors she encountered along the way.
“Lao food is a symphony of tastes and textures.”
6. One Foot in Laos by Dervla Murphy
One Foot in Laos is classic travelogue by written an Irish writer who cycled through Laos in the 1960s. Murphy’s vivid descriptions capture the beauty of the Laotian countryside and the warmth of its people.
I previously recommended Murphy’s Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle in my book list on travel books about isolation.
“Laos is a land where smiles are as natural as the sunrise.”
Works by Laotian Writers
Finding purely Laotian written works in translation can be challenging, there are several books that unveil the Laotian experience through fiction and personal stories.
7. How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa
For those seeking a contemporary perspective, Souvankham Thammavongsa’s How to Pronounce Knife is a must-read.
This collection of short stories delves into the lives of Laotian immigrants and refugees, navigating cultural identity and the complexities of starting anew. Thammavongsa’s poignant stories capture the challenges and triumphs of those forging new lives.
“We weren’t fish out of water, exactly. We were more like fish who had never known water, only this blurry, suffocating air.”
8. Mother’s Beloved by Outhine Bounyavong
Outhine Bounyavong’s Mother’s Beloved offers a similar glimpse into the Laotian diaspora through heartwarming short stories. Bounyavong weaves tales of family, community, and the enduring spirit of the Laotian people.
“Sometimes, all it takes is a single phone call to bridge the vastest distances, not of miles, but of misunderstandings and years of unspoken words.”
9. The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir by Kao Kalia Yang
If you’re looking for a deeper dive into Laotian culture, consider The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir by Kao Kalia Yang.
This powerful memoir recounts the struggles and triumphs of a Hmong family escaping Laos and rebuilding their lives in America. It’s a poignant look at the Laotian experience and the enduring strength of family.
“We were refugees, yes, but we were also survivors. We carried the whispers of the jungle in our ears, the sting of loss in our hearts, but also the embers of hope, flickering stubbornly but persistently.”
More Books About Laos
This list aims to scratch the surface of Laos and offer some insights into this fascinating country, though is by no means extensive.
You can also check out my top books on Southeast Asia by country here.
If you have any recommendations for other books about Laos, leave them in the comment section below. In particular, I’d love to some suggestions of Laos writers or books by Laotian authors in translation, as these are very difficult to find. Let me know!
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