Travel differently, travel better
Subscribe and receive our travel inspirations and practical advice twice a month.
Wanting to share your trip with a group?
Subscribe and receive our travel inspirations and practical advice twice a month.
Wanting to share your trip with a group?
If you're planning a trip to Myanmar, enriching your journey with a thoughtfully chosen reading list can offer deep insight into the country’s complex culture, history, and society. At Shanti Travel, we believe that immersing yourself in carefully selected books about Myanmar is one of the best ways to prepare for—and truly appreciate—your time in this extraordinary country. For those seeking inspiration and practical context beyond what traditional guides provide, here are our recommendations for books to read before visiting. For more travel inspiration, discover our detailed travel to Myanmar guide.
This book weaves personal and national history as Thant Myint-U, grandson of a former UN Secretary-General, traces generations of his own Burmese family. Offering a nuanced introduction to Myanmar’s past, it explores the major political shifts and social transformations that have defined the nation. Travelers gain crucial context about both the turbulence and resilience found in Myanmar’s story.
Inspired by the author’s family, this absorbing novel moves from colonial times to the internal strife following World War II. Through the lens of Craig’s mother—a beauty queen turned rebel fighter—it explores issues of identity, ethnic conflict, and the lived consequences of historical change. An accessible and compelling entry into modern Burmese history.
This autobiography recounts the extraordinary journey of Khoo Thwe from a remote, tradition-bound Shan village to Cambridge University. Alongside personal triumph, it offers direct insight into Myanmar’s diverse communities, animist heritage, and the formative events of the 1988 pro-democracy uprising.
A unique perspective told by an Austrian woman who became a princess in the Shan Hills, this autobiography chronicles both a fairy-tale marriage and the political upheavals that shadowed their rule. The book sensitively documents the collision between tradition and change through the eyes of an outsider who became deeply integrated into Burmese society.
Burmese Days – George Orwell Harshly critical and deeply insightful, Orwell’s first novel captures the corrosive effects of British colonial rule in 1920s Burma. Written out of his own experiences as a police officer there, it’s essential for understanding the seeds of many of Myanmar’s later struggles.
The Glass Palace – Amitav Ghosh A sweeping historical novel that follows the fate of Burma’s last royal family, this book guides readers through the country’s transition from monarchy and colonization to modern nationhood. Rich in historical detail and empathetic storytelling, it’s among the finest literary introductions to Myanmar.
Finding George Orwell in Burma – Emma Larkin Blending memoir, travelogue, and investigative journalism, this book retraces Orwell’s steps and explores modern Myanmar under military dictatorship. Larkin’s encounters with locals illuminate the endurance and adaptability of Burmese society.
Burma Chronicles – Guy Delisle (Graphic Novel) For those who appreciate a more visual approach, Delisle’s graphic novel gives an accessible and witty portrait of daily life in 2000s Myanmar, seen through the eyes of a temporary expat. It’s perfect for travelers who want a feel for the everyday realities and subtle humor that mark Burmese life.
Letters from Burma – Aung San Suu Kyi A collection of striking personal essays, these short vignettes provide tender and thoughtful glimpses into the rhythms and culture of Myanmar. The author’s gentle observations open a window onto the warmth and traditions of Burmese society amid political adversity.
The King in Exile: The Fall of the Royal Family in Burma – Sudha Shah A meticulously researched account of Burma’s last monarchs, their exile, and the legacy that still shapes national identity, this book is ideal for visitors fascinated by the cultural symbolism behind Mandalay and other royal sites.
With over two decades of experience curating journeys throughout Asia, our team encourages you to select books about Myanmar that match your own interests. Whether you are fascinated by history, drawn to personal narratives, or intrigued by the diversity of contemporary voices, these works will frame each destination, monument, and encounter with deeper meaning.
Reading before you go is one of the most rewarding ways to make your trip to Myanmar not just a visit, but a true journey of understanding.
