Best Books about Vietnam to Read Before You Visit

The Mountains Sing by Trần Diệu Lan is a sweeping multigenerational saga of the Trần family, set against the backdrop of the Việt Nam War.

Set in Hà Nội in the 1960s, The Mountains Sing follows Hương as she grows up with her parents and six older siblings, all of whom are at different stages in their lives.

Raised in the United States but Vietnamese by birth, Maggie travels to Hanoi seeking clues to the fate of her father, a dissident artist who disappeared during the war.

This book explores the legacies of war and art and the power of love to renew.

A story of adventure, love, war, and political power, Saigon presents an enthralling and enlightening depiction of twentieth-century Vietnam.

An exquisite novel that examines family ties and the legacy of the Vietnam war through the portrait of a single North Florida family.

This beautifully illustrated and emotional story is an evocative memoir about the search for a better future and a longing for the past.

The Sympathizer is a blistering exploration of identity and America, a gripping espionage novel, and a powerful story of love and friendship.

Made In Vietnam covers three main culinary regions of the country. It also looks at aspects of the country’s food history and its absorption of various culinary influences, including the extensive French influence, long-established coffee culture the casual style of dining that is so synonymous with many parts of Asia.

Lonely Planet Vietnam is your passport to the most relevant and up-to-date advice on what to do and see.

- Fodor's Essential Vietnam is the go-to guide for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.

Fodor's Essential Vietnam has been newly updated with fresh recommendations and coverage of Sa Pa, a popular destination in the northwest mountains of Vietnam. The book includes:
- Top 10 lists of what to see and do, eat, sleep, and experience in each city or region
- Coverage of all major sights and attractions including Ho Chi Minh City; the Mekong Delta; Hanoi; Halong Bay; Hue; Nha Trang

A definitive history of the Vietnam war written by Max Hastings an acclaimed best selling author. If you wish to learn about the Vietnam War this is a highly recommended read.