The countdown is on for our trip to Thailand/Cambodia in October! This is my first time to Asia (although DH has been several times). Usually before any big trip to another country I try to read books or watch movies that are set in that particular country....it gets me even more excited about what I'm about to see!

Can anyone recommend a good book or movie with Thailand or Cambodia as the settings???!

For Thailand, try Legend of Suriyothai--it's the story of the Kingdom of Ayuthaya. Fascinating scenery, HUGE budget, HORRIBLE acting If you can follow the storyline, you win a special prize. I'm convinced there's a decoder pin somewhere that I missed when I bought the DVD.
Seriously, though, even though it's not the best movie in the world, it will give you a sense of Thai culture and it's absolutely gorgeous and scope and scenery.

Another great Thai film is Beautiful Boxer--the true story of an infamous muay thai boxer in Thailand who was transsexual (aka kathoey.) Very touching story.

For Cambodia, The Killing Fields is still the best movie I can think of--but definitely be prepared. It's a devestating portrayal of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge, but also a wonderfully uplifting tale of one man's will to live.

I'm sure others will have some good suggestions too.

Thanks! I am off for a few days while by myself so I am going to load up!

Try - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...ot_in_Thailand

I remember that we did a list of books on this thread. You might be able to find it in a search.
Try Bangkok 8, Bangkok Tatoo, and Bangkok Haunts...they're by Burdett(?) and all three are linked together...great murder mysteries. Bangkok 8 and Haunt are must reads. Happy Travels!

Here's some more movies:

City of Ghosts - a noirish movie with Matt Dillon set in Cambodia

Bangkok Dangerous - the original version by the Pang Brothers - American remake with Nicolas Cage coming out soon

The Overture (Hom Rong) - biography of a famous Thai classical musician

Iron Ladies (Satree Lex) I and II - fun movies re transvestites winning the Thai national volleyball championship.

I highly recommend "First They Killed My Father" by Loung Ung. An autobiography written by a woman who was 6 when the Khmer Rouge took over. Fascinating story.

Also, "The King Never Smiles" by Paul M. Handley. Independent biography of the King. Very interesting look into the politics of Thailand.

I second the recommendation of watching the Killing Fields - a must!