From the bustling streets of Bangkok to Wes Anderson-esque structures, these five travel coffee table books may just satisfy your wanderlust and even inspire your next adventure.
Coffee table books—many readers can attest they can never have enough of those delightfully large, vibrant, and almost timeless works of print that seamlessly combine visual and written storytelling. There’s a coffee table book for everyone, though the adventurers at heart will likely delight in those that take them to stunning places around the world. Whether you’re searching for inspiration, information, or simply longing to live vicariously through other people’s experiences, here are five beautifully-produced travel coffee table books to add to your collection.
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Bangkok Spirit by Simon Liberati
Bangkok is a city of vibrant chaos and boundless creativity, where frenetic energy blends with spiritual tranquility. From its lively street-food scene and bustling nightlife to its serene Buddhist temples, Thailand’s capital thrives in abundance; here, travelers will find culinary wonders, cultural institutions, or artistic expressions that broaden their horizons.
In Assouline’s Bangkok Spirit, award-winning French author Simon Liberati captures the city’s dynamic essence, offering an intimate, visually rich portrait of the city like never before.

“Bangkok is a city for the explorer. Those looking for a contagious energy. Those looking to feel alive. The capital of Thailand is electric chaos, from the animated street-food vendors to traffic jams galore. The only balance for Bangkok’s vibrant character is found in its spiritual dimension. Intricate Buddhist temples and monasteries offer momentary respite. Then it’s back to the buzz of the city life,” the book’s official press release writes.




Bangkok Spirit was released on January 9, 2025, the first of Assouline’s newest line-up of travel titles, including Napoli Amore, Paris by Paris, Santo Domingo, and Rio de Janeiro, which all promise an enticing insider look into some of the world’s most exciting cities.
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Accidentally Wes Anderson by Wally and Amanda Coval
Established in 2017, Accidentally Wes Anderson was born an online movement inspired by the works of its eponymous and acclaimed filmmaker, Wes Anderson. Known for creating films with a sense of symmetry and eye-catching colors that complement the whimsical, dry humor of his work, Anderson has created an aesthetic of his own that has captured the imagination of audiences around the world.


Through Accidentally Wes Anderson, people can submit photos and accompanying stories of places that “accidentally” end up looking like stills from the filmmaker’s works—a testament to how life can also imitate art. The best of these submissions have since been compiled into two stunning volumes (the most recent of which was published in 2024).




Both coffee table books feature 200 locations, though the second volume enhances the experience with 10 super special adventures, and of course, a foreword from Anderson himself. Whether you’re a fan of the filmmaker or simply someone who enjoys good design, the book is a worthwhile addition to your collection.
Epic Drives of the World from Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet’s book Epic Drives collects the first-person accounts of various writers who’ve driven through some of Europe’s most scenic routes. These include 50 spots like the Adriatic Highway (Croatia), Central and Southern Bohemia Loop (Czech Republic), West Coast of Jutland (Denmark), Iceland’s Ring Road (Iceland), and Mallorca – Serra de Tramuntana (Spain), to name a few.

Complete with engaging photography, colorful illustrations, maps, expert travel advice, and factboxes that guide readers who plan on taking the drive themselves, Epic Drives of the World is a must-have for those who know that the journey is just as important as the destination.



Store Front NYC by James and Karla Murray
Everyone has probably seen countless films, books, online features, and photography about New York City, but the coffee table book Store Front NYC brings something new to the table, exploring the storefronts of small shops in the city—insitutions that are quickly vanishing, making this record-keeping endeavor all the more important.

Created by husband-and-wife photography duo James and Karla Murray, the book takes readers on a historical and cultural tour of places long gone and still thriving, complete with sections arranged by each of New York’s five boroughs and maps to help readers better appreciate these diverse establishments.



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There and Back: Photographs from the Edge by Jimmy Chin
Daredevils or the adventurous may find enjoyment from There and Back: Photographs from the Edge, a coffee table book detailing exciting expeditions into some of the world’s most isolated spots, featuring everything from harsh terrain to death-defying climbs—all captured through the lenses of Jimmy Chin, Academy Award-winning director of the documentary Free Solo (2018) and National Geographic photographer.

It’s not a book for the faint of heart, but accounts and photographs of the inspiring stories of adventurers and athletes—including ski mountaineer Kit DesLauriers; snowboarder Travis Rice; and mountaineers Conrad Anker and Yvon Chouinard—make it a scintillating ride. Plus, there’s nothing quite as tantalizing as seeing people venture off the beaten path without actually needing to do so yourself.




Banner photo from the Accidentally Wes Anderson website.