Joe Cummings first arrived in Thailand in 1977 to pursue interests in Buddhism while teaching at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology (now KMUTT). He returned to the USA to write for The Asia Record newspaper while earning an M.A. in Thai language and Southeast Asian art history at the University of California at Berkeley.

In 1981, Joe conceived of and wrote Lonely Planet Thailand, the first guidebook to the country in English since 1928. In a review of Lonely Planet Thailand, the American Geographical Society wrote “One of those rare travel guides written with such care and insight it deserves listing as literature.” This was followed by LP titles on Bangkok, Thailand’s Islands & Beaches, Northern Thailand and Laos, as well as rewrites for Myanmar and Indonesia.

He has contributed to over 50 reference books on destinations in Asia, including Buddhist Stupas in Asia; Buddhist Temples of Thailand; Burmese Art, Design & Architecture; Muay Thai; World Food Thailand; Chiang Mai Style; Lanna Renaissance; and Sacred Tattoos of Thailand.

Joe consults on tourism for Unesco and Thailand's Ministry of Tourism, and carries out location scouting for numerous TV and film productions, including Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown and an upcoming Disney Studios feature.