The Must-Read Guide About Buying Books In Vietnam

More than just a sightseeing or adventurous destination for expats and long-term travelers, Vietnam has cultivated its unique reading culture, making it an increasingly attractive place for bookworms to travel while indulging in their literary passions.

Whether you're looking to purchase some paperbacks to take home, spend downtime reading your favorite classics in a cozy spot, or immerse yourself in a pedestrian-only street entirely dedicated to books, this guide will help you discover the best reading experiences in Vietnam.

The country offers a broad range of venues that are ideal for book lovers. All you need to do is identify what you're interested in, and the information you need is provided below.

Local Bookstores

Among the many bookstores sprouting up across the country, Phuong Nam, Fahasa, and Tien Tho remain well-known names to locals when it comes to esteemed reputations. They are the largest book suppliers in Vietnam, boasting a wide array of genres and an impressive network of branches nationwide. As you travel around Vietnam, you're likely to find numerous Fahasa shops by checking Google Maps. These bookstores offer the most extensive selections of Vietnamese literature, making them perfect for those interested in local writing or wishing to learn Vietnamese.

Additionally, these bookstores are excellent choices if you're searching for English-language books on topics like intercultural management and human resources. You'll also find language-learning books, including Chinese and Japanese. Smaller shops like Artbook and Newton are also noteworthy, featuring a substantial collection of English magazines, travel guides, and intriguing English-language titles, making them popular with foreigners.

Publishing Houses

In addition to local bookstores, several well-respected publishers operate their own chains of bookshops to sell their latest works. Publishers such as Nha Nam, Thai Ha, and Kim Dong have become familiar names among locals. Their stores typically stock a wide variety of books across genres, including Vietnamese and English titles, covering business, self-help, classic literature, and modern novels.

The distinct architectural styles of these local publishers are also worth noting. Nha Nam attracts visitors with its dark blue exterior and beautiful retro interior design. A visit to Nha Nam can feel like stepping into a storybook, with cozy yellow lighting and wooden bookshelves brimming with titles.

In contrast, Thai Ha bookstores showcase a modern and vibrant atmosphere with their bright orange façades, while Kim Dong bookstores are considered a haven for comic enthusiasts.

Nha Nam Publishing House

• Hanoi: 49 Chua Lang Street, 22B12 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, 115/D1 Tran Huy Lieu Street, and more.
• Ho Chi Minh City: D5 Street, Binh Thanh District

Thai Ha Publishing House

• Hanoi: 119 C5 To Hieu Street, Dich Vong, Cau Giay District
• Ho Chi Minh City: 88/28 Đào Duy Anh Street, Phu Nhuan District

Independent Bookstores

The hallmark of a beloved bookstore lies not just in its selection but also in the inviting space it provides for visitors. Independent bookstores excel in these aspects. With diverse designs, genres of books, and target demographics, each independent store offers a unique experience for different visitors, from English book enthusiasts to individuals seeking rare editions from local authors. Here are some notable independent bookstores in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City that you shouldn't miss on your weekend book hunt.

Bookworm

True to its name, Bookworm is a premier destination for readers in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. This sanctuary for book lovers boasts over 10,000 titles, featuring a diverse selection of English-language materials and romantic novels displayed on towering bookshelves.

Address: 44 Pham Ngu Lao, Ho Chi Minh City / 44 Chau Long, Hanoi

Ca Chep Bookstore

With its modern and vibrant vibe, Ca Chep captivates visitors with its meticulously curated aisles filled with both Vietnamese and foreign language books. The Ho Chi Minh City branch also features a quiet café on the fourth floor.

Address: 115 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi

BOA Bookstore

Regarded as the top independent English-language bookstore in Ho Chi Minh City, BOA offers a well-rounded range of fiction, non-fiction, dictionaries, children’s books, and reference materials, including some titles in French.

Address: 6 Cong Truong Quoc Te, District 3, Room C26, 2nd Floor, Ho Chi Minh City

Mao Bookstore

An iconic establishment on Dinh Le Street, Mao Bookstore has been a favorite among young locals since the 1970s. Though its exterior appears modest, stepping inside reveals a treasure trove of books, including rare hard-to-find editions. The ambiance is reminiscent of a classic library.

Address: 5 Dinh Le, Trang Tien, Hanoi

Street Vendors

Vietnam is also renowned for its many book stalls positioned on city sidewalks. These vendors offer a vast selection of books, from comics and classics to glossy cookbooks. Many of these titles are pre-owned and sold at significant discounts, often ranging from 30% to 50% off the publisher's suggested retail price.

This is a great place to discover various books, including rare foreign editions.

Some notable streets for book vendors include Pham Van Dong Street and Lang Street in Hanoi, as well as Hai Ba Trung Street and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street in Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors can enjoy a different shopping experience at these stands.

Famous Urban Book Streets

Strolling through pedestrian-only streets dedicated to books is the dream of every bookworm. Both of Vietnam’s largest cities boast famous streets that fulfill this desire.

Hanoi Book Street

Located near Hoa Lo Prison, this famed book street is exclusively for pedestrians, stretching between Ly Thuong Kiet and Hai Ba Trung Streets. There are 16 small vendors along the sides, designed for accessibility for the disabled, children, and elderly individuals. With no traffic, the serene atmosphere makes it a perfect location for leisurely walks and reading.

Public information stations provide computers, e-books, free Wi-Fi, and water. Additionally, an open area for cafes offers a comfortable spot for visitors to sip coffee while reading their newly acquired books. There’s also a small square for events, discussions, and book presentations.

Dinh Le Street (Hanoi)

This historic street is home to some of the most popular bookstores in Hanoi. It’s a wonderful place to explore on weekends, with a diverse selection of both new and used books, including fiction, biographies, cookbooks, poetry, travel guides, and more. Additionally, you’ll find books in various languages, including English, Vietnamese, French, Chinese, Swedish, and Japanese—providing ample opportunity to find your favorite titles.

Nguyen Van Binh Street (Ho Chi Minh City)

Situated in the city center, between the Intercontinental Asiana Saigon Hotel and Notre Dame Cathedral, this area combines history with modernity. Strictly a pedestrian zone, the street offers shade and numerous bookstores along both sides. Additionally, a coffee shop allows visitors to rest, read, and enjoy the vibrant energy of the city. Here, old books in Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French coexist with newly released titles in various languages.

Book Fairs

Major book fairs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City feature well-known publishing houses like Dong A, Tien Phong, and Nha Nam, which host large stalls and various side events. Like in many other countries, these fairs are popular social outings, commonly held outdoors or in parks.

Numerous book-related activities take place during these fairs, including talks with bestselling authors, book launches, signings, and seminars on publishing. Typically, fair stalls provide discounts ranging from 30% to 70% off the original price, displaying millions of titles from hundreds of global publishers.

Keep an eye out for fairs like the Autumn Book Fair (Hoi Sach Mua Thu), traditionally held in early September as the new school year begins, and the Hoang Thanh Book Fair, among others.

Book Cafes

Though not places to purchase books, these cafes provide a cozy reading environment without the need to bring your own reading material. As the name suggests, book cafes in Vietnam cater to both book and coffee lovers. Picture yourself selecting a book from the shelf, ordering a drink or dessert, and losing yourself in a captivating story for an afternoon.

For many travelers, the concept of a book cafe may be a new and delightful experience. In bustling cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, these cafes not only serve drinks and snacks, but they also have a selection of books available for guests to enjoy without any time limit. You can make yourself at home with a beverage and a book.

Popular book cafes in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City include Tranquil Books and Coffee, Monologue Book Cafe, and Comma Café.

Online Shopping Platforms

In 2025, platforms like Tiki and Fahasa continue to be top choices for online book shopping in Vietnam, where readers can find bestsellers and newly released titles. Their vast selections and free shipping policies make them popular among locals.

These online retailers boast an extensive inventory of both Vietnamese and English titles, spanning a variety of genres such as business, education, and children’s literature. Each platform offers free shipping and a simple return policy, allowing customers to return purchases at no added cost. All products on Tiki and Fahasa are 100% guaranteed genuine.