If you are staying in Vietnam, you will inevitably be looking for somewhere to get books. Although you may have come equipped with a Kindle, there is nothing like the feel of a real book, and this comprehensive guide will walk you through the types of books available in Vietnam and provide suggestions on where to find them.
The good news is that there is quite a range of English books for sale in Vietnam, and if you are open to trying books that you wouldn’t usually read, you will always have enough reading material to keep you entertained.
Where to Find New Books in Vietnam
Fahasa Bookstore Chain
The first and easiest place to look for books is traditional bookstores. Fahasa is the largest chain of bookstores in Vietnam and you will find them in almost all cities and towns. They also offer a very quick and efficient online service with free or nearly free delivery charges.
Types of Books Available at Fahasa:
Self-Help Books Self-help is actually the most common type of English book in Vietnam. Fahasa has a huge selection – this is the largest category of English books available. These range from leadership and management guides to positive psychology books featuring authors like Tony Robbins, Dale Carnegie, and titles like “The Secret.”
- Price Range: 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND
- Pricing Factors: Book thickness and whether they are hardcover or softcover
Fiction Books Fahasa offers a selection of fiction books, although these are usually from more popular writers, so the selection is somewhat limited. However, if you’re looking for something to read and aren’t too particular, you’ll find suitable options.
- Price Range: Starting from 150,000 VND upwards
Children’s Books If you’re looking for children’s books in Vietnam, Fahasa is definitely worth a visit. Usually, one whole floor or section of the shop is devoted to children’s books, ranging from hardback picture books to complete collections like “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”
- Price Range: Starting at about 70,000 VND for small hardback books for toddlers
- Selection: Comprehensive range for all age groups
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Tan Viet Book Chain
Tan Viet is a rapidly expanding book chain that offers a nice range of books with a larger selection of self-help and fiction for adults compared to Fahasa. You’ll find a wider variety than what’s available at Fahasa.
Pricing Considerations:
- Adult books are significantly more expensive than Fahasa
- Unusual to find books under 300,000 VND
- Children’s selection: Extensive and very reasonably priced – should be your first choice for children’s books
Where to Find Second-Hand Books
Ho Chi Minh City: Book Street
In Ho Chi Minh City, the best place for second-hand books is Book Street. This street is entirely devoted to books – both old and new, in English and Vietnamese.
Location: Opposite the cathedral and next to the post office in the city center
What to Expect:
- Second-hand books sold by travelers
- Very varied selection to choose from
- Price Range: Starting from about 75,000 VND upwards
- Special Offers: Occasional sales with even better deals
Experience: This is a lovely place to browse, with numerous cafes along the street, making your book-hunting trip a real outing!
Hanoi: BOOKWORM
Although Hanoi has a book street similar to Ho Chi Minh City, there are very few English books and no second-hand options there. Instead, the best books are found at BOOKWORM, located not far from the Old Quarter.
Store Features:
- Inventory: 99% second-hand books
- Pricing: Based on author/topic popularity and book thickness
- Selection: Wide variety from travelers, allowing exploration of non-mainstream authors
- Additional Services:
- Online ordering available
- Small healthy food café on premises
- Perfect for a relaxing browse
Recommendation: While online ordering is available, try to visit the physical store for the full browsing experience.
American Embassy Library
The American Embassy operates a library with a large selection of English books available for lending.
Important Details:
- Membership Required: You must join the library first
- Operating Hours: Only during working hours
- Limitation: Challenging for full-time teachers to visit during operating hours
- Best For: Those with flexible schedules or varied work locations
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Online Options for Books
International Shipping Considerations
You may be disappointed to learn that Amazon does not deliver to Vietnam due to unreliable postal services. However, there are two reliable online options with free shipping that make viable alternatives.
The Book Depository
Services:
- Variety of new and second-hand books
- Normal book prices with free shipping
- Reliable international delivery
Delivery Tips:
- Always include a phone number (essential due to Vietnam’s postal system)
- Consider having books sent to your school address (better known location)
- Home delivery may require pickup from local post office
Better World Books
Options Available:
- UK and USA versions
- Wide range of new and second-hand books
- Shipping Policy: Currently free shipping for orders over $15 USD (previously offered free shipping regardless of order amount)
Note: Shipping policies may change, so check current terms before ordering.
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Stationery Options in Vietnam
While this guide focuses primarily on books, Vietnam offers excellent stationery shopping opportunities:
- Local Stationery Shops: Abundant throughout cities and towns
- Fahasa Stores: Also stock comprehensive stationery supplies
- International Brands: Available in major shopping centers
- Affordable Prices: Generally much cheaper than Western countries
Practical Tips for Book Shopping in Vietnam
Budget Planning
- Second-hand books: 75,000 – 150,000 VND
- New fiction: 150,000+ VND
- Self-help books: 200,000 – 300,000 VND
- Children’s books: 70,000+ VND
Best Shopping Strategy
- Start with second-hand options (Book Street in HCMC, BOOKWORM in Hanoi)
- Check Fahasa for new books and comprehensive selection
- Consider Tan Viet for children’s books specifically
- Use online options for specific titles or bulk orders
Language Considerations
- Most English books available are popular titles
- Self-help category has the widest selection
- Specialized or academic books may require online ordering
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Books are an essential part of life, so use this guide to discover where to find your favorite reading material in Vietnam! Whether you prefer the excitement of browsing through second-hand treasures on Book Street, the comprehensive selection at Fahasa, or the convenience of online ordering, Vietnam offers multiple options for book lovers.
Don’t forget to spend a lovely afternoon curled up with a good book in the sun under an umbrella – one of the simple pleasures of life in Vietnam!
