

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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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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:
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:
Experience: This is a lovely place to browse, with numerous cafes along the street, making your book-hunting trip a real outing!
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:
Recommendation: While online ordering is available, try to visit the physical store for the full browsing experience.
The American Embassy operates a library with a large selection of English books available for lending.
Important Details:
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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.
Services:
Delivery Tips:
Options Available:
Note: Shipping policies may change, so check current terms before ordering.
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While this guide focuses primarily on books, Vietnam offers excellent stationery shopping opportunities:
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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!