Take a book lover’s journey across Vietnam with these 21 literary destinations, from bustling bookshops and book-themed hotels to serene, historic libraries.
Rooted in a deep oral tradition, Vietnamese literary culture holds centuries of poetry, folk ballads, and storytelling. Today, it blossoms beautifully onto the page, inspiring a love of books that has resulted in countless amazing literary hotspots across the country.
Ho Chi Minh City
The Alcove Library Hotel
For a boutique stay with a literary twist, check into the Alcove Library Hotel. Its charm lies in a cozy, quiet atmosphere and extensive library collection, with guests encouraged to borrow books during their stay.
The hotel features comfortable contemporary rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace, and an on-site restaurant. The lobby is especially stylish, with contrasting light and dark elements and a classy black bookshelf encompassing the wall.
Address: 133A Nguyễn Đình Chính, Phường 8, Phú Nhuận, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Check-in time: 2PM
– Check-out time: 12PM
Phương Nam Book City
Though it calls itself a “city”, this is actually one of Vietnam’s largest and most modern bookstores. Its book collection of over 500,000 Vietnamese and English titles spans over multiple floors, with the shop offering not only shelves but ample seating, greenery, and an in-house café for relaxed reading.
Though the blunt exterior and large advertisements might not impress at first glance, the interior is filled with chic spaces and stylish decor that’s a joy to relax in.
Address: 212 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 8AM – 10PM
Pages of Passion
Tucked inside an apartment building, you can find Pages of PASSION Bookstore, a neatly ordered, almost study-like shop specializing in English-language literature (plus a few other foreign languages). It’s known for its curated selection of contemporary fiction, literature, history, and philosophy—including hard-to-find new releases.
The shop provides a warm and welcoming space for book lovers, and even has a resident cat lounging about. It’s not an easy find since you need to take an elevator there, but it’s well worth going a bit out of your way.
Address: 6F, Apartment 35 Nguyễn Văn Tráng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 10PM
Soo Kafe
Pages of Passion isn’t the only hidden gem in Ho Chi Minh. To get to Soo Kafe, you need to navigate through a narrow alley and head up to the second floor—but trust us when we say it’s well worth it.
The brick walls and aged wooden furniture give this book café a pleasing, rustic vibe, and the generous, floor-to-ceiling collection of volumes lining the wall offers ample choice when reading. Locals lather praise on the coffee served here, especially the egg coffee, a Vietnamese specialty.
Address: 35 Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 8AM – 11PM
General Science Library of Ho Chi Minh City
This is Vietnam’s oldest public library (or at least, the library that’s been open to the public for the longest stretch of time), originally founded in 1868. It’s currently housed in a large building that’s one part concrete monolith and one part striking screen facade designed in a traditional Vietnamese pattern.
It has a collection of over two million volumes in Vietnamese and a variety of foreign languages, providing free access as well as both digital and multimedia resources.
Address: No. 69 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Opening hours:
General Reading Room
– Monday to Thursday: 7:30AM – 7PM
– Saturday & Sunday: 9AM – 5PM
– Friday: Closed
Children and Teen’s Reading Room
– Monday to Thursday: 7:30AM – 5PM
– Saturday & Sunday: 9AM – 5PM
– Friday: Closed
Ho Chi Minh City Book Street (Đường Sách Nguyễn Văn Bình)
Ho Chi Minh City Book Street, known in Vietnamese as Đường Sách Nguyễn Văn Bình, is a vibrant, tree-lined pedestrian street stretching from Hai Ba Trung Street to Ho Chi Minh’s own Notre Dame Cathedral.
It’s basically a miniature book town, featuring over 20 bookstores, book cafés, and stationery shops, selling plenty of both Vietnamese and English titles. There are no bars to entry; all that’s needed is a love of literature and a decent pair of walking shoes.
Address: Đ. Nguyễn Văn Bình, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 8AM – 9PM
Hai An Bookstore
Phương Nam might be a “book city,” but Hai An is on a whole other level. This is Vietnam’s largest bookstore, spanning five floors with a modern, ocean-inspired design. It holds a massive selection of Vietnamese and English books, art supplies, and stationery, and even has a café and a gallery space for exhibitions and workshops.
Though it’s big, the keen sense of organization keeps the store from being too complex or maze-like, while creative displays and stylish layouts keep it from getting boring.
Address: 2B Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 7:30AM – 10:15PM
– (Note that individual spaces, such as the art gallery, may have different hours)
The LIB coffee and books
Though a bit further removed than other places noted on this list, the LIB Coffee and Books is one book café you don’t want to miss. With an ambiance both tranquil and vintage, what really makes it is the view of lush greenery off the half-open terrace that makes you feel like you’re halfway in the rainforest while still enjoying modern comforts.
The book café has two floors, with the terrace on the second, and there’s a generous collection of books patrons are free to read while they relax and sip their coffees and teas or munch on a flaky pastry.
Address: 21 Đường 62, Bình Trưng Đông, Thủ Đức, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 6:30AM – 10PM
Hoi An City
Hoi An Pho Library Hotel
Halfway between Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi is Hoi An, marking a great place to stay overnight on a literary tour. And for that stay, consider Hoi An Pho Library Hotel, formerly Vinh Hung Library Hotel. It’s known for its library theme, stylish rooms, and central location near Hoi An’s Ancient Town.
The hotel features shelves of books (in both Vietnamese and English) throughout its public spaces, a rooftop pool, a Library Corner Café, and handmade Vietnamese wooden furniture.
Address: 96 Bà Triệu, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Check-in time: 2PM
– Check-out time: 12PM
Hanoi
La Siesta Classic Hang Thung
A 12-story-tall, La Siesta Classic Hang Thung is a luxury boutique hotel with some fantastic views of the Red River and Long Bien Bridge. It offers both outstanding service and many elegantly appointed rooms, plus free Wi-Fi.
Aside from amenities like a heated pool, spa, and rooftop restaurant, there’s a book bar with a chic, sleek flair called the Library Lounge. Like much of the hotel, its decor is a beautiful blend of both contemporary and Vietnamese design. It also comes with the bonus of a bookshelf-lined wall offering many titles for guests to browse while relaxing.
Address: No 21 Hang Thung St, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Dist, 21 P. Hàng Thùng, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Check-in time: 2PM
– Check-out time: 12PM
Nhà sách Mão
This two-story bookstore is beloved among locals, accessible through a half-hidden alley and a narrow staircase. It’s packed to its aged wooden rafters with Vietnamese books on topics ranging from literature to spirituality, its center-floor spiral staircase making for a very Instagrammable location.
Popping with personality, soothed by a tranquil sea green color scheme, this store has a unique charm perfectly suited to a book lover’s haven. It also has the historic distinction of being the first bookstore on Dinh Le Street.
Address: 5 P. Đinh Lễ, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Saturday & Sunday: 9AM – 9PM
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 5PM
The Bookshelf Hanoi
With a carefully curated collection of English-language new releases, classics, and diverse nonfiction, the Bookshelf Hanoi is praised for its cozy ambiance, beautifully designed interior, and hand-written book recommendations. Some of its artistic decorations are especially captivating, emphasizing the loving care put into this place.
As this store sells only English fiction and nonfiction, it’s ideal for literature-starved tourists and expats in search of a good, solid book in the city’s French quarter.
Address: 08 P. Nguyễn Chế Nghĩa, Hàng Bài, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 9AM – 7PM
The Wiselands Coffee
Talk about gorgeous places to take a rest, both of the Wiselands Coffee locations are a treat for the eyes. They feature earthen tones, a generous yet tasteful placement of indoor plants, and unique tree-shaped bookshelves that add the cherry on top of an already charming book café.
Today, we highlight their branch in Hanoi (the other being in Ho Chi Minh) for its especially peaceful atmosphere and its diverse selection of English titles alongside its Vietnamese ones.
Address: 17 Hà Hồi, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 7AM – 11PM
National Library of Vietnam
Founded in 1917, the National Library of Vietnam is housed in striking French colonial architecture and serves as one of the most prominent libraries in Hanoi. It preserves over two million items, including rare books, manuscripts, and newspapers in Vietnamese and multiple foreign languages.
Originally created as the Indochina Central Library, it became the National Library in 1958. The library supports research and frequently hosts cultural events and programs.
Address: 31 P. Tràng Thi, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 8AM – 8PM
Tranquil Books & Coffee
Tranquil Books & Coffee is a beloved independent café and book space renowned for its relaxed, quiet atmosphere and curated selection of literature. It features warm lighting, wooden décor, and comfy nooks ideal for leisurely reading, quiet study, or diligent working.
The menu focuses on expertly brewed espresso drinks and Vietnamese coffee, and its bookish events make it a favorite haunt for locals and travelers alike. It also just so happened to be a nominee for 1000 Libraries’ Most Beautiful Book Cafés list.
Address: 5 P. Nguyễn Quang Bích, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 8AM – 10PM
Gác Xép Bookstore
Known for its relaxed, welcoming vibe and friendly staff, Gác Xép Bookstore has the kind of cozy clutter and vintage decor that make it feel like a home away from home. This store specializes in foreign-language books from around the world, with an especially prominent collection of English-language titles.
It’s a great place to stop by for those hoping for a quiet browse or a welcoming environment, but it’s also quite popular for its online order offerings and free shipping.
Address: 81/21 P. Lý Nam Đế, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Tuesday to Thursday: 1PM – 6:30PM
– Friday to Sunday: 9:30AM – 6:30PM
– Monday: Closed
Bluebirds’ Nest
Tiptoe across this multi-level book café for a bit of relaxation and escapist reading. Bluebirds’ Nest combines gentle music, a lush rooftop garden, and friendly cats with a selection of tantalizing titles both in Vietnamese and English.
Its menu is quite creative, including Vietnamese classics like egg coffee and yogurt coffee, plus fun twists like matcha lava cake and some refreshing mocktails. The café is also very welcoming to people of all walks of life, particularly LGBTQ+ and those who enjoy alternative lifestyles.
Address: 27 Đặng Dung Ngõ 27, P. Đặng Dung/20 Ng. Yên Thành, đối diện, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 8AM – 10:30PM
Bookworm Hanoi
Bookworm Hanoi is the city’s oldest English-language bookstore, founded in 2001. It offers over 20,000 books across two floors—new and secondhand titles, Vietnamese literature, travel, children’s and young adult books, and more. Plus a nice selection of postcards and other souvenirs.
Though it specializes in foreign literature, its decor has a distinctive Vietnamese flair, honoring tradition while stepping into modernity and creating its own unique style. Its on-site café is also a delight to visit, offering coffee and baked treats.
Address: 44 P. Phạm Hồng Thái, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 9AM – 7PM
O’Leoleo Coffee Books & Cats
This one is exactly what it sounds like: a book and cat café, where you can browse the in-house library, sip on a variety of different beverages, and enjoy lounging with the numerous cats of various breeds lolling around the joint. It even has some board games on hand if you want to invite someone over for a bit of old-school fun.
Guests praise its excellent coffee and teas (the salted coffee especially), and say that it’s a lovely and warm place to read a book or enjoy cat snuggles.
Address: 63 P. Trúc Bạch, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 8:30AM – 10:30PM
Nhã Nam Books N’ Coffee
This book café is spacious, modern, and beautiful, with clean-cut lines and a classy, elegant appeal in its wood-paneled floors and well-lit bookshelves. Nhã Nam Books N’ Coffee is actually a book café chain with multiple locations across Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, and each branch has its own unique style tailored to its surroundings.
The café has a lot of delicious drinks on its menu, but some have noted that its location inside a mall means that it can get pretty noisy. Still, it’s a lovely space to hang out in and enjoy a specialty coffee.
Address: Indochina Plaza, 241 Đ. Xuân Thủy, Dịch Vọng Hậu, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 9:30AM – 9:30PM
VAC Library
VAC Library in Hanoi is an innovative, open-air community library that combines books, an urban farm, and a playground. Its name comes from the Vietnamese words for garden (vườn), pond, and cage, all of which play important roles in this unique library.
The main feature is a wooden jungle gym-like structure filled with pockets of shelves filled with books, but the space as a whole is meant to teach kids about eco-friendly living and sustainable food production. To this end, it also includes a koi pond, chicken coops, and gardens, all interconnected through an aquaponics system. It’s a truly impressive site with noble, lofty goals.
Address: An Hung Urban Area, Hà Đông, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Opening hours:
– Not listed
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K Lou
K. Lou is a writer born in the U.S. who found her way to Japan through a spiritual calling—or, more precisely, better access to tea. She writes about travel, culture, and the occasional creative piece, inspired by her enduring love of books. This love began in high school when K. Lou carried books around to avoid seeming odd while lost in thought. Once she started reading, she never stopped. With zero regrets, she continues to explore the written word and invites others to join her in celebrating its varied forms.
