Hanoi Book Store Guide: Best Places for Book Lovers in the Capital
Dan Vy
3 min. to read
If you’re a bibliophile visiting Vietnam’s capital, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the variety of Hanoi book store options. From hidden indie shops tucked away in Old Quarter alleys to sprawling chains with international titles, the city’s literary scene is vibrant and ever-growing. Whether you’re looking for Vietnamese literature in translation, rare collectibles, or an English book store in Hanoi, this guide covers the best book stores in Hanoi for every kind of reader.
📍 Location: 19/12 Street, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District
No list is complete without Hanoi Book Street, a pedestrian-friendly lane lined with dozens of charming bookshops. Each store specializes in different genres—from children’s books and Vietnamese literature to travel guides and art publications. You can find a few shops with English sections, perfect for travelers.
💡 Traveler tip: Visit on weekends to catch open-air book fairs, live readings, and pop-up cafés.
2. Bookworm Hanoi
📍 Location: 44 Châu Long Street, Ba Dinh District
Often referred to as “Hanoi’s best English book store,” Bookworm Hanoi is a cozy, long-standing shop with a large selection of new and secondhand books in English. From classics and contemporary fiction to cookbooks and Vietnam-themed non-fiction, it’s a treasure trove for expats and visitors.
✨ Why visit: The largest English-language selection in Hanoi.
💡 Traveler tip: Ask the friendly staff for recommendations on Vietnam-related reads before your trip ends.
3. Tien Phong Bookstore
📍 Location: 175 Nguyễn Thái Học Street, Ba Dinh District
A popular chain in Vietnam, Tiền Phong offers a wide range of Vietnamese books alongside some English titles, stationery, and gifts. The spacious layout and organized shelves make browsing easy, even if you’re just window-shopping.
✨ Why visit: Affordable prices and a good place to pick up children’s books or learning materials.
💡 Traveler tip: Check the back shelves for discounted titles.
4. Ca Chep Bookstore
📍 Location: 115 Nguyễn Thái Học Street, Ba Dinh District
Cá Chép is as much an art space as it is a bookstore. With multiple floors, it offers Vietnamese and English books, an art gallery, and a small café in Hanoi. The interior design is bright and inspiring, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists.
✨ Why visit: A blend of literature, art, and coffee in a beautiful setting.
💡 Traveler tip: Don’t miss the rooftop café for a quiet reading spot.
5. Fahasa Bookstore – Vincom Center Ba Trieu
📍 Location: 191 Bà Triệu Street, Hai Bà Trưng District
Fahasa is one of Vietnam’s largest bookstore chains, and this Vincom Center branch is centrally located with a sizable English section. They carry travel guides, novels, children’s books, and a variety of stationery.
✨ Why visit: Reliable quality and a convenient location inside a modern mall.
💡 Traveler tip: Combine your book shopping with exploring the Vincom Center’s dining and entertainment floors.
6. Kim Dong Bookstore – Hoan Kiem
📍 Location: 55 Quang Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District
Specializing in children’s literature, Kim Đồng is a Vietnamese publishing house that also stocks comics, graphic novels, and some translated works for young readers. It’s a great stop for families traveling with kids.
✨ Why visit: Themed décor and friendly atmosphere for young readers.
💡 Traveler tip: Look for Vietnamese fairy tale books with English translations—excellent cultural souvenirs.
7. ArtBook Hanoi
📍 Location: 47 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District
ArtBook focuses on art, architecture, photography, and design publications, with both Vietnamese and English editions. It’s perfect for travelers looking for coffee table books or unique design souvenirs.
✨ Why visit: Specialized art and design selection you won’t find in chain bookstores.
💡 Traveler tip: Pick up a Vietnamese photography book as a memento of your trip.
8. Nha Nam Book Café – Hanoi
📍 Location: 59 Đoàn Thị Điểm Street, Đống Đa District
Run by the well-known Vietnamese publisher Nhã Nam, this is a relaxing book café offering a curated mix of Vietnamese and translated literature. You can sip coffee while exploring their thoughtfully arranged shelves.
✨ Why visit: Cozy reading corners and quality Vietnamese literature in English translation.
💡 Traveler tip: Order a cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) for the full local experience.
9. Dong A Bookstore
📍 Location: 62 Lê Duẩn Street, Hoan Kiem District
Đông A is known for its beautifully produced books, from literary classics to illustrated editions. While most titles are in Vietnamese, their craftsmanship makes them worth browsing, even for non-Vietnamese speakers.
✨ Why visit: High-quality printing and collectible editions.
💡 Traveler tip: Great place to find a visually stunning souvenir book.
10. Tranquil Books & Coffee
💡 Traveler tip: Perfect spot for journaling or catching up on travel writing.
📍 Location: 5 Nguyễn Quang Bích Street, Hoan Kiem District
A peaceful hideaway in the middle of the bustling capital, Tranquil combines minimalist décor, strong coffee, and a small but curated selection of books in both Vietnamese and English.
✨ Why visit: Ideal for a quiet afternoon of reading.
Beyond Books – Experiences for Travelers in Hanoi’s Bookstores
While Hanoi book stores are primarily places to browse and buy books, many offer unique experiences that make them worth visiting even if you’re not planning a big haul. Here’s how you can make the most of them:
1. Attend Cultural Events & Creative Workshops
Beyond their shelves, Hanoi’s bookstores are vibrant stages for the city’s creative pulse, offering travelers a unique opportunity to connect with local culture beyond typical tourist activities. Venues like Hanoi Book Street, Cá Chép Bookstore, and Nhã Nam Book N’ Coffee are not just for reading; they are for experiencing. (You maybe want to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Vietnamese festivals)
Book Launches and Author Signings: This is your chance to meet the creators shaping contemporary Vietnamese literature. Even with a language barrier (translators are often present for major events), the energy and passion are universal.
Calligraphy and Watercolor Classes: Immerse yourself in tradition. A calligraphy workshop isn’t just an art class; it’s a meditative experience where you learn the patience and precision behind this ancient art form. It’s a perfect way to create a meaningful, personal souvenir.
Children’s Storytelling Hours: For families traveling with kids, this is a charming and authentic activity. Witnessing the delight of local children as they listen to Vietnamese folktales is a heartwarming cultural snapshot.
Bilingual Poetry Readings: Experience the music and rhythm of the Vietnamese language. These events offer a profound glimpse into the Vietnamese soul, revealing the emotions and stories that shape the culture.
🔅Travel Tip: To find these events, check the Facebook pages of bookstores a week or two before your trip. Use search terms like “sự kiện sách Hà Nội” (Hanoi book event) or “workshop vẽ” (drawing workshop). Many events are announced with short notice, so a little flexibility in your schedule can lead to an unforgettable experience.
❓Want to find the perfect cultural workshop for your trip? The best events can be hard to find and book from abroad. Contact the travel experts at Sun Getaways Travel for up-to-date information and help securing a spot in a workshop that aligns with your interests.
2. Savor Coffee, Tea & Literature
Hanoi’s famous café culture finds its most soulful expression inside its bookstores. This is where the city’s intellectual history, French colonial past, and modern identity converge. It’s an invitation to slow down and savor the moment.
The Experience:
Vietnamese Egg Coffee in a Quiet Nook: At a place like Tranquil Books & Coffee, ordering an egg coffee isn’t just about the drink—it’s about the atmosphere. Imagine sipping the velvety, custard-like foam of this “liquid tiramisu” while surrounded by the scent of old paper and freshly brewed coffee. It’s a quintessential Hanoi moment.
Refined Lotus Tea Amidst Books: At Nhã Nam Book N’ Coffee, pairing your reading with a traditional lotus tea is a truly elegant experience. The subtle, floral aroma of the tea, a symbol of purity in Vietnamese culture, creates a serene environment that feels worlds away from the city’s hustle.
A Sanctuary on a Rainy Day: Hanoi’s cool, misty rainy days are perfect for seeking refuge in a bookstore cafe. Find a seat by the window, watch the rain fall on the tree-lined streets, and lose yourself in a book. These quiet, cinematic moments are often the most memorable parts of a trip.
A Digital Detox: In a world of constant connectivity, a bookstore cafe offers a rare chance to unplug. Put your phone away, pick up a physical book, and allow your mind to wander. It’s a form of slow travel that rejuvenates the spirit.
🔅Travel Tip: For the most peaceful and authentic atmosphere, visit these bookstore cafes on a weekday morning. You’ll share the space with locals and students, enjoying a quiet calm before the afternoon and evening crowds arrive.
3. Shop for Unique Souvenirs & Cultural Treasures
Forget the generic, mass-produced souvenirs. A bookstore is where you can find a meaningful piece of Hanoi’s soul to take home. Your purchase here often directly supports the city’s local artists and creative community.
Many book stores in Hanoi sell far more than books, things you could look for::
Art Prints & Unique Stationery: Discover beautiful watercolor sketches of the Old Quarter, modern graphic prints with a propaganda art twist, and elegant stationery crafted from traditional Dó (mulberry bark) paper.
Curated Handicrafts
Bilingual Children’s Books
Do Paper in Little Cat Shop (Photos by @ng.danzy)Do Paper in Little Cat Shop (Photos by @ng.danzy)
🔅Traveler’s Note: Unlike busy markets, bookstores encourage slow, thoughtful Browse. Take your time to explore the non-book sections. The items are often accompanied by small notes about the artist or the story behind the craft, adding a deeper layer of meaning to your purchase.
4. Discover Local Art & Architecture
Bookstores such as ArtBook Hanoi and Cá Chép showcase works from Vietnamese artists, photographers, and designers. These make for unique keepsakes that capture Hanoi’s soul better than a mass-produced souvenir.
5. Experience the Community Spirit
Independent bookstores like Bookworm Hanoi and Tranquil Books & Coffee often act as gathering points for expats, students, and creative locals. Striking up a conversation over a shared book interest can lead to insider travel tips you won’t find in guidebooks.
🔅Insider Tip: Don’t just visit—linger. Buy a coffee, find a comfortable chair, and spend an hour or two. These bookstores are the nerve centers of the local creative scene. By simply being present, you open yourself up to spontaneous conversations and insider tips that you’ll never find in a guidebook.
Note Cafe in Hanoi
FAQs – Hanoi Bookstores for Travelers
1. Where can I find the best English book store in Hanoi?
Answer:Bookworm Hanoi is widely regarded as the top English bookstore in the city, offering both new and secondhand books. You can also find good English sections at Fahasa Vincom Bà Triệu, Cá Chép Bookstore, and Nhã Nam Book Café.
2. Are book prices in Hanoi expensive for foreigners?
Answer: Not really. Local Vietnamese books can be as cheap as 50,000 VND (around $2 USD). Imported English books typically range from 150,000–400,000 VND ($6–$16 USD). If you’re looking for bargains, check secondhand sections at Bookworm or independent stores.
3. Do bookstores in Hanoi sell souvenirs?
Answer: Yes. Many stores offer tote bags, bookmarks, postcards, art prints, and giấy dó products — traditional Vietnamese handmade paper used for centuries in calligraphy and folk art. These make unique, lightweight gifts for travelers.
4. Can I buy Vietnamese literature in English translation?
Answer: Definitely. Bookworm Hanoi and Nhã Nam Book Café stock English translations of popular Vietnamese authors such as Nguyễn Nhật Ánh and Bảo Ninh. These are perfect for travelers who want a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s literary culture.
5. Which bookstore in Hanoi is best for art and photography books?
Answer:ArtBook Hanoi and Cá Chép Bookstore are the best choices for high-quality art publications, photography collections, and architecture books. Many titles are bilingual or in English, making them accessible to international visitors.
6. Do I need to bargain for book prices?
Answer: No. Prices in bookstores are fixed. However, at flea markets or book fairs, some sellers may be open to small discounts, especially on used books.
7. Are there any late-night bookstores in Hanoi?
Answer: Most bookstores close by 9–10 PM, but book cafés like Tranquil Books & Coffee and Nhã Nam Book Café often stay open later, allowing for nighttime reading sessions.
8. How can I keep track of book-related events in Hanoi?
Answer: Follow the official Facebook pages of Hanoi Book Street, Bookworm Hanoi, and Nhã Nam. They post regular updates on workshops, book launches, and cultural events.
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Dan Vy 
3 min. to read 
