Ho Chi Minh City Book Street: Location, Things to Do & Travel Guide
Ho Chi Minh City Book Street is a tranquil oasis for book lovers and culture seekers nestled in the bustling heart of former District 1. Known locally as Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, this pedestrian-only avenue offers a charming escape from the city's frenetic pace. It invites you to wander through open-air bookshops, relax in leafy cafes, and immerse yourself in Vietnam's rich literary culture. It’s more than just a place to buy books. It's a vibrant cultural destination that captures the intellectual spirit of Saigon. In this complete GTrip guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, such as unique history, how to get there, the best things to do, and nearby attractions.
Overview of Ho Chi Minh City Book Street
Before you dive into the literary wonders of this unique street, let’s cover the essential details. This section provides the key information you need to plan your visit, including its central location and visitor-friendly hours.
Where is Ho Chi Minh City Book Street?
Location: Nguyen Van Binh Street, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), HCMC
The street is strategically located in the absolute center of Ho Chi Minh City's cultural and historical core, making it an effortless addition to any former District 1 itinerary. It runs alongside the historic Saigon Central Post Office and faces the side of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, placing it at the epicenter of the city's most famous landmarks. This prime location makes it a convenient and peaceful stop between sightseeing activities.
Opening hours & Entrance fee
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Entrance fee: Free
As a public pedestrian street, Ho Chi Minh City Book Street is easily accessible throughout the day and into the evening. The individual bookshops and cafes lining the street adhere to these general operating times, giving you plenty of flexibility for your visit. Best of all, exploring this cultural gem costs nothing. The street is open for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re a serious book collector or a curious traveler.
Ho Chi Minh City Book Street is a heaven for book lovers
Explore the history and development of Ho Chi Minh City Book Street
What is now a beloved cultural landmark was once a simple, traffic-filled street named Nguyen Van Binh. The transformation into a dedicated book street was a visionary project by the city government, officially launched in 2016. The primary purpose was to foster and celebrate a vibrant reading culture among Saigonese locals and to create a dedicated space for publishers, authors, and readers to connect. The street was carefully designed with shaded walkways, uniform wooden book stalls, and public reading benches, all nestled under a natural canopy of old tamarind trees.
This thoughtful design turned an ordinary street into an extraordinary public space. It represents a commitment to preserving intellectual pursuits amidst rapid urban development, serving as a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to literature and knowledge. Today, it stands as a testament to the city's appreciation for culture, hosting numerous book launches, author signings, and literary festivals that enrich the community. It has quickly become a must-visit destination for both locals looking for their next read and tourists seeking a unique and authentic Saigon experience.
How to get to Nguyen Van Binh Book Street
Reaching Ho Chi Minh City Book Street is simple, thanks to its central former District 1 location. Here are the most common methods for getting there:
- Ride-hailing app (Grab/XanhSM): This is the most convenient option. Simply type "Nguyen Van Binh Book Street" or "Duong Sach Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh" into the app. Your driver will drop you off at the corner of Hai Ba Trung Street or Cong Xa Paris Square, right at the entrance.
- Taxi: A traditional taxi is another easy choice. Most drivers are very familiar with the "street of books" next to the Central Post Office.
- Motorbike: If you're comfortable navigating the city on a motorbike, this is a flexible way to visit. You'll need to find suitable parking nearby, as the street itself is for pedestrians only.
- Walking: If you're already exploring former District 1, the book street is a pleasant walk from many key attractions, including the Independence Palace and the Saigon Opera House.
- Parking near the book street: For those arriving by car or motorbike, several parking facilities are available within a short walk. Your best options for secure parking include Diamond Plaza Parking, Hai Ba Trung Parking Lot, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street Parking, Central Post Office Lot, and Le Duan Parking Area.
Nguyen Van Binh Book Street is located in the center of former District 1, so that it’s easy to reach here by many ways
Things to do on Ho Chi Minh City Book Street
From browsing endless shelves to sipping coffee in a quiet corner, the book street offers a delightful range of activities for every type of visitor. Here’s how you can make the most of your time on this literary lane.
1. Explore diverse bookshops and genres
The heart of the experience is, of course, the books. The street is lined with beautifully designed wooden stalls and small storefronts representing many of Vietnam's leading publishers and bookstores. As you stroll, you'll see a wonderful mix of major names like Nha Nam and Phuong Nam and smaller, specialized sellers. The visual appeal of the stalls, with their neatly arranged spines and creative displays, is a feast for the eyes. You can find books covering a vast array of genres, such as classic Vietnamese literature, modern fiction, art and photography books, travel guides, and colorful children's stories. Many shops also have a dedicated section for books in English, making it accessible for international visitors.
2. Buy books and literary souvenirs
This is the perfect place to find a meaningful memento of your trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Beyond the extensive book collections, the stalls offer a variety of unique souvenirs that celebrate the love of reading. You can find items perfect for gifts or your own collection. The street offers a variety of unique souvenirs, such as custom bookmarks, handcrafted leather-bound notebooks, intricate pop-up cards of landmarks, and artistic stationery sets from local designers. Shopping here is a wonderful way to support local publishers and artisans while taking home a piece of Saigon's cultural identity that you won't find in a typical souvenir shop.
You can buy books and many types of souvenirs as gifts on the book street
3. Relax at book cafes and outdoor reading spaces
One of the street's most charming features is its collection of cozy book cafes. These spots are seamlessly integrated among the bookstalls, offering both indoor air-conditioned seating and lovely outdoor patios. Here, you can take a well-deserved break from your explorations. Order a traditional Vietnamese ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) or a refreshing fruit juice, grab your newly purchased book, and settle in for a quiet read. The atmosphere is serene, with the gentle rustle of pages and quiet conversation replacing the city's usual roar. The plentiful benches placed under the shade of ancient tamarind trees also provide free, open-air spaces to sit and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
4. Discover scenic photo spots
Ho Chi Minh City Book Street is an incredibly photogenic location, offering countless opportunities for memorable pictures. Its aesthetic was carefully curated, making it a favorite spot for amateur and professional photographers alike. You can capture beautiful shots of the tree-lined avenue with the Notre Dame Cathedral in the background, or focus on the details of the charming book stalls. Popular photo spots include the iconic red vintage telephone booth, which serves as a miniature library, the vibrant murals depicting literary scenes, and the artistic, often seasonal, book displays. The interplay of natural light filtering through the leaves and the warm wood of the stalls creates a magical setting for photography at any time of day.
Ho Chi Minh City Book Street offers many spots to take photos
5. Walk the street and enjoy the cultural atmosphere
The simple act of walking from one end of Nguyen Van Binh Street to the other is an experience in itself. It serves as a powerful contrast to the high-energy environment of the surrounding former District 1. As soon as you step onto the pedestrian-only pavement, the noise of traffic fades, replaced by a sense of calm and intellectual curiosity. Take a slow, leisurely stroll under the magnificent canopy of trees that have stood for generations. Notice the mix of people around you, like students browsing for textbooks, families reading together, tourists soaking in the sights, and locals enjoying a moment of peace. This shared, quiet enjoyment of a public space dedicated to culture is what makes the book street a truly special place.
6. Attend book events and cultural activities
Far from being a static marketplace, Ho Chi Minh City Book Street is a dynamic cultural hub. The street regularly hosts a wide range of events that bring the literary world to life. On any given day, especially on weekends, you might stumble upon a book launch with a famous Vietnamese author, an engaging talk on a new literary trend, a vibrant exhibition of children's book illustrations, or a themed book fair. These events offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local community and gain deeper insight into Vietnam's contemporary cultural scene. Before your visit, it’s a great idea to check online for any event schedules, as you may have the chance to participate in a unique cultural experience.
Nguyen Van Binh Book Street regularly hosts book and cultural events
Attractions to explore near Nguyen Van Binh Book Street in Ho Chi Minh City
The book street’s prime location puts you within walking distance of some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic attractions. You can easily combine your visit with a tour of these historic landmarks.
- Saigon Central Post Office (210m): Located directly adjacent to the book street, this is a magnificent example of French colonial architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel, which is still a functioning post office.
- Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (240m): Standing directly opposite the post office, this stunning basilica was built in the late 19th century with materials imported entirely from France and is a symbol of the city. (Note: The cathedral is currently undergoing long-term restoration and the interior may not be accessible).
- Independence Palace (550m): Just a short walk away, this landmark building, also known as the Reunification Palace, is a time capsule of 1970s history, famous for being the site of the end of the Vietnam War.
- Ben Thanh Market (1km): A 10-15 minute walk will take you to this bustling, historic market, where you can shop for everything from local handicrafts and textiles to delicious street food.
There are many nearby attractions that you can visit after exploring the book street
Useful tips for visiting Ho Chi Minh City Book Street
To ensure you have the best possible experience, here are a few insider tips from your friendly GTrip guide:
- Visit on a weekday morning for the most peaceful experience, as weekends can get quite crowded with local families and students.
- Bring cash (Vietnamese Dong), as some of the smaller independent stalls may not have credit card facilities.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking, especially if you plan to visit the nearby attractions.
- Stay hydrated. Ho Chi Minh City can be hot and humid, so take advantage of the cafes to cool down with a refreshing drink.
- Check for events online before you go. A quick search for "Lich su kien Duong Sach Nguyen Van Binh" might reveal a book signing or exhibition happening during your visit.
- Respect the quiet atmosphere. While it’s a public space, visitors cherish it for its tranquility, so it’s best to keep conversations at a low volume.
Remember practical tips to have a wonderful visit to Ho Chi Minh City Book Street
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Ho Chi Minh City Book Street is far more than a collection of shops. It is the cultural and intellectual soul of Saigon, beautifully packaged into a single, serene street. It's a place where the past and present converge, where the shade of old tamarind trees shelters new ideas and stories waiting to be discovered. This street offers an enriching and unforgettable experience. It stands as a powerful reminder that even in one of Southeast Asia's busiest metropolises, there is always room for the quiet joy of a good book. Ready to lose yourself in a world of books? Let GTrip help you plan the rest of your Ho Chi Minh City adventure.
