Best Bookstores in Hanoi – 10+ Amazing Bookshops to Visit

Taste a very different Hanoi by spending time sitting at a quiet corner of Hanoi old quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake, reading an interesting book and sipping some coffee. But where to find books in this ancient capital. Note the list of 10 amazing bookstores as your essential guide in your Hanoi tours. 

Top Bookstores in Hanoi Old Quarter

The area around Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most convenient places to begin exploring Hanoi’s bookshops. Several bookstores are located within walking distance of one another, particularly around Dinh Le Street.

If you are searching for a book store in Hanoi Old Quarter, these are some of the most interesting places to consider.

1. Dinh Le Book Street – Hanoi’s Traditional Book-Shopping Destination

Address: Dinh Le Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Dinh Le Street is one of the most recognizable book-shopping destinations in central Hanoi. Located just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, this small street is closely associated with the city’s reading culture and is home to several bookstores selling a wide variety of publications.

Unlike a conventional shopping mall, Dinh Le offers a more traditional bookstore experience. Visitors can browse different shops, compare titles and discover everything from Vietnamese novels and international bestsellers to children’s books, educational materials and academic publications.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of visiting Dinh Le is the concentration of bookshops in such a small area. Rather than traveling between different districts, you can explore several stores during a single walk.

The street is also particularly interesting for international travelers who want to see how local people shop for books. You will find Vietnamese-language titles alongside selected foreign-language publications, although the availability of English books varies from shop to shop.

For a more memorable visit, do not simply enter the first bookstore you see. Take time to explore the smaller shops and ask staff about particular authors or subjects. You may discover books about Hanoi, Vietnamese history, traditional culture or local cuisine that are difficult to find outside Vietnam.

Dinh Le is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in the traditional bookstore culture of Hanoi.

2. Mão Bookstore – A Hidden Bookshop with Old Hanoi Charm

Address: No. 5 Dinh Le Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Opening hours listed: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.

Among the bookshops around Dinh Le Street, Mão Bookstore stands out for its distinctive location and old-fashioned atmosphere.

Unlike modern retail bookstores with large storefronts, Mão is tucked away inside an older building. Finding the entrance is part of the experience. Visitors need to look for the narrow passage at No. 5 Dinh Le Street and head upstairs to reach the bookshop.

Once inside, you will find a space that feels quite different from the busy commercial streets outside. Bookshelves, traditional interiors and the quieter atmosphere create an experience that appeals to readers who enjoy discovering independent and long-established bookstores.

Mão is particularly interesting for travelers who want to experience a more nostalgic side of Hanoi. It is not simply a place to purchase books but also an opportunity to explore a small part of the city’s literary heritage.

If you are already visiting Dinh Le Street, make time to look for this hidden bookstore. Its entrance can be easy to overlook, which makes discovering it even more enjoyable.

3. Lâm Bookstore – A Popular Bookstore on Dinh Le Street

Address: Savina Building, No. 3 Dinh Le Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Opening hours listed: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM daily.

Nhà Sách Lâm is another established bookstore in the Dinh Le area, offering a broad selection of books for different interests and age groups.

Its collection includes Vietnamese literature, educational publications, children’s books, comics and various general-interest titles. Some foreign-language books may also be available, although the selection is primarily suited to readers looking for a traditional Vietnamese bookstore.

For travelers visiting with children or family members, this is a convenient place to explore different book categories in one location.

The bookstore’s central position also makes it easy to combine with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding streets.

If you want to experience how a local bookstore operates rather than visit a shop designed primarily for international visitors, Nhà Sách Lâm is worth considering.

4. Ngân Nga Bookstore – Another Local Favorite on Dinh Le Street

Address: No. 7 Dinh Le Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Opening hours listed: 8:00 AM–9:30 PM daily.

Located close to other bookstores on Dinh Le Street, Nhà Sách Ngân Nga provides another opportunity to explore Hanoi’s traditional book-shopping culture.

The shop offers a range of publications and is particularly convenient for visitors who want to browse several bookstores without traveling far between locations.

One advantage of exploring this area is that each shop can have a slightly different selection. If you are looking for a particular title, comparing a few bookstores may help you find a suitable edition or price.

Ngân Nga can therefore be part of a wider Dinh Le book-shopping experience rather than an isolated attraction.

5. The Traveller’s Bookshop – A Great Place for English and Second-Hand Books

Address: No. 27 Hang Giay Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Opening hours listed: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.

If you enjoy discovering second-hand books, The Traveller’s Bookshop is an interesting stop in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Unlike larger Vietnamese bookstores, this independent shop is particularly appealing to international readers. Its collection includes English- and French-language titles, with a mixture of used, new and remaindered books.

You may find novels, non-fiction, travel-related publications and other foreign-language titles. The selection can vary, which makes browsing part of the experience.

For travelers who have already spent several days exploring Vietnam, a second-hand bookstore can be an enjoyable place to look for something to read during a long train journey or a flight to the next destination.

It is also a good option if you want to exchange the experience of visiting large commercial bookstores for something more personal.

The location on Hang Giay Street makes the shop convenient for visitors exploring the northern part of the Old Quarter.

If you are looking for an independent bookstore in Hanoi with English and French books, this is one of the places worth adding to your list.

Best English Bookstores in Hanoi

Finding English books in Hanoi is relatively straightforward if you know where to look. However, not every Vietnamese bookstore has an extensive foreign-language collection.

Some shops specialize in imported English and French publications, while others focus on second-hand books or selected international titles.

For English-speaking travelers, the following bookstores are particularly worth considering.

6. Bookworm Hanoi – One of the Best English Bookstores in Hanoi

Address: No. 44 Pham Hong Thai Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

Opening hours: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM daily.

For international travelers searching for a reliable English-language bookstore in Hanoi, Bookworm is one of the strongest recommendations.

Established in 2001, Bookworm has built its reputation around English-language books, offering both new and second-hand editions across a wide range of genres. According to its official website, the store has more than 20,000 English-language books.

Its collection includes fiction, non-fiction, travel writing, children’s books, literature, history and publications related to Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

One particularly interesting feature is its dedicated selection of books about Vietnamese literature and lifestyle. Visitors can explore English-language editions of works by Vietnamese authors, photography books, cookbooks and publications about the country’s history and culture.

This makes Bookworm especially valuable for travelers who want to take home something more meaningful than a conventional souvenir.

The shop also has a welcoming atmosphere that encourages visitors to browse at their own pace. Its layout and selection make it suitable for readers who enjoy spending time exploring different genres rather than searching for one specific title.

Another interesting feature is its second-hand book collection. If you have books you have finished reading during your travels, Bookworm also provides a book buy-back service for selected titles, subject to its assessment.

For anyone looking for English books in Hanoi, particularly books about Vietnam, Bookworm should be near the top of the list.

7. InBook English and French International Bookstore

Address: No. 51 Pham Hong Thai Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

Opening hours listed: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.

InBook is another interesting destination for readers looking for foreign-language publications in Hanoi.

Specializing in English- and French-language books, the bookstore offers an alternative to traditional Vietnamese bookshops where foreign-language titles may be limited.

Its collection is particularly relevant to international visitors, expatriates and local readers interested in imported publications.

Whether you enjoy fiction, non-fiction or books from international publishers, InBook is worth considering when searching for English books in Hanoi.

Its location on Pham Hong Thai Street is also convenient for travelers exploring the Ba Dinh area. Bookworm is located at No. 44 on the same street, making it possible to visit both bookstores during the same outing.

For visitors who want to compare different English-language collections, this is a particularly practical combination.

8. The Bookshelf Hanoi – An Independent English Bookstore

Address: No. 8 Nguyen Che Nghia Street, Hanoi.

Opening hours listed: 9:00 AM–7:30 PM daily.

The Bookshelf Hanoi is a smaller independent bookstore with a focus on English-language reading.

Unlike conventional retail bookstores, it combines book shopping with a more intimate literary atmosphere. Its selection includes English-language fiction and non-fiction, making it a useful stop for international visitors who want to find books they can comfortably read during their stay.

The shop also offers stationery and a library-style reading space, giving it a slightly different character from larger bookstores.

For travelers who appreciate independent bookshops, curated collections and quieter surroundings, The Bookshelf Hanoi is worth discovering.

It is particularly suitable for visitors who want to spend some time browsing without the crowds and commercial atmosphere of larger shopping destinations.

9. Linery Bookstore – A Curated Bookshop on Hanoi Book Street

Address: Hanoi Book Street, 19 Thang 12 Street, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi.

Opening hours listed: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–10:00 PM.

Located on Hanoi Book Street, Linery Bookstore is an independent shop known for its carefully selected collection of international publications.

For readers who enjoy English-language literature, classics and non-fiction, Linery offers a more curated alternative to larger commercial bookstores.

Its location is one of its biggest advantages. Hanoi Book Street is a pedestrian-oriented cultural space where visitors can explore multiple bookshops, browse publications and enjoy the atmosphere of a dedicated literary destination.

The surrounding area also makes it easy to combine book shopping with coffee and a relaxed walk through central Hanoi.

Unlike Dinh Le Street, which is associated with a more traditional and long-established bookstore culture, Hanoi Book Street offers a more organized public space for reading-related activities and book shopping.

If you are looking for a modern book-shopping experience in Hanoi, Linery is a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

10. Gác Xép Bookstore – A Small Bookshop for Second-Hand English Books

Address: No. 81/21 Ly Nam De Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Opening hours listed: Tuesday–Wednesday, 1:00 PM–6:30 PM; Thursday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–6:30 PM. Monday closed.

Gác Xép Bookstore is a smaller, less conventional bookstore that appeals particularly to readers who enjoy second-hand and foreign-language publications.

Its collection focuses primarily on English-language books, with a selection that may include literature, classics, non-fiction and academic titles.

Compared with large commercial bookstores, Gác Xép has a more intimate atmosphere. It is the kind of place where you can take your time browsing the shelves and discovering books that may not be part of the usual bestseller collections.

For travelers who enjoy reading and collecting books, second-hand bookstores can be especially rewarding. You may find an interesting edition, a familiar author or a title that is no longer widely available in regular retail stores.

Because the shop is located in an alley rather than on a major commercial street, it is worth checking the map and confirming its opening hours before visiting.

Other Bookstores Worth Visiting in Hanoi

Beyond independent English bookshops and the traditional stores around Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi also has larger bookstores that offer a wider range of publications.

11. Fahasa Bookstore – A Large Bookstore with Diverse Collections

Address: No. 338 Xa Dan Street, Hanoi.

Opening hours listed: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM daily.

For visitors who prefer a larger and more conventional bookstore, Fahasa is a practical option.

As part of a well-known Vietnamese bookstore retail chain, Fahasa offers a broad selection of publications across different categories. These include Vietnamese literature, children’s books, educational materials, reference books, stationery and foreign-language publications.

Its English and foreign-language sections may be useful for international visitors looking for reading materials or educational books.

The store is particularly suitable for families, readers interested in children’s publications and travelers who want to browse a more extensive retail collection.

Although Fahasa is outside the immediate Old Quarter area, it can be worth visiting if you have additional time to explore other parts of Hanoi.

Tips for Visiting Bookstores in Hanoi

A little preparation can make your bookstore experience much more enjoyable.

Check the latest address and opening hours before visiting

Store locations and schedules can change, so it is always worth checking the bookstore’s official website or current map listing before setting off. This is particularly important for smaller independent shops.

Ask specifically for English-language books

Many traditional Vietnamese bookstores carry foreign-language publications, but English titles may only represent a small part of their overall collection. If you are looking for a particular author or subject, showing the title on your phone can make communication easier.

Explore second-hand bookstores

Shops such as The Traveller’s Bookshop and Gác Xép can be interesting places to discover used books. Check the condition of each book before purchasing, particularly if you plan to take it home as a souvenir.

Bring enough space in your luggage

Books can be surprisingly heavy, especially hardback editions, photography collections and large art books. If you plan to buy several titles, consider your luggage allowance.

Take your time

The best bookstore experiences are not necessarily about finding a particular book. Give yourself time to browse, discover unfamiliar authors and enjoy the quieter side of Hanoi.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bookstores in Hanoi

What are the best bookstores in Hanoi?

Some of the most interesting bookstores in Hanoi include Bookworm Hanoi, The Traveller’s Bookshop, InBook, The Bookshelf Hanoi, Linery Bookstore, Mão Bookstore and the traditional bookshops along Dinh Le Street.

The best choice depends on what you want to read. Bookworm is particularly suitable for English-language books, while Dinh Le offers a more traditional local book-shopping experience.

Where can I buy English books in Hanoi?

Bookworm Hanoi is one of the best-known options for English-language books. Its official website describes it as an English-language bookshop with more than 20,000 English titles across a wide range of genres, including new and second-hand books.

Is Dinh Le Book Street worth visiting?

Yes. Dinh Le is particularly worthwhile for travelers who want to experience Hanoi’s local book culture. Rather than being a single bookstore, the area contains multiple bookshops and is closely associated with the city’s reading community. Mão Bookstore, hidden in an old building at No. 5 Dinh Le Street, is one of its most distinctive destinations.

Where can I find second-hand English books in Hanoi?

Bookworm Hanoi and The Traveller’s Bookshop are particularly useful options for visitors looking for second-hand English-language books. Gác Xép Bookstore is another smaller shop worth exploring. The availability of particular titles and editions may vary, so browsing is often the best approach.

Are there bookstores near Hoan Kiem Lake?

Yes. Several traditional Hanoi bookstores are located around the Hoan Kiem and central Old Quarter area, including Bo Ho Bookstore, Ho Guom Bookstore, Trang Tien Bookstore, and the Dinh Le book-shopping area. This makes it easy to combine book browsing with a walk around the lake.

Can I find Vietnamese literature in English?

Yes, although availability varies by store. Bookworm is particularly useful because its collection includes English-language titles related to Vietnamese fiction, non-fiction, culture, travel, and Southeast Asia.

What is the best bookstore in Hanoi for travelers?

For English-speaking travelers, Bookworm is one of the strongest choices because English books are its specialty. For experiencing traditional local bookstore culture, Dinh Le Book Street is arguably more distinctive. The two experiences are quite different and complement each other well.

What should I buy from a Hanoi bookstore?

Consider looking for Vietnamese literature in English translation, books about Hanoi’s history and culture, Vietnamese cookbooks, photography books, art books, or travel writing about Vietnam. These can make thoughtful souvenirs and allow you to continue discovering the country after returning home.

Still have questions or want help planning a literary-themed tour through Hanoi? Feel free to Contact us — our local experts are here to assist you with personalized recommendations and travel tips tailored to your interests. Discover more authentic experiences and hidden gems across the capital on our official website Hanoi Local Tour, where your Hanoi adventure begins.