Exploring Ho Chi Minh's Famous Book Street

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that is home to many popular tourist destinations. We spent 4 days exploring and stumbled across one of the lesser-known gems of the city, the famous Book Street, located on Nguyen Van Binh Street in District 1.

How to find the Book Street [Map and landmarks]

You can pop the above address in, Google it, or use the below map. You’ll probably go past the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon and Sai Gon Central Post Office. It’s right next to these.

You can also open the Google Map to Ho Chi Minh City Book Street here.

What’s on this famous Book Street?

The Book Street is a stretch of road lined with bookstores, cafes, and street vendors selling books, magazines, and other literary items. The street is pedestrian-only, making it a perfect destination for those who want to take a leisurely stroll while browsing through the shelves.

The street is especially popular among locals and those who are looking for a unique shopping experience. You can expect to find a wide range of books and literature, including everything from popular fiction to rare and out-of-print books. The street also has several cafes and street vendors selling food and drinks, making it a great place to relax and soak up the local culture.

As you’d expect, most of the books on the street are in Vietnamese, although we spotted a few English titles. I’d go here with your mind open to the experience as opposed to the idea of picking up a new read.

What we didn’t like about Ho Chi Minh City Book Street

As with so many places now, we were lead here by social media. In particular, those pesky instragram post that make out like everyhtng is a must visit, lefe altering experience that will leave your eyeballs hanging out of there sockets.

In all honestly, this isn’t one of those street. If you didn’t know it was a “destination” you;’d probably use it to cut through the city without batting an eyelid. Many people visit just to take pictures, and the street is often crowded with people because of this. They’re not enjoying it or even grabbing a coffee. They’re doing it for the gram.

Ok, I’m no better at posting about it on YouTube, but at least I’m not sugar-coating it! It’s also important to note that the prices on the street can be higher than in other places in the city, so it’s best to come prepared to haggle and negotiate.

Best time of day to visit?

The best time of day to visit Ho Chi Minh City’s Book Street would likely be in the morning or early afternoon when the street is less crowded and the bookstores are open. The street is usually less busy during the weekdays than on weekends, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit accordingly.

We when in the early afternoon on a weekday and as you can see from the video, it was pretty empty.

Keep in mind that the opening and closing times of the street can vary depending on the bookstore, so it’s best to check the schedule of any specific bookstore you want to visit. Some bookstores may open early in the morning, while others may open later in the day. It’s also a good idea to avoid peak hours such as lunchtime and evenings, as the street can get quite crowded during these times, making it hard to actually explore the stores.

Finally, if you want to capture the best pictures of the street without many people on it (I see you out there @booklover1997), it’s best to visit it early in the morning or in the evening, when the street is less crowded. Stick to the golden hours!

Best time of year to visit?

You’re likely going to want to go during the cooler months, between November and February, when the weather is more pleasant and comfortable for walking around and browsing through the bookstores. The street is open all year round, but the heat and humidity during the summer months can make it less comfortable to explore.

Also, it is important to note that the street is most crowded on weekends and holidays, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during the weekdays. That being said we visited in January. It was 30 degrees C with 90%+ humidity. It was HOT!

So, is Ho Chi Minh City Book Street worth a visit?

Overall, Ho Chi Minh’s famous Book Street is a unique and interesting destination. It is an interesting, if not slightly short stroll up a street that stands out from the rest of the city. You’ll get a glimpse into the city’s rich literary culture, which is great if that is your thing.

While it’s a great spot for book lovers and those looking for a unique shopping experience, it may not be the best destination for those looking for a more authentic local experience. If it isn’t on your itinerary or route around the city, I wouldn’t worry about going out of your way.

So, if you are planning to visit the street, do not be fooled by the Instagram-worthy pictures and be prepared for a crowded scene, but it’s still worth a visit.