Ho Chi Minh City Book Street — Attraction in Ho Chi Minh City

A fantastic little place right in the heart of the city, Ho Chi Minh City Book Street is an absolute must for book lovers and café seekers alike. Just around the corner from the iconic Central Post Office, this peaceful tree-lined street offers a unique escape from the city’s buzz.

Lined with bookshops, from local publishers to stalls with international selections, there’s something for readers of all kinds—whether you’re into romance, thrillers, or thought-provoking non-fiction. Many shops also offer stationery, postcards, and souvenirs, giving it a charming blend of local culture and creativity.

There are several shaded benches and casual cafés where you can sip on a Vietnamese coffee or tea while diving into your latest read. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and you could easily spend an hour or two browsing, sitting back, or people-watching.

Art installations and sculptures add to the charm, and the entire space feels thoughtfully curated and community-focused. It’s clean, pedestrian-only, and a great place to slow down.

I highly recommend it for solo travelers, couples, or anyone looking for a break in a calm and creative setting. A refreshing change of pace right in the middle...

Charming little street, across Notre Dame Church & near Saigon Post Office. True to its name, they have a variety of books - mostly English classics and but more of their local (non-English) books. However, not much to do / see. Can finish in 15-20 minutes.

Warning for tourists: while crossing a pedestrian, we were suddenly "guided" by a local street peddler - we didn't ask for directions nor tell him where we were going but he just said "4 blocks away". I initially just said thank you because I had a bad feeling he will ask for something in return "in exchange" for the help. However, he suddenly talked to my companion and asked where we were from as we were walking. Before I knew it, we were being asked to pay for fresh coconut juice (VDN 150,000 each). He was so quick to open 2 coconuts that we didn't have a choice but as he was opening the 3rd one, we said "no need, just 2" but he got mad and proceeded to open the 3rd one anyway. All in all, we paid VDN 450,000 for 3 coconuts. Talk about highway robbery. So disappointing.

Lesson learned: really do not talk...

✨📖BOOK STREET of HO CHI MINH CITY 📚 Look who stayed here for up to four (4) hours a day in Book Street. ME! 🥰 It's HEAVENLY 😍 I feel like bursting! As it is called, Book Street is a long line of bookshops, publishers, crafters, artisans, local coffee shops, visual artists, and child-minding activities.

And, wow! Why can't we have it here⁉️ There are tables where your child can just paint and color - an arts and crafts activity area. 🎨Others are "Read with me" tables where you can just pick up a book and read quietly. 📖 There are several workshops inside the bookstores like bookbinding workshops and bookmark-making workshops. 🎨 Several visual artists offer on-the-spot portrait-making.

And if you want to take a breather, just head to their many coffeeshops available in the area. ☕

Book Street is also right beside Saigon Central Post Office where you can buy more souvenir items, and it's also right across the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. The cathedral is under construction and might take a while because I heard the tiles and bricks came all the way...