Welcome to Ho Chi Minh Book Street, the literary heart of Saigon, where stories, coffee, and culture come alive in a cozy pedestrian paradise. Whether you’re hunting hidden classics, snapping Insta-perfect shots, or simply finding solace with a latte in hand, this bookish haven delivers. And if you’re planning a full-day adventure around this gem, HoaBinh Tourist has your back with seamless tours, comfy rides, and five-star stays.
Introduction to Book Street Ho Chi Minh
Book Street Ho Chi Minh, officially known as Nguyen Van Binh Street Book, is a vibrant cultural corridor in central District 1. It stretches roughly 100 m from Hai Ba Trung Street to Notre Dame Cathedral, boasting more than 20 charming book stalls from famous publishers such as Alphabooks, Nha Nam, Kim Dong, Thai Ha, and Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House.
This pedestrian-only walkway invites visitors to browse books in multiple languages – Vietnamese, English, French, and more – while enjoying shaded greenery, coffee, and occasional events like author meetups and book launches. It’s no wonder Ho Chi Minh City’s book street is a must‑see for intellectuals, creatives, and curious travelers.
A leafy literary oasis awaits in central Saigon, where culture and calm meet between charming book stalls and gentle sunlight.
Location and opening hours
Nestled on Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh Book Street is directly opposite the Saigon Central Post Office and just steps from Notre Dame Cathedral. It’s easy to combine a visit with other landmarks like Independence Palace, Bui Vien walking street, or Ben Thanh Market.
Nestled on Nguyen Van Binh Street, framed by Notre Dame and the Post Office, this cozy spot opens its doors daily from 8 AM to 9:30 PM.
Opening hours:
- Daily: 8 AM – 9 PM (weekdays)
- Weekends: 8 AM – 9:30 PM.
Admission is free – just stroll in and soak up the literary vibe.
History and development
Originally an old lane named “Hong Kong Street”, later “Cardis Street” (1897), then “Nguyen Hau” (1955), it was officially renamed Nguyen Van Binh on July 4, 2000, in honor of the Catholic intellectual and bishop.
Inception as a book street in Ho Chi Minh, came in January 2016 after a three-month renovation, transforming it into Vietnam’s first dedicated book‑street complex. Since then, it’s blossomed into a cultural hotspot, hosting themed exhibitions, author exchanges, and cozy book café events.
Once Hong Kong Street and later Cardis, this historic lane was reborn in 2016 as Vietnam’s first literary street – where past meets pages.
How to get to Book Street in Ho Chi Minh
Getting to this book street in Ho Chi Minh is a breeze:
- Grab/taxi: Plug “Nguyen Van Binh Book Street” into your app. District 1 drivers know it well.
- Motorbike: Ride via Le Duan or Pham Ngoc Thach, then park nearby – Diamond Plaza, Hai Ba Trung lot, or Central Post Office parking.
- Bus: Local routes stop near Independence Palace or 30/4 Park – then it’s a 1–2‑minute walk.
- Walk/cycle: Ideal if you’re already in central District 1 or the Nguyen Hue area – plenty of bike rentals.
Just hop on a Grab, bus, motorbike, or stroll – this heart-of-D1 destination is a breezy trip from any corner of central Saigon.
Read more:
What to experience at Book Street Ho Chi Minh?
Reading and buying books
With 20+ publisher booths – from Alphabooks and Nha Nam to rare vintage collections and stationery stalls – you’ll find everything from fiction, politics, and science to foreign-language guides and even children’s comics. There’s also a dedicated exhibition area where book signings, author meetups, and special events take place regularly, connecting readers and creators in an inspiring cultural space.
A treasure trove for literary explorers – flip through fresh pages or uncover rare gems amidst over 20 publisher stalls.
Check-in photo spots at beautiful book stalls
This Ho Chi Minh book street is picture-perfect, with colorful wooden stalls, leafy trees, and artistic setups. Each vendor area has a unique vibe – perfect for selfies, “book flatlays,” or even casual wedding shoots.
The street is artfully designed into three aesthetic zones – with a grand welcome gate, giant 3D book installations, and colorful wooden stalls set beneath lush trees. Each stall is uniquely themed (Korean/Japanese style, vintage, minimalist), making for endless Instagrammable backdrops – selfies, couple shots, flatlays, or even wedding photoshoots are all fair game.
Picture-perfect vibes under leafy canopies and pastel book stalls – your next selfie spot awaits.
Enjoy coffee and reading
Chill at standout cafés like Phuong Nam Book Coffee, Ban Coffee, or Dep Cafe – each offering distinctive interiors (modern floral, Japanese wood, fairy lights). Hundreds of communal or free books await on their shelves. Sip a handcrafted latte, enjoy live acoustic sets or weekend author talks, and soak in the peaceful literary ambiance amid Saigon’s bustle.
Curl up with a good book and a better brew – Book Street cafés are where stories and sips come to life.
Nearby attractions around Book Street Ho Chi Minh
After your book‑lover’s bliss, explore these nearby gems:
- Saigon Central Post Office (1886–91): A neo‑classical beauty opposite the Book Street.
- Notre Dame Cathedral: Iconic twin‑tower cathedral, just a block away.
- Independence Palace: Also called Reunification Hall, a 3‑minute walk from the street.
- Ben Thanh Market: Head west 1 km for souvenirs, street food, and local energy.
These spots are perfect complements to a book street Ho Chi Minh City outing.
After your book‑lover’s bliss, wander to iconic landmarks: Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Independence Palace, and bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Explore with HoaBinh Tourist
Wrap up your literary stroll with a full-day tour curated by HoaBinh Tourist – we offer:
- Private transport (7–45 seat coaches and VIP limousine) to pick you up directly from your hotel and whisk you from Book Street to Saigon landmarks in comfort.
- Flight booking support, securing the best fares so you can easily plan a multi-city Vietnam trip.
- Luxury accommodation: resort and 5‑star hotel arrangements for maximum relaxation after a day of exploring.
With HoaBinh Tourist’s all-inclusive Ho Chi Minh City tours, your Saigon experience – from strolling Ho Chi Minh City’s book street to indulging in gourmet cuisine and sightseeing – will be seamless, stylish, and unforgettable.
Wrap up your Saigon story in style – join a curated full‑day Ho Chi Minh city tour, with comfy transport, flights, and 5-star stays from HoaBinh Tourist.
