A Guide to Hanoi Book Streets

December 19th Book Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Books are the tools for the spirit to travel, and no matter where you are, it’s always nice to have a book as your company. With the understanding of that and the ultimate passion for books, Hanoi has many streets dedicated to readers from all over the world. Stay tuned as we embark on an adventure to explore the best Hanoi book streets!

Dinh Le - The Original Hanoi Book Streets

Address: Dinh Le street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 11 PM

Dinh Le is the name that often comes to the mind of many generations of Hanoi locals when asked about books. As one of the oldest Hanoi book streets, Dinh Le won’t leave you disappointed. The streets are full of bookstores, and each offers all genres of books. Novels, stories, photo books, English books, postcards or even toys can also be found here. Dinh Le is located in the south of Hoan Kiem Lake and is open daily. We recommend you to visit at the end of the afternoon before twilight, during this time, the activity in the book street is in full swing.

Dinh Le Book Street during weekdays

Tips:

• New books here are often cheaper here, so you might have a good bargain.
• If you're on the lookout for old books, there are many being sold at a great price here.
• The area is family-friendly and there are many coffee shops for you to rest in.

Read on about: Best coffee shops in Hanoi

December 19th Street - A Proof of Hanoi’s Passion For Books

Address: December 19, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8 AM - 10 PM daily

Named after the National Resistance Day, December 19th street is not only a great place for readers but also travelers and young hip locals. With the earlier success of Ho Chi Minh City’s Nguyen Van Binh book street, the venue is hoped to bring more diversity to Hanoi’s reading scene. December 19th book street has more than 20 renowned publishers, each set up in a small corner resembling Vietnam's very unique architecture style. 

Motorbikes and cars are not allowed to enter the area

The venue is equipped with electronic information boards 

There is also a lovely flower store on the left of the street entrance

Benches are situated along the path for visitors to rest

Tips:

• This location is not as crowded as the Dinh Le book street, perfect for those who seek a peaceful space in the city center.
• Look out for events organized here.
• Nha Nam, Phuong Nam are two trust-worthy publishers when it comes to English books.

Honorable Mentions for Hanoi Book Streets

Apart from the two famous book streets mentioned above, Hanoi still a few more to cater to the readers. They're mostly places selling old Vietnamese books, used books and translated famous works. If you're lucky, you can get your hands on some of the rare ones at an affordable price. The mention-worthy locations are:

Lang Old Books Street

Address: Lang Street, Dong Da, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8 AM - 11 PM

Pham Van Dong Book Street

Address: Pham Van Dong Junction, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8 AM - 10 PM

Our Final Message on A Guide to Hanoi Book Streets

We hope that with our recommendations, book lovers can have a great time exploring Hanoi's book scene. Even if you're not that big of a book person, pay these streets a visit to learn more about Vietnamese culture as well as our drive for acquiring knowledge.

Related Articles:

Nguyen Van Binh Book Street in Ho Chi Minh City

Calligraphy in Vietnam

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