Compare & Discover 4 Book Streets on Your Hanoi Tours

1. 19/12 Book Street Hanoi: The Literary Heartbeat 

Location and Hanoi Address

• Exact Address: 19/12 Street, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Situated right at Hanoi’s center, 19/12 Book Street Hanoi is a cultural haven mere steps from all of the city’s most memorable sights. The street is hidden away behind the busy Hai Ba Trung Streets and Ly Thuong Kiet Street, a great refuge from all of the city’s hustle. Interested in more of the surroundings? Visit 36 streets hanoi, with every passage having a tale of its own.

How to Get There:

• From Hoan Kiem Lake: Just a 5-minute stroll along Ly Thuong Kiet Street.
• From Hanoi Old Quarter: A 10-minute walk among colorful streets.
• By Bus: Use bus numbers 02, 22, 34, 35, 49, or 51, all of which pass through this location.
• By Grab or Taxi: Conveniently accessible from any location within the city.

History and Cultural Significance

A Cultural Treasure with a Contemporary Touch: In 2017, a former makeshift parking spot for bicycles became 19/12 Book Street Hanoi, a flourishing cultural hub. Designed to foster a love for education, a desire for reading, and cross-cultural exchange, it took a cue from renowned global book streets, with a uniquely Vietnamese touch.

Why It’s Special:

• A Cultural Meeting Point: This is a spot where authors, readers, and culture lovers congregate for book launches, author talks, and poetry sessions.
• Vietnamese and International Literature: From English books to Vietnamese classics, there’s a range available here.
• Modern Yet Traditional: The street is interspersed with stylish book stalls and warm cafes, covered with greenery showcasing a harmonious mix of tradition and modernity.

What to Explore at 19/12 Book Street Hanoi

Top Bookstores to Visit:

• Kim Dong Bookstore: Specialising in children’s books and Vietnamese classics.
• Phuong Nam Bookstore: A literary treasure trove of Vietnamese and English literature.
• Nha Nam Bookstore: Young readers will love browsing contemporary novels and world bestsellers.
• Tien Phong Bookstore: Sells educational books, novels, and literature.

Cozy Cafes for a Relaxing Break:

• Sipping Vietnamese Coffee: Savor a strong, flavorful ca phe sua da (cold coffee with condensed milk) while browsing through your recent buy.
• Reading Corners: Certain cafes provide outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the quiet surrounding ambiance while you read.

Exciting Events and Activities:

• Weekend Book Fairs: Find out about new books, exclusive discounts, and encounters with authors.
• Author Signings and Meetups: Have your books signed and interact with authors.
• Poetic Readings and Cultural Performances: A wonderful integration of literature and art, complementing the vibrancy of the street.

Tips for Your Visit

Best Visiting Hours:

• Mornings (8:00-11:00 AM): Perfect for a quiet, serene experience.
• Evenings (6:00-9:00 PM): Appreciate the festive ambiance of the street, filled with sparkling lights and cultural

What to Bring:

• Cash: Only what’s accepted by most shops, so carry smaller-denomination bills.
• A Tote Bag: Is great for holding your new books.
• Camera or Smartphone: Take pictures of the pretty book stalls and comfortable reading nooks.

Nearby Attractions:  Get the best out of your visit by visiting these renowned places just a few minutes away.

• Hoan Kiem Lake: Take a peaceful stroll by a picturesque lake.
• Hoa Lo Prison Museum: A site with a compelling history.
• St. Joseph’s Cathedral: Is a beautiful neo-Gothic cathedral, ideal for photographs.
• Hanoi Old Quarter: Within a short stroll for a colorful, dynamic experience.

2. Dinh Le Book Street: Hanoi’s Classic Book Haven 

Location and Hanoi Address

Exact Address: Dinh Le Street, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

• Strategic Location: Within a brief stroll from Hoan Kiem Lake, a focal point for tourists and locals alike.
• Easily Accessible: You can pair your visit with a walk around the fabled Trang Tien Ice Cream or majestic Hanoi Opera House, which are within a comfortable walking distance.
• Want to see more of Hanoi’s hidden gems? Don’t miss 36 streets Hanoi, every single one with a story and a personality of its own.

Rich History and Reputation

A Literary Legend of Hanoi: Dinh Le Book Street is a century-old and renowned book street of Hanoi. For decades, tourists, students, and books lovers visit this busy lane, which has been a hub for literature for so long. This street is renowned for reasonably priced books and a vast collection of reading materials.

The Legendary Mao Bookstore: Amid Dinh Le stands the legendary Mao Bookstore, a cultural icon known for its high shelves of books and spiral staircase. This is more than a bookstore Hanoi, however – it is a spot where generations of readers have discovered an affinity for books. 

• Diverse Selection: Be it books from Vietnamese authors, foreign language books, textbooks for scholars, and bestseller titles, you can find them all here. 
• Affordable Prices: If you’re shopping for an affordable novel or a used collector’s edition, Dinh Le has decent prices for bargain hunters.

What to Explore on Dinh Le Book Street

Top Bookstores to Visit:

• Mao Bookstore: An incredible establishment with a spiral staircase – a must-visit for pictures.
• Bookshops with Rare Finds: Find second-hand books, limited editions, and rare prints.
• Diverse Genres: Ranging from English books to scholarly works, children’s books, and Vietnamese literature.
  

 Charming Cafes Nearby:

• After a literary walk, indulge yourself with a legendary Trang Tien Ice Cream, which is nearby.
• Pick up a coffee and sit back, and enjoy your fresh novel by picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.

Exciting Events:

• Discounted Book Fairs: Don’t forget about weekend fairs at discounted prices.
• Author Meetups: Local authors stop by, occasionally, to sign books and tell about their books.
• Seasonal Events: Discounts during Tet (Lunar New Year) and Vietnamese national festivities.

Tips for Your Visit

 Best Visiting Hours:

• Weekday Afternoons: For a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
• Weekends: Ideal for visiting book fairs and being amidst all the excitement.

What to Bring:

• Cash: Most of the shops are cash-only, so use smaller-denomination bills for convenience.
• Tote Bag: Ideal for bringing your book treasures.
• A Smartphone or Camera: Take a picture of the quaint street and the Mao Bookstore.

Nearby Attractions: Enhance your experience with a brief visit to these surrounding points of interest

• Hoan Kiem Lake: Just a short walk away for a picturesque stroll.
• Trang Tien Ice Cream: Enjoy a classic, sweet Hanoi dessert.
• Hanoi Opera House: A beautiful French colonial-era piece of architecture, ideal for photographs.
• Discover more cultural treasures on 36 streets Hanoi.

3. Lang Book Street: The Hidden Treasure for Collectors 

Location and Hanoi Address

Exact Address: Lang Street, Lang Thuong, Dong Da, Hanoi.

• A Peaceful Escape: In contrast with chaotic Dinh Le, Lang Book Street presents a peaceful, quiet ambiance.
• Easy Access: In Dong Da District, a quick ride from the city center.
• Want additional book streets to visit? Go check out the 36 streets Hanoi for still more adventures.

A Unique Specialization

Book Lover’s Haven for Collectors and Budget-Buyers:  Lang Book Street is renowned for being all about second-hand books, vintage books, and rare books. It is a great place for book collectors who enjoy the value of a used book.

• Bargain Prices: They usually offer books for 30–40% lower than retail prices.
• Rare Treasures: From foreign language books to out-of-print works, it’s a treasure hunt for book lovers.
• A Nostalgic Ambiance: tree-lined streets, vintage bookstore facades, and the musty smell of worn pages.

What to Explore at Lang Book Street

Top Finds:

• Vintage Books: Find rare books, vintage textbooks, and foreign literature.
• Educational Texts: Ideal for students seeking low-cost textbooks.
• Unique Foreign Language Books: Add foreign language books to enrich your collection.

Charming Atmosphere:

• Walk along tree-lined pathways and indulge in a leisurely pace, browsing amongst the stores.
• Relax and enjoy an unhurried browsing experience – ideal for bibliophiles.

Tips for Your Visit

Best Visiting Hours:

• Morning: For peaceful browsing and prime selection.
• Weekdays: Are less busy, so you have time to enjoy exploring.

Nearby Attractions:

• Dong Da Park: A verdant oasis for a leisurely promenade.
• Lang Pagoda: A quiet cultural location within easy walking distance.

4. Pham Van Dong Book Street: A Paradise for Students 

Location and Hanoi Address

Exact Address: Pham Van Dong Street, Dich Vong Hau, Cau Giay, Hanoi.

• Strategic Location: Situated alongside the University of Foreign Languages, which makes it a hub for students.
• Easily Accessible: Ideal for tourists visiting Cau Giay District.

Affordable Education and Reading

Student-Friendly and Budget-Friendly

• Books by the Kilogram: The World’s first bookstore that allows you to purchase books by weight.
• Wholesale Prices: Get exclusive discounts on textbooks, novels, and learning materials.
• Educational Books: Textbooks, foreign language textbooks, and reference books.

What to Explore at Pham Van Dong Book Street

• Weekend Book Fairs: Find new books, bargains, and exciting activities.
• Special Deals: Inexpensive textbooks, ideal for students.
• Foreign Language Books: Ideal for learning English or any foreign language.

Tips for Your Visit

Best Visiting Hours:

• Weekends: To provide a festive ambiance and book fairs.
• Weekdays: For a less busy, more relaxed visit.

Nearby Attractions:

• Cau Giay Park: A picturesque green oasis for a stroll.
• Hanoi University of Foreign Languages: Walk through the cosmopolitan student quarter

Practical Tips for Visiting Hanoi’s Book Streets

Best Time to Visit Book Street Hanoi

• Morning Serenity: Come by between 8:00 and 11:00 AM for a quiet and peaceful visit. The roads are quiet, the air is crisp, and you can browse without the throngs.
• Weekend Excitement: For a livelier ambiance, go on weekends. Book fairs, author signings, poetry recitations, and cultural activities are what you will discover there. Whatever you are doing at 19/12 Book Street Hanoi, Dinh Le Book Street, Lang Book Street, or Pham Van Dong Book Street, there’s an experience waiting for you.

What to Bring for Your Book Street Hanoi Adventure

• Cash (Small Notes): Most of the Book Street Hanoi shops do not take cards, only cash. Small notes are particularly helpful for shopping at Lang Book Street or having a coffee at a nearby coffee shop.
• A Tote Bag: Ideal for holding your new book finds, whether it’s English books Hanoi, Vietnamese books, or rare editions.
• A Phone with Navigation: Google Maps is your guide. Just look up the Hanoi address of your preferred Book Street Hanoi, whether it’s street Tran Hung Dao for 19/12 or address Dinh Le Street for Dinh Le.
• A Camera or Smartphone: Capture the beautiful bookshops, comfortable reading nooks, and the bustling ambiance.

Parking Tips: Make Your Visit Hassle-Free

• Motorbike Parking:
  
  • Parking is available at 19/12 Book Street Hanoi along Ly Thuong Kiet Street, or outside surrounding cafes.

• Parking is available along Trang Tien Street or beside Trang Tien Plaza at Dinh Le Book Street.
• For Lang Book Street, park at the less busy streets of Lang Thuong, Dong Da District.
• There are available parking places at Pham Van Dong Book Street, which are close to the University of Foreign Languages.
  

• Car Parking:
  • Limited during weekends, so you should go there early.

• There are some nearby shopping malls, such as Trang Tien Plaza (close to Dinh Le), or public parking lots surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake.

How to Get to Book Street Hanoi Easily

• Public Transportation Options:
  
  • Bus: For a green ride, Hanoi’s buses provide a cheap and easy way. The most popular routes are:
    • 19/12 Book Street: Routes 02, 22, 34, 35, 49, and 51.
      
    • Dinh Le Book Street: Routes 09, 36, and 86.
      
    • Lang Book Street: Routes 18, 26, and 38.
      
    • Pham Van Dong Book Street: Routes 07, 32, and 34.

• Grab or Taxi: Just open your Grab app and input Hanoi’s location for the books you wish to visit. This is by far the easiest choice for first-time travelers. 
• Walking: Staying at Hoan Kiem Lake, you’re within a short walk of 19/12 Book Street Hanoi and Dinh Le Book Street. A pleasant stroll is a wonderful way to discover the nearby 36 streets Hanoi and absorb the city’s energetic culture.  

Conclusion

Hanoi is a city of books, and its Book Street Hanoi spots are literary gems waiting for you. If you’re a culture lover of 19/12 Book Street, a budget shopper of Dinh Le Book Street, a vintage enthusiast for Lang Book Street, or a student bargain-hunter at Pham Van Dong Book Street, there is a wonderful place for every bibliophile. 

Ready to immerse yourself in Hanoi’s literary universe? Come, discover, and get lost among books. Book a visit today and allow Book Street Hanoi’s magic into your life.