Bookshops in Saigon
Bookshops in Saigon offer fewer books in English than shops in most major cities in SE Asia.
Finding books on the AmeriViet war is nearly impossible, due to government restrictions on content.
Robert McNamara's fine book on the war, and Mangold & Penycate's book on the Cu Chi Tunnels, for example, are only available in street stalls. The recourse for most readers is to buy photocopied versions at these streetside stalls, where most titles sell for $3-5 USD (prices start at $10 USD, so be sure to bargain).
Farhasa bookshops do have a smattering of classic Western titles, guidebooks, and a few books on contemporary Vietnamese art.
Bookazine is probably the best bookstore in Saigon, for its breadth of content, plus beautiful old maps and ephemera.
Bookstores
Bookazine (Nha Sach)
28 Dong Khoi. Tel: (08) 297-455.
GPS: N10°46.477' E106°42.301'
Unrelated to the Thai book chain of the same name, Mr. Tho's vintage bookstore has a wonderful selection of old maps, books, photos, and postcards, as well as contemporary books and newspapers.
He's just south of the intersection of Mac Thi Buoi Street.
Farhasa Nguyen Hué
40 Nguyen Hué Street.
GPS: N10°46.429' E106°42.247'
Probably Farhasa's best store in Saigon, right around the corner from Bookazine.
Fahasa Xuan Thu Bookshop
185 Dong Khoi Street.
Located across the street from the Continental Hotel, this Farhasa shop has a good range of Classics, travel books, and a fine section of Vietnamese dictionaries.
Xunhasaba Bookstore
25B Nguyen Binh Khiem. Open Monday through Saturday from 8am - 11:30 pm, and 2 pm through 5 pm. Closed holidays.
GPS: N10°47.299' E106°42.228'
This government-run store offers a decent selection of architecture and interior design books and magazines, and a smattering of other books on subjects from fashion to bodybuilding.
My Quang lamp store
Tel: (090) 363-7229.
GPS: N10°47.300' E106°42.222'
After visiting Xunhasaba, walk a few meters north in the same series of shops to the interesting My Quang lamp store, where Tran Van Phai has created some stunning original designs of metal and silk.
Saigon Airport Bookstore
Located in the departure lounge for international flights, this shop seems to turn up interesting items that cannot be found in other stores in Vietnam.
Worth a look.
