Ho Chi Minh City’s Book Street

A literary wonderland where stories flourish

Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, is more than simply a street; it is a spiritual haven depicting the city’s love of books in the most fascinating way

Visitors are transported to a world where time stands still, tales unfold, and connections form beneath the green canopy of towering trees. But what motivated this literary haven in the heart of the city? To understand more about the story, we speak with its creator, Le Hoang, Director of the Book Street.

A Dream Born from Passion

The Book Street revolves around Hoang’s love of books and literature.

He says with a contemplative smile: “I grew up in Saigon, surrounded by books. They provided as a safe haven, source of inspiration, and window into the world. I hoped to establish a space where others may feel the same excitement.”

His interest was sparked by the city’s thriving literary culture, which persisted long after the country was reunited. Ho Chi Minh City’s reputation as a knowledge and innovation hub is bolstered by the presence of iconic bookstores on Le Loi Boulevard and elsewhere.

“The concept of a book street did not develop overnight,” Hoang argues. “A seed was planted in my head while attending book fairs in Le Van Tam Park. When I witnessed the energy and communal spirit there, I knew we needed a permanent home.”

The vision grew, inspired by book streets in other countries. Hoang’s ambition came true on Nguyen Van Binh Street, where books and nature combined to form a cultural landmark. A place where life slows down.

Walking down Nguyen Van Binh Book Street seems like entering another universe. The sound of motorcycles dissolves into the calm rustle of books and the constant buzz of conversation. The cobblestones of the street are dappled with sunlight that seeps through an interlaced branch canopy, creating a tranquil and magical environment. It’s a place where every turn makes you want to stay.

The stalls are packed with books of every kind imaginable, their vibrant covers gleaming in the sun. Wooden benches along the path, providing a resting place for those engrossed in their latest literary journey. Children laugh as they sit cross-legged and read picture books, while couples walk hand in hand, sharing stories and making plans.

The street feels alive, with a steady and relaxing pulse, as if the pages of a valued novel were being turned one at a time. Every now and then, a cool breeze blows through, carrying the delicate perfume of ink and paper along with the earthy aroma of the surrounding forests. Vendors welcome known acquaintances with beautiful music that add to the serene environment.

Window Into Other Worlds

Hoang gestures around the scene. “This is just what I imagined: A space where people can pause, catch their breath, and connect with stories.”

Each bookstall is a window into other worlds, selling Vietnamese poetry, Western classics, thrillers, and memoirs. Sellers greet customers with a warm grin, and their personalized advice transform a simple transaction into a remarkable experience.

The Book Street has grown since its inception, attracting a wide range of readers, photographers, and curious tourists. Hoang claims that the street is more than just a place to sell books.

“It is about creating a community. We want everyone to feel at ease here, whether they are devoted readers or simply browsing.” While some young travelers come solely to take Instagram-worthy images, the street’s popularity is evident.

Data obtained through collaboration with technology suppliers, such as FPT University, reveal remarkable book sales and visitor engagement. “Even in the digital era,” Hoang says, “people still crave the tactile pleasure of holding a book, of flipping its pages.”

Nonetheless, Hoang and his staff see the need to adjust. They’ve incorporated modern technologies into the tourist experience, such as quick book search methods and visitor demographic analysis. Despite the rise of e-books and audiobooks, traditional printed books are still the most popular.

Stories for All Ages

One of the most enticing aspects of the Book Street is that it caters to people of all ages. Children chuckle as they browse at beautifully designed picture books, while couples walk hand in hand while selecting stories to tell. Single readers find peace in the darkness, their expressions reflecting the emotions of the books they’re reading. “This place isn’t just for one type of person,” Hoang explains. “It is for everyone.”

Books communicate using a global language. He notices a young family browsing and an elderly man reading a history book. “Here, you see the love for stories passed from one generation to the next.” The street’s design appeals to a diverse audience, with accessible ramps and comfortable seating for the elderly, as well as vivid murals and interactive art pieces that engage children.

The Book Street appears open and welcoming because it hosts events for people of all ages, such as children’s storytelling sessions and adult book discussions. Cafés are the heartbeat of the street. Nguyen Van Binh’s two coffee shops add to its attractiveness. These are more than just drinking establishments; they are centers for exchanging ideas and generating creativity. The perfume of freshly brewed coffee complements the aromas of paper and ink, creating a pleasing combination.

“The cafés have become popular gathering spots,” Hoang says. “People come to read, write, or simply talk. Some of the best ideas come from a cup of coffee.” For the younger generation, these areas provide a platform for self-expression, with secluded corners ideal for framing a photograph or creating a digital story. Each table appears to tell its own story.

A writer works hard on a laptop, his expression may reflect the drama playing inside his mind. A group of friends nearby are animatedly discussing the plot twists in a recent bestseller. In another corner, a student studies quite hard as seen, periodically looking up to appreciate the street’s peaceful beauty.

Embrace the future

Looking ahead, Hoang sees Nguyen Van Binh Book Street as a location that will evolve while maintaining its roots. Book signings, author engagements, and art displays are essential to its sustainability. “I want to keep this place alive with creativity,” he says. “It’s not just about selling books; it’s about celebrating the stories behind them.” His team also intends to broaden digital products and form relationships with international media. However, the street’s spirit is still its dedication to books as physical wealth. “There’s something irreplaceable about holding a book in your hands,” he says.

Plans are being developed to improve the harmony between literature and nature through the use of eco-friendly packaging, solar-powered lights, and tree-planting initiatives. The Book Street is more than simply a place; it’s a living story. The events proceed in chapters, with poets reading their work and strangers talking about a favorite novel.

The street provides a transitory but highly felt experience: a connection to the universal language of storytelling. Visitors leave with a lasting impression of the journey. They carry something more valuable than material belongings, such as a favorite book tucked under their arm or a collection of photos saved on their phone. They depart with recollections of a place where stories are valued, time pauses, and the joy of reading is fostered.

According to Le Hoang, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street is more than just literature. It’s about humans. It’s about the connections people form through stories.”That’s what keeps this place going,” he tells me at the end of the interview.

by Ngoc Tran