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The Fat Rabbit · Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 61 Location: Vietnam

Please list all the used books stores you know of that are worth checking out in Saigon. I can't find any decent ones. There's one that I know of down on pham ngu lao street but it's not that good. They've got lots of books, but most of them are of the Stephen King thriller variety.

If you've spotted a decent used book store, don't hide it! Post up where it is and give a short description.

Thanks.

Myersson · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 6

The Fat Rabbit · Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 61 Location: Vietnam

I've also met that woman and agree completely with that comment.

I've heard about saigon's poor used book selection before, except I still refuse to believe it. Where are all the books going? I remember when I was in Hanoi, finding numerous different book shops all with large selections and a bunch of decent books. Someone from hanoi can correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyone seen any other shops?

UpScope · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 82

Fahasa seem to be stocking a better range of books these days. I was in the Fahasa store on Hai Ba Trung in HCM yesterday and was surprised, i actually bought two decent novels. You can see a list of locations here; http://www.fahasasg.com.vn/intro/?uid=5#4

hot_rock · Joined: 16 Apr 2010 Posts: 107

I can't actually believe nobody has posted this yet. Shows how little most "ex-pats" here know about their own city, and how quick they are to criticise. The biggest book store in Saigon, which I am reliably informed that most people here go to as their first port-of-call, is called "NGUYEN SUE" has a good selection of English-language books, including a huge amount of penguin Classics, and "books that have been made into movies".

The Penguin classics are actually cheaper than in the West, but I do wish somebody would buy them because they are all looking pretty thumbed! They are first hand but might as well be second to be honest.

The store also has a great selection of ESL textbooks, and English-language travel books etc. Its basically the Waterstones of Vietnam; a great shop actually with a funny little "clay painting" room on the top floor where people choose a plain white clay model and paint it! I was dragged there by a date yesterday, hence I know the store.

*** Nguyen sue is on the street of the same name -nguyen sue- in district one near the sunwah tower, and very near a big clock over the street. This is what I know as the "showpiece of saigon" area; near the Opera House, Rex Hotel, Continental Hotel etc etc. Illuminated Lotus flower-models in the street etc.

Check this shop out before you criticise saigon's lack of culture...but remember there are always the copied book-sellers in pham Ngu lau. Some really good titles there actually for next to nothing, if you don't mind them falling apart after a couple of reads.

londo · Joined: 27 Apr 2010 Posts: 107 Location: District 7

Oh jeez hot_rock you're here 5 minutes and insulting everyone. The street is Nguyen Sieu ( a great patriot) and the bookshop you're probably talking about is probably ' Viet My' . get out of PNL and get a life.
to others who need reliable info Fahasa is still the best bet along with either An khanh on Le Loi or Nguyen Van Cu on street of same name near the Tech Uni. This last is good for reference/text books. has to be said the PNL book sellers are OK for some banned books but BKK is still better if you're looking for recent publications other than Penguin Classics (how many times can one read Dickens or Joyce great though they are) or 'fast-lit'.

Lear · Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Posts: 6 Location: Saigon

I don't know what kind of books you are looking for,but here are some
used bookshops.

377, Tran Hung Dao,next to Ritz Hotel:Novels at the side.Go out the back where the baby hangs out.All kinds of books there.No prices for the books,
usually 30000 for a novel.

28,Dong Khoi.Lots of novels in a pile on the floor.Other books on the shelves.
50000 for a novel,or two for one.He won't drop the price.

Tran Nhan Ton,Q5.Near the Equatorial Hotel.This street is full of second hand bookshops.I've only visited four so far.

Tin Nghia,57-59.The books are priced,but open to negotiation.

No 60.Not much there.

No. 143. Quite a few books.

No.151. Not many books.

These places don't have prices but I offer 20000-25000 for a novel and they accept. As I said,there's lots of used bookstops down that street
that I haven't got around to visiting yet.I hope you find some books to your taste.

hot_rock · Joined: 16 Apr 2010 Posts: 107

Londo, how on earth does the fact that I have good knowledge about a book store indicate that I (a) never leave PNL and (b) don't have a life? Surely if anything the opposite would be the case? I live in D3 and rarely go to PNL

Myersson · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 6

londo · Joined: 27 Apr 2010 Posts: 107 Location: District 7

Hot_rock Quotes "shows how little most 'ex-pats' here Know about their own city (sic)", "District 7............mainly filled by westerners who wish they'd never left the West", "people who spend $400 a month on accomodation need to get a grip of (sic) their life (sic)"
All in 3 days - hurts doesn't it?