5 Indie Bookstores in Saigon for Those Who Are Addicted to the Scent of Paper

In Ho Chi Minh City, a growing number of major bookstore chains are facing decline, with "Cá Chép Bookstore" bidding farewell to readers after 13 years in April 2026, and "PNC" announcing the closure of a 44-year-old location just last month. Changing consumer habits and rising operating costs are cited as the primary reasons. However, this does not signify a decline in reading among Saigoneers. Instead, a new generation of readers is turning their attention to independent bookstores, seeking a more intimate and personalized book-shopping and reading experience. These indie bookstores, often discovered through word-of-mouth and social media reviews, aim to satisfy not only the need to buy books but also to provide a space for reading. This article highlights five independent bookstores in Ho Chi Minh City that are capturing the hearts of book lovers: 1. Pages of Passion Hidden on the sixth floor of an old apartment building in District 1, Pages of Passion began as an online side project by owners Thảo and Huy in 2024 to combat corporate burnout. They eventually quit their jobs to operate the physical store full-time. What started as shelves of new and used books has flourished into a mini community, complete with a quiet cafe dedicated to reading and a space for talks and workshops. The store specializes in English-language titles, with a diverse section featuring works by Vietnamese authors or about the country. 2. InBook Originally from Hanoi, InBook has expanded to Saigon with a two-floor space above a stylish cafe. Founder Lan, who studied in France, established InBook as a way to introduce more children's literature to her daughter, but the library has since expanded. The bookstore specializes in brand-new books in French and English, offering a sizable collection of literary classics and genre fiction. It also features a dedicated space for translated works of Vietnamese origin and an area with free beverages for reading. 3. Bá Tân - Sách cũ Thư viện Carrying the nostalgic charm of used bookstores from childhood, Bá Tân offers towering book piles with commendable organization and cleanliness. Founder Lê Bá Tân, a former history teacher, became a vintage book seller after inheriting a substantial collection. The store focuses on used Vietnamese-language books, with sections for books sold by the kilo and "like new" gently used books. It boasts one of the largest and most eclectic inventories, ranging from rare first editions to comic books. 4. Hiệu sách Mùi Của Giấy With the poetic name "The Scent of Paper," this bookstore, though potentially claustrophobic, is well-maintained and comfortable for browsing. The stock is mainly in Vietnamese, with some new English arrivals. A website lists available titles, and the human staff are always happy to assist. Adding to the charm are friendly feline "staff members." The store also offers a reading space and a refreshment menu. 5. Emtrangtri Bookstore Discovered on social media, Emtrangtri is located just a few doors down from Bá Tân in the same alley. Occupying a single living room in a residential house, it offers a mysterious and cozy atmosphere. The proximity of two bookstores in this alley makes it a desirable location for residents. These independent bookstores are bringing a fresh wave of reading culture to Ho Chi Minh City with their unique appeal, distinct from the major chains.