Exploring a foreign country presents an opportunity for moments of reflection and downtime. Whether it's the hours spent traveling, navigating unfamiliar surroundings, or simply adapting to a new culture, one activity that can make the time pass more meaningfully is immersing oneself in the world of books.
In the vibrant city of Bangkok, book lovers are spoilt for choice with a plethora of options available to indulge in the written word. From contemporary new bookstores to charming second-hand shops, English-language titles are easily accessible both locally and online.
In this bustling metropolis, the pursuit of literary treasures and the joy of reading can be seamlessly woven into your Bangkok experience. Here are 5 popular bookstores in Bangkok where you can discover captivating novels, thought-provoking non-fiction and informative magazines.
1. Kinokuniya Books
Kinokuniya Books is an internationally acclaimed bookstore chain that originated in Japan and has expanded to various countries around the world.
In Bangkok, Kinokuniya has established three prominent locations: EmQuartier, Central World, and Siam Paragon.
The EmQuartier branch is situated within the luxurious EmQuartier shopping complex in Sukhumvit. It features a spacious layout and a wide range of books across different genres, including fiction, non-fiction, self-help, children's books, art, and more. The store also houses an extensive collection of magazines, both local and international, covering diverse topics of interest.
Central World, located in the heart of Bangkok, is home to another Kinokuniya store. The Central World branch boasts a large selection of books in various languages, including English, Thai, Japanese, and more. It provides a comprehensive range of genres to cater to different readers' interests, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Siam Paragon, situated within one of the city's iconic shopping malls, offers a vast array of books, including bestsellers, classic literature, academic texts, and an extensive selection of manga and graphic novels. The store also features a well-stocked stationery section, making it a favorite spot for both book lovers and stationery enthusiasts.
Each Kinokuniya store in Bangkok is thoughtfully designed and organized, providing a pleasant and comfortable environment for you to browse and explore. The shelves are neatly arranged, and the store's layout allows for easy navigation, making it a joy for book enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a world of literature.
Typically, Kinokuniya stores in Bangkok operate daily from around 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but it's advisable to verify the exact opening and closing hours by visiting the official website or contacting the specific store directly.
The website is equally efficient, and competitively priced. Free shipping is available over 1,000 Baht, and delivery within Thailand takes 3-5 days. You can also arrange to pick up in-store.
I recently ordered a book online from Kinokuniya and had a good experience. I ordered World Without End by Ken Folett, as a present for a friend. It was 524 Baht, plus 50 Baht shipping. It's a solid few pounds more than what I'd pay back home but was the cheapest price I found online in Thailand.
Kinokuniya Central World
2. Asia Books
Asia Books is a well-known bookstore chain with multiple branches across Thailand. They have strategically located their stores in popular shopping malls and prominent locations, making it convenient for book lovers to access their wide selection of books.
The stores offer a diverse range of books that cater to different interests and genres. Whether you're looking for fiction, non-fiction, travel guides, business books, self-help, or other categories, Asia Books has a variety of options to choose from. They curate their collection to include popular titles, bestsellers, and a selection of niche books to cater to a wide range of readers.
With their presence in shopping malls, Asia Books provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for you to explore and browse through their selection. The stores are well-organized, with clearly labeled sections and helpful staff members who can assist you in finding specific books or recommending titles based on their preferences.
The operating hours of Asia Books stores typically align with regular mall hours. They usually open around 10:00 AM and close around 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM, but it's important to note that operating hours may vary slightly depending on the specific location. It's advisable to check the opening and closing times of the nearest Asia Books store by visiting their website or contacting the specific branch directly.
Asia Books has several branches located in Bangkok. Here are some prominent locations where you can find their stores:
- Siam Paragon: Situated in one of the most popular shopping malls in Bangkok, the Asia Books store in Siam Paragon offers a wide selection of English-language books. Siam Paragon is located in the Pathum Wan district, near the Siam BTS station.
- CentralWorld: Another notable location for Asia Books in Bangkok is CentralWorld, one of the largest shopping complexes in Southeast Asia. The CentralWorld branch provides a diverse range of English-language books and is conveniently located in the Ratchaprasong district, near the Chidlom BTS station.
- Emporium: Located in the Sukhumvit area, the Asia Books store in Emporium offers a variety of English-language books. Emporium is a popular upscale shopping mall, situated near the Phrom Phong BTS station.
- Terminal 21: Asia Books has a branch in Terminal 21, a unique shopping mall in Bangkok that features a theme of international destinations on each floor. The Terminal 21 branch offers a selection of English-language books and is conveniently located near the Asok BTS station.
Asia Books at Central World mall
3. Dasa Books
Dasa Books is a popular destination for bookworms and avid readers in Bangkok. Nestled near BTS Phrom Phong, the store attracts visitors with its treasure trove of secondhand books. If you're a book lover looking for affordable finds, Dasa Books offers a diverse selection that covers various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, classics, and niche categories.
One of the highlights of Dasa Books is its cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Upon entering the store, you're greeted by shelves lined with books – and books often stacked on the floor – creating a sense of excitement and exploration.
It's one of only a couple of places in Thailand I've ever found some Orwell – one of my favourite authors.
In addition to the vast selection of books, Dasa Books also features a café within the store premises. This provides visitors with the opportunity to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and savor the joy of reading in a comfortable environment.
One thing I love about Dasa is the no photos/videos policy. This is one haven that YouTubers and “Influencers” can't ruin! The website states:
Due to the overwhelming volume of young people coming to our shop only to take photos and videos, we now have a NO PHOTOS OR VIDEO policy. We hope this will make the browsing experience of actual book buyers more pleasant. Thanks for your patience.
The store's dedication to offering affordable secondhand books, combined with its cozy ambiance and the availability of a café, makes Dasa Books a haven for book enthusiasts seeking both literary treasures and a pleasant reading experience.
Dasa Books operates daily, typically opening around 10:00 AM and closing at 8:00 PM.
4. Open House
Open House is a unique and vibrant cultural space located in the heart of Bangkok. Situated within Central Embassy, a luxury shopping complex, Open House offers much more than just a traditional bookstore experience: It is a creative hub that celebrates various forms of art and literature.
The bookstore's collection is carefully curated, focusing on visual arts, performing arts, design, fashion, food, travel, and culture-related literature. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a fashion lover, a foodie, or a travel aficionado, Open House provides an impressive selection that appeals to various tastes and preferences.
What sets Open House apart is its open and inviting layout. The bookstore's design promotes a sense of exploration and discovery. The space is characterized by a spacious and airy atmosphere, with well-organized shelves that showcase the books in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Visitors are encouraged to freely browse, allowing them to immerse themselves in the wealth of knowledge and inspiration that the bookstore has to offer.
Beyond its role as a bookstore, Open House serves as a cultural hub, hosting various events, exhibitions, and talks related to art, literature, and creativity. It provides a platform for artists, writers, and intellectuals to share their insights and engage with the community.
Open House generally follows the schedule of Central Embassy. The mall's opening hours are typically from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Open House at Central Embassy
5. Chulalongkorn University Bookstore
Chulalongkorn University Bookstore (Chula Book) is a chain of seven stores strategically located near college campuses throughout Bangkok.
These stores can be found in prominent areas such as Siam Square, Naresuan University, Suranaree University of Technology, Burapha University, Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, and Chamchuri Square.
The bookstore boasts an extensive collection of over 100,000 titles, encompassing both Thai and foreign language books. While the stores primarily cater to students and their academic needs, they offer a diverse range of subjects and genres beyond college courses.
Although the Chulalongkorn University Bookstore website is only available in Thai, those who are proficient in the language can take advantage of online ordering and special credit card discounts, such as those offered by KTC. The website also provides a selection of free eBooks for readers to enjoy. However, for the best purchasing experience, it is recommended to visit the physical stores themselves.
Additionally, it's worth noting that most universities in Thailand, including Chulalongkorn University, have their own libraries. These libraries often allow public access for a small fee, providing an opportunity for avid readers and researchers to explore a wealth of resources beyond what is available in bookstores.
