Bangkok Bookworm: Top 8 independent bookstores you have to visit in Bangkok

Lim Han 20 May 2018 updated the 21 May 2018 à 10:23

1/8
Passport Bookshop
Seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok's streets? Passport Bookshop's warm casual atmosphere will welcome you with open arms. Bask in the myriad of books this cosy corner has to offer, from Thai novels to English books. Settle down with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and a good read in the other for the perfect lazy afternoon.

523 Phra Sumain Road, Boworn Niwet Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District., Bangkok

Photo: Passport Bookshop Facebook
2/8
Zombie Books
Seated humbly within RCA, one of Bangkok's hippest nightlife areas, Zombie Books will seduce you with its warm lights and homely aura. Their kempt wooden shelves are lined with a plethora of diverse books, promising to spoil you for choice. And we haven't even gotten to the best part yet. Their second level houses a working cum exhibition space decked out in eclectic decor where visitors can while their day away with a handy read. But wait, it gets better! Every Friday and Saturday, the third level transforms into a 1970s bar which hosts live bands for anyone to come and relish in good music.

RCA Block D, 21/118 Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd., Bangkok, Thailand

Photo: Zombie Book Facebook
3/8
Candide Books
Take one step into this spacious bookstore and hear yourself gasp as you take in the modern minimalistic decor of this classy bookstore cum cafe. Slouch against any of the comfy sofas or chill at the immaculate glass tables with your choice of book from their array of options. If you're feeling peckish halfway through your read, don't hesitate to order their signature pyramid green waffles along with a refreshing drink. We promise you'll be spending the entire day here without even realising it.

41/1 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600, Thailand

Photo: @ssrnty
4/8
Dasa Book Cafe
One of the most popular secondhand bookshops in Bangkok, Dasa Book Cafe has stocked up on over 18,000 books for both fiction and non-fiction genres in English and other European languages. All the books are reasonably priced so you can rest assured that your wallet will be in good hands. Whether you gravitate to indie novels or mainstream ones, you'll be well taken care of at this well-furbished store.

714/4 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand

Photo: Dasa Book Cafe Facebook
5/8
The Reading Room
Let's be real - we rarely read a book at a proper table. When we read, we want to get cosy, so we're either sprawled out on the sofa or reclining against a soft beanbag. At Reading Room, you can do just that. Its homely interior is strewn with beanbags and cushions, ensuring utmost comfort for all visitors. Plus, the natural light that filters through the glass panes add an aesthetic touch to the environment. Keep a lookout for the various events they host from time to time, spanning from educational talks to hands-on workshops.

19 Si Lom, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand

Photo: The Reading Room Facebook
6/8
Hardcover: The Art Book Shop
You'll be drawn to this book store from the very first glance. The unorthodox graphics and all-black interior are undeniably eye-catching, luring in all the indies and minimalism fanatics. Although they offer an extensive range of books of all genres, they focus mainly on art and travel. Not only that, they also sell whimsically-designed stationary such as jotters, notebooks and pencil caps.

BACC (Bangkok Art and Culture Centre) and 4th fl. Central Embassy Ploenchit Bts Stations
Bangkok, Thailand

Photo: Hardcover: The Art Book Shop Facebook
7/8
Aporia Books
Located at the mouth of the vibrantly hectic Khao San Road, Aporio Books is another popular stop for brand new and secondhand reliable books in Bangkok. Don't let the mildly cramped layout put you off - you'll be missing out on a treasure trove of highly intellectual books. This bookstore offers a good mix of French philosophy, Southeast-Asian history and travel guides. We're certain you'll be leaving with at least a book in your hand.

131 Tanao Rd., Banglamphu, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Photo: Pinterest
8/8
Suksit Siam
This unassuming bookstore may not look like much from the outside but once you're inside, you'll probably be there for hours. Hoarding an amalgamation of fantastic vintage reads, Suksit Siam will have you fishing books out of obscure nooks and crannies countless times. Take a stroll through their retro book collection that contains mainly books on philosophy, religion and Thai history. You're sure to find something that will satisfy your bookworm cravings.

Khwaeng Wat Ratchabophit, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Photo: Suksit Siam Facebook

If you’re a reading enthusiast, Bangkok is just the place for you.

Bangkok – the land of shopping sprees and affordable eats. After all, think of the iconic Chatuchak Market and Siam Paragon. Why else do the masses flock there? Wrong. Now, we’re giving you one more reason to fly to that vibrantly hectic capital. All you bookworms out there, you’re going to want ‘in’ on this piece of news. Night markets and mega malls aside, Bangkok is home to a ton of independent indie bookstores. Not only are they brimming with a truckload of enthralling and intellectual reads, most of these stores are armed with comfy furniture for visitors to while their time away with a good book. Some stores even double up as cafes which serve up lip-smacking nosh and beverages to cater to hungry stomachs.

If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok and have some empty space on your itinerary, why not fill it up with some intellectual activity by heading to any of the bookstores in the gallery above? We’ve a compiled a list of 8 for you to choose from! Whether you’re a history geek or art enthusiast, we’ve got something for everybody.

Lim Han

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