I’m going to be honest with you: If you’re someone who enjoys reading English books, it’s not easy to find them in Bangkok, or any other city in Thailand for that matter. Sure, there may be a few used book stores near Khao San Road and other backpacker areas, but if you’re looking for something specific, it’s a little more difficult. In this article, we’ll cover the best English bookstores in Bangkok with wide selections, as well as other online alternatives.
Kinokuniya
This is hands down the best English bookstore in Bangkok. Kinokuniya is technically a Japanese company, but they have a few branches in Bangkok, most notably in Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and EmQuartier. They have a wide selection of English books, full of fiction, non-fiction, art, comics, design, study materials, and more.
As someone who enjoys reading books, Kinokuniya is not bad as far as the selection goes. It won’t have a lot of obscure authors and books, but anything that is more or less famous will be there, or else you can order it from their store online.
Dasa Book Café
This place is a used bookstore, but they have much more of a selection than other small second-hand bookshops. It’s located on Sukhumvit Road, not far from the Phrom Phong BTS.
It’s a cozy type of place with three-stories of books. The wooden floors creak as you climb the stairs, and the owner can often be seen sitting and reading himself.
On their website, they claim to have over 18,000 books in stock, and you can check their current supply via a spreadsheet online.
In my own experience, it’s a good place to find a new book, but it may not be the best if you have one in mind that you need. It might be worth checking the website first to see if the book you want is there.
Asia Books
Asia Books is a huge chain in Thailand, and you’ll find them all over the country (with over 300 outlets). To be honest, it wouldn’t be my first stop to find a book, but it may get the job done. You can think of this place as a chain airport bookstore. You’ll find the newest self-help books, magazines, and maybe even a few of the most famous classics, but the more specific or niche your interest, the less likely you are to find what you’re looking for.
Online Alternatives
If you still can’t find that specific book you’re searching for, your best bet is to try online.
Kinokuniya has an online store, but it seems like a lot of the time that if they don’t have the book, they’ll simply order it for you. In my experience, this has resulted in higher prices, so if they don’t have something available, I’ll typically try to order it through ThriftBooks.
ThriftBooks has a huge selection of used and new books, and is usually cheaper than Kinokukniya. You will, however, pay international shipping fees to get the books to Bangkok, which are typically 50% of the value of your order. But if there’s a book I can’t find anywhere else, I can always find it here.
Best English Bookstores in Bangkok: The Bottom Line
Though Bangkok is not exactly a book-lover’s paradise, there are still a few English bookstores to hold one over. From the larger selections at Kinokuniya to the cozy second-hand bookshops like Dasa, you’ll find enough to keep your reading list fresh. And when inevitably these stores don’t have what you’re after, big online, international sellers like Thrift Books should help you fill in the gaps.
Totally agree with Kinokuniya being the top spot for English books in Bangkok. It’s like a treasure cave whenever I visit. Their selection is unbeatable, and I always end up spending more time (and money) than planned. Great recommendation, Adam!
Thanks!
Agreed. Thank you!
Dasa’s my go-to for used gems. Found some rare finds there.
Right? Dasa has that cozy feel other places just don’t match.
Definitely.
any good spots for cheap textbooks? kinokuniya’s great but sometimes too pricey for my budget.
You should checkout Dasa for used books.
This article brings a spotlight to Bangkok’s underrated book scene. While not a paradise for bibliophiles, these stores provide pockets of solace for us. It’s essential to support these gems in a world tilting towards digital.
True, but don’t forget about eBooks. They’re super convenient when you’re on the move. Physical stores are lovely, but digital is the future!
Nothing beats the feel of a real book in your hands. Digital just doesn’t do it for me, can’t get the same vibe.
Does anyone know which of these stores has the best selection of history books? I’m always on the lookout for new reads.
They all have a lot of history books. Even Dasa has quite a few as well.
Love this list! Bookstores are my happy place, and I can’t wait to check out these recommendations. Thanks for the cheerful guide, Adam!
You’re welcome.
Kinokuniya’s comic selection is solid. They’ve got both mainstream and obscure titles, always something new to discover.
For those who love to immerse themselves in the cultural aspect, Dasa Book Café not only offers books but also a unique ambiance reflective of Bangkok’s diverse literary scene. A must-visit for travelers.
finding places like dasa in a bustling city feels like discovering a secret garden. it’s the silence amidst chaos that really draws me in.
In the age of digital, choosing physical books might seem counterintuitive for some. Yet, places like Dasa prove that sustainable reading habits, such as opting for used books, can make a significant impact. Support local, reduce waste, and keep the joy of reading alive.