We all have those moments when we want to do nothing but lean back on a comfy couch and enjoy a good read with a cup of coffee or tea.
If you find yourself in this situation, hit up one of these 8 book cafes in Hanoi for a calm retreat away from the city hubbub.
Image credit: @changhaafv
Nestled in an obscure street in the busy Hanoi Old Quarter, Tranquil Books & Coffee features rustic wooden flooring, raw brick walls, and packed bookshelves going all the way up to the ceiling. It’s long been a popular destination for Hanoi book lovers who want a respite from the city rush.
Image credit: Tranquil. Books & Coffee
You’ll find here a massive collection of books both English and Vietnamese to dig into, from Japanese novels to western fantasies. With the quiet atmosphere and the soothing aroma of coffee as your companions, it is easy to idle away an entire afternoon here without even realizing.
Image credit: @yutakahsin
During the evening, the café also holds regular events such as live music performances or open mic sessions where anyone can step up to sing a song, tell a joke, or just share an anecdote with strangers without being judged.
Image credit: Tranquil. Books & Coffee
Drink-wise, Tranquil boasts a wide variety of options with a strong focus on coffee. Try the Irish Affogato (VND60,000, ~USD2.59), which combines espresso and caramel with whisky and vanilla ice cream for a delightful mixture of bitterness and sweetness.
Image credit: @naoko_ro
Address: 5 Nguyễn Quang Bích Str., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi\
Opening hours: 8AM-10.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 0395049075
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Image credit: Nguyen Tat Dac
As one of the most influential publishers of Vietnam, Nhã Nam is an all-too-familiar name for any Vietnamese bookworm. And if you are a fan of its books, drop by its outlet on Trần Huy Liệu Street for a relaxing books-n’-coffee experience.
Image credit: @nhanambooksncoffee
The place isn’t what you’d call spacious, but it has a chic design with bright lighting, wooden floors, and bookshelves covering every wall. You are free to browse through the books, but just make sure you order a drink first.
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Speaking of drinks, you can find all sorts of juices, coffee, and tea here. The daisy tea (VND45,000, ~USD1.94) is great for a chill reading session with its pleasant fragrance that fills your nostrils with every sip.
Address: 115D1 Trần Huy Liệu Str., Ba Đình District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7.30AM-10.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 02422478042
Facebook
Image credit: @shornus_
Picture this: it’s a cold winter day in Hanoi, and you’re huddled in a blanket, reading a book while sipping on a cup of hot milk coffee as a cat curls up on your lap, purring in contentment. That’s what you can find at Blue Bird’s Nest, an established name among Hanoi book cafes.
Image credit: @coowbu
With both table and floor seating, the cozy café has an extensive collection of books ranging from Vietnamese classics to world-renowned series such as Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, or Sherlock Holmes. It is also home to a whole pack of cats who love to cuddle.
Image credit: @tien.the.fairy
In terms of drinks, Blue Bird’s Nest offers a selection of both hot and cold beverages, from Vietnamese milk coffee to juices and tea. If you visit on a cold day, nothing beats a cup of hot chocolate (VND45,000, ~USD1.94) to go with the cozy interior.
Image credit: @byme_112
Address: 19 Đặng Dung Str., Ba Đình District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8AM-10.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 0349565226
Facebook
Image credit: Ryan Covey
Tucked away on the second floor of a streetside flower shop, Hoa10Giờ Floral And Book Café captures visitors’ hearts with its beautiful interior designs featuring an eclectic assemblage of wooden furniture, white brick walls, and plenty of plants and flower pots displayed on shelves. There’s also a lovely balcony from which you can enjoy an elevated view over the busy street below.
Image credit: @daohoaimy
And although the book collection here is admittedly not as expansive as some of the other places in this list and most books are in Vietnamese, there are more than enough manga and literature classics to keep you occupied for hours.
Image credit: @myfloffee
Meanwhile, the drink menu has various options for coffee and juices to choose from. One of the best sellers here is a mixture of apple, orange, and carrot juices (VND65,000, ~USD2.80), which makes for a refreshing, healthy afternoon drink.
Image credit: @_twentyone_trang_
Address: 26 Hàng Vôi Str., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7.30AM-10.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 0366578989
Facebook
Image adapted from: @dotuongduy
As a hybrid between a library and a café, Biblio Book Café boasts a spacious and airy interior with multiple floors, simple but clean wooden tables and chairs, and tall glass windows allowing for plenty of natural light.
Image credit: Trung Productions
In addition to fantasy novels and children’s books, you’ll also find here a ton of academic texts spanning multiple fields. If you want a place to work or to read a book, this is a solid option. Even during busier hours in the evening, everyone is considerate and always keeps their voices down, ensuring a quiet, disruption-free environment.
Image credit: @h.w.a.307
Moreover, the food & drink menu here is surprisingly diverse. Besides the usual coffee and juices, there are plenty of snacks to munch on, from sunflower seeds to beef jerky to ice cream. Prices here average at a reasonable VND30,000-VND60,000 (~USD1.29-USD2.59).
Address: 70 Tam Khương Str., Đống Đa District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7.30AM-10.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 091 236 80 07
Facebook
Image credit: @caibungdoi._
As its name suggests, Cá Chép Bookstore & Café is both a bookstore and a café that’s favored by not only book lovers, but also Instagrammers in Hanoi thanks to its awesome decor – including 3D hanging lamps that you can bring home to grace your own living room.
Image credit: @iamnaup
Come here to take pictures with the bookstore’s cute corridors full of colorful bookshelves, or its art exhibit on the 4th floor.
Image credit: @yangfeng___
On the top floor of the bookstore is a café boasting minimalist designs with white being the dominant color. Framed pictures decorate the sparkling clean walls, while outside is a lovely outdoor space with plenty of plants and vines hanging from above.
Image credit: @caibungdoi._
As for drinks at the café, we’d say a simple Vietnamese milk tea (VND28,000, ~USD1.21) goes well with the vibe, though if you’re in the mood, you can opt for something fancier such as a mango smoothie (VND40,000, ~USD1.73).
Image credit: @rubytrannn
Address: 115 Nguyễn Thái Học Str., Đống Đa District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 02432373427
Facebook
Image adapted from: @juliean_hn
Located in an alley away from the busy streets and looking directly out to a park, Tungbook Café is a peaceful oasis to relax in.
Image credit: Tungbook Coffee
The café has plenty of warm lighting, comfy sofas, and rows of bookshelves. On a bright winter day, the outdoor seating in front of the café makes for an ideal place to catch some refreshing sunlight.
Image credit: @jenduekiee12
Alternatively, there’s a floor seating section where you can retreat to a corner and enjoy some privacy surrounded by hundreds of books across multiple topics, from history to science and more.
Image credit: @milocodon
And while you’re here, don’t miss out on Tungbook’s orange cranberry tea (VND35,000, ~USD1.51), with a citrusy taste complemented by the warm scent of ginger.
Address: 6 Alley 71 Trần Quang Diệu Str., Đống Đa District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7AM-11PM, Daily
Facebook
Image credit: Cafe Đọc Sách – 234 Tây Sơn
The Book Café Tây Sơn impresses with its bright, spacious interior and quirky bookshelves shaped in the likeness of houses and trees. Tons of plants dotted throughout the room and hanging from the ceiling help add some green to the space.
Image credit: @nhung.hong.nguyen_july
Books here are well-kept and come in a wide variety from self-improvement to fiction.
Image credit: @gsminhpm
Grab a book of your liking and sit down on one of the comfy sofas here to enjoy it with a cup of creamy coconut coffee (VND35,000, ~USD1.51) for a pleasant afternoon reading session.
Address: 234 Tây Sơn Str., Đống Đa District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 0914859986
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Yes, Kindles and e-books are trendy, space-saving, and portable, but nothing quite compares to the feeling of holding an actual book in your hands and smelling the comforting scent of paper and ink. And in a city as busy as Hanoi, it’s important to take some time off for yourself to unwind and finish that book you haven’t had time to.
Check out these 8 book cafes in Hanoi on your next day off to escape into imaginary worlds in writing – it’ll go a long way in recharging your energy and preparing you for more challenges ahead.
For more things to do in Hanoi, check out:
Cover image adapted from Trung Productions, Ryan Covey, @yutakahsin, and @caibungdoi.
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