I am moving to Thailand in a few months and am doing some pre move research. I have found many bookshops selling Western books, but have never really found one that satisfies my needs. Where are the best ones, or is it possible to have books sent through the Internet? I us AMAZON in the UK, but think it may be more difficult to obtain books in Thailand. I have shipped a box of books already, but I see myself struggling after they are read.
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Best Book Shops?Good western book shops in Thailand?
Started by richb2004, 2004-06-13 21:55
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42 replies to this topic
#2
Once upon a time . . . Posted 2004-06-13 23:35:30
Where will you be based and what kind of book are you after?
There are a very good selection of second-hand bookshops in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai. (I can not speak for other areas.) Amazon, in my experience, tends to cost as much in shipping as the purchase price, and I object to paying so much. New books are available from many independant and chain stores around the country. The variety and quality of choice varying a great deal. #3
Senior Member Posted 2004-06-14 01:55:46
Singapore has a large number of huge and absolutely first-rate English-language bookstores, but Bangkok is quite another matter all together. There are really only three choices here, and they all offer a small and limited range (at least by world standards).
The best by far is Kinokuniya, the Thai branch of a large Japanese chain. Kino has only two stores in Bangkok, one at the Emporium and one at whatever they are calling the World Trade Centre these days (although the latter branch is primarily Japanese-language). Kino at the Emporium is the closest thing here to a real world English-langugae bookstore with a moderately deep selection of both fiction and non-fiction, although they are oddly heavy on large format picture books and light on contemporary fiction. Most of their current stuff is sourced from US publishers. The next best choice is the American-owned Bookazine chain with a dozen or so locations all over the country, primarily in tourist areas, although I warn you that Bookazine is really not much more than a glorified newsstand. They have a very good and reasonably deep selection of current massmarket paperbacks, quite a few tourist books and large-format picture books, but almost nothing in the way of serious ficition or nonfiction. The lousiest by far but probably most visible choice is the Asia Books chain, the locally owned entry in the English-language book business in Thailand. They have about ten high-profile locations around Bangkok, mostly in big shopping malls, although none at all outside of Bangkok. Most of their stock is sourced from UK publishers and their stores on the whole are junky, crowded, and unappealing messes. If you dig around, you can find a fair selection of current massmarket paperbacks from the UK, but you won't enjoy doing it. And if you need help in locating something, good luck in trying to communicate with the dim-witted and frequently non-English speaking staff. Other than the security guards self-importantly strutting about and looking you over with undisguished suspicion, no one will show the slightest interest. My advice is to bring a six months supply of books and then make a run to Singapore. Actually, you wouldn't even have to leave the airport there to find a great bookstore. Right in the Singapore Airlines terminal at Changi is one of the best and most pleasant English-language bookstores in Asia. Good luck. #4
Titanium Member Posted 2004-06-14 06:07:25
The best book shop(s) by far are up in Chaing Mai....Gecko Books off Thaipae Road. They have everything from light reading to research material. Check 'em out.
#5
Senior Member Posted 2004-06-14 06:47:55
Elite Used Books on Sukhumvit is a moderate-sized and fairly-priced used bookshop. It's not far from the Emporium, on the other side of Sukhumvit.
Merman Books in Silom Center is a much smaller used bookshop, but has a more interesting selection, particularly on Asian subjects. For new books, try the bookstore in the technical school to the rear of Siam Square. #6
Senior Member Posted 2004-06-14 06:50:57
I hate to disagree with OldAsiaHand ( I love his insights) but apart from meeting my GF, I love to go book shopping in Thailand, (Ok Ok half day in Pontip Plaza for software is high on my list) for me bookazine and asia books are first class. Way a head of any bookshop I have been to in Europe. Staff are courteous will help you look and when you find they will wrap it for you.
European experience: staff are too busy with SMS to their friends to help you!!! I just cant wait to get to Singapore... i think i will have a big excess luggage bill !!! Have a Happy... DeDanan #7
ISO 9002 certifiable Member Posted 2004-06-14 12:57:45
I go to chutukjuk weekend market for my secondhand books. It does take a bit of time to sort through the piles of books but I have been very happy with some of the books I have discovered there.
#8
Star Member Posted 2004-06-14 13:28:34 DeDanan, on Mon 2004-06-14, 06:50:57, said: I hate to disagree with OldAsiaHand ( I love his insights) but apart from meeting my GF, I love to go book shopping in Thailand, (Ok Ok half day in Pontip Plaza for software is high on my list) for me bookazine and asia books are first class. Way a head of any bookshop I have been to in Europe. Staff are courteous will help you look and when you find they will wrap it for you. European experience: staff are too busy with SMS to their friends to help you!!! I just cant wait to get to Singapore... i think i will have a big excess luggage bill !!! Have a Happy... DeDanan #9
Senior Member Posted 2004-06-14 15:35:50
I'll be living in the Rayong area. The last time I shopped in Pataya (1998), which isn't to far away, I found a couple of shops selling English books, but with a very limited selection, maybe there are more there now. I tend to read history and popular science as well as less mainstream novels. Thanks for the help. I will certainly check out all the recommended shops.
#10
Advanced Member Posted 2004-06-14 15:45:03
In addition to the above mentionned stores (I like both Kinokuniya and AsiaBooks), there is also a little bookstore located at Sukhumvit soi 53 called Book@53. It's a walkable distance from the main Sukhumvit road, on the left side. Not a huuuuuuuuuge variety but fun to browse. You could give it a try. Having books sent from abroad will end up being really costly. Unless you don't mind that.
#11
Senior Member Posted 2004-06-14 20:34:42
I found this second hand bookshop between Sukhumvit soi 26-28 (I think the name is Dana-- pls. correct me if I'm wrong). Its pretty nice and very organized bookshop. They have a lot of fiction books and foreign-language books.
They also have a little cafe in the bookshop. Its worth checking out! #12
Senior Member Posted 2004-06-15 00:14:40 DeDanan, on Mon 2004-06-14, 06:50:57, said: I just cant wait to get to Singapore... i think i will have a big excess luggage bill !!! Although I truly appreciate your very kind characterization of my posts in general, I really do have to stand by my comments on Asia Books. It's just plain crummy, at least it is compared to US bookstores. If the bookstores you visit in Europe are even worse than Asia Books, you have my deepest sympathy. Anyway, Bangkok is more of a newsstand market and compared to the US or Singapore our few bookstores, Asia Books as well as all the others, are both small and unimpressive. Current books in hardcover editions are virtually impossible to find anywhere. All you can really get is massmarket paperbacks (and magazines), so anything you can buy here has already been widely available out in the real world for months if not for years. #13
Titanium Member Posted 2004-06-15 07:13:23
the university bookshop at Chulalongkorn uni (in Siam Square) isn't too bad if you are looking for academic books.
#14
Star Member Posted 2004-06-15 07:22:25 samran, on Tue 2004-06-15, 07:13:23, said: the university bookshop at Chulalongkorn uni (in Siam Square) isn't too bad if you are looking for academic books. #15
Advanced Member Posted 2004-06-15 17:28:23
Many years ago when I was staying in Thailand there was some sort of Women’s club that would sell used books over at AUA in Bangkok one day a week. I think it was Wednesdays. It was years ago, so I don’t know if they are still doing it. The selection was only fair, but always changing, as I believe all the books were donated. I found it fun to browse, as you never knew what you might find. The prices were certainly very reasonable.
#16
Newbie Posted 2010-09-24 19:02:56
Try booksthailand.com - they've got a good selection and deliver anywhere in Thailand!
#17
Sometimes I 'member, sometimes I forget. Posted 2010-09-24 19:45:47
Bangkok
Dasa Book cafe (dasabookcafedotcom) and some others around Phrom Phong skytrain station. Pattaya: Chaiyapreuk Road in Jomtien near Cheena Guesthouse Blue sky books at Ban Phe, opposite koh samet island an hour from Pattaya Pattaya Beach Books Soi Buakhow North Star Library Tel: 38-716755 Thais for Life - soi yensabi Canterbury Tales in Soi Chaiyapoon off Soi Buakhow Chiangmai Backstreet Books, 2/8 Chang Moi Kao Road (off Tha Phae), Chiang Mai, tel: (053) 874-143. Located next door to Gecko Used Books. GPS Coordinates: N18°47.321’ E098°59.637’ Gecko Used Books, 2/6 Chang Moi Kao Road (off Tha Phae), Chiang Mai, tel: (053) 874-066. Located next door to Backstreet Books. GPS: N18°47.307’ E098°59.628’ Shaman Bookstore, Kotchasan Soi 1, Chiang Mai, tel: (053) 235-652. This is the second shop to the right, as you enter the Soi. GPS: N18°47.198’ E098°59.627’ The Lost Bookstore at Ratchamanka (Off Moon Muang) opp soi 1 #18
Super Member Posted 2010-09-24 21:34:48
I'll be living in the Rayong area. The last time I shopped in Pataya (1998), which isn't to far away, I found a couple of shops selling English books, but with a very limited selection, maybe there are more there now. I tend to read history and popular science as well as less mainstream novels. Thanks for the help. I will certainly check out all the recommended shops. Gecko books who are forum sponsors have an online service - you can search on their website and arrange for books to be sent to you. They have a huge stock of books with around 5 shops in Chiang Mai. #19
Member Schmember Posted 2010-09-24 21:40:28
Haven't been to JJ Market, but Pattaya's used book shops have much lower PRICES than CM and Bangkok.
#20
Senior Member Posted 2010-09-25 00:17:44
I'll be living in the Rayong area. The last time I shopped in Pataya (1998), which isn't to far away, I found a couple of shops selling English books, but with a very limited selection, maybe there are more there now. Things have changed in 12 years! In addition to the 2nd hand bookshops listed, plus some others such as the original branch of Pattaya Beach Books in Tops Supermarket (Pattaya Klang/2nd Road), there are at least four Bookazines and two large B2Ss with a considerable range of English books. #21
Member Schmember Posted 2010-09-25 00:47:48
Yeah, Pattaya is a reader's paradise indeed. Who knew?
#22
Advanced Member Posted 2010-09-25 08:36:40
Try kindle or whatever ebook stores there are (a few restrictions but should not be too much of trouble)
#23
Unwanted Member Posted 2010-09-25 08:48:51
IMHO, Kinokuniya in Bangkok is world class book store and there are few that are better anywhere. There are bigger stores in other countries, but they often fill the shelves with unpopular, remaindered books (selling for full price) that are mostly a waste of space and just meant to impress because of shear numbers . Kinokuniya is mostly just the cream of the crop and is still large enough to spend many hours looking around.
#24
Senior Member Posted 2010-09-25 10:27:14
I would endose Kinokuniya Books as well. I often browse the one in Emporium as they have one of the best selections in what i look for in Design, Graphics, Art and Archicture around. Also they have an excellent section on Childrens and teenagers books too.
I am under the impression that Bookazine and Asia Books have the same parent company but i find in both of them it depends on the branch that you go to how good they are. The Asia books in Sukhumvit road has been there for as long as i can remember but is now outshone by newer branches . I would also recomend getting the Bookazine Membership card to claim a discount . Everylittle savings helps even if it means an extra book. #25
Rather Make Love than War Member Posted 2010-09-25 10:57:51
I like the feel of a real book, but I have to say that I have been happy with my Kindle. I tend to get in panic mode when my book supply starts to get to zero, and it is very nice that I can go online and download a book.
Not every Kindleized book is available. I tried to order Bones of the Hills on Amazon, but was told it was not available in Thailand. So someone here gave me a link, and I downloaded it for free. I ran it through a free conversion program, and wala, I had it on my Kindle. (I normally pay for everything. but since they would not sell it to me, I had no compunction about reading it for free.) The Kindle is handy and fairly easy to read. It doesn't take the place of a real paper book, but in certain circumstances, it is a good alternative. |
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