For any book lover visiting Ho Chi Minh City, the journey begins at the most iconic literary destination in town: Nguyen Van Binh Book Street. Located in the heart of District 1, this pedestrian-only street is a sanctuary for bibliophiles amidst the bustling city. It serves not just as a place to buy books, but as a cultural hub where locals and travelers alike gather to enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Situated right next to the city's most famous landmarks, the Book Street offers a perfect starting point for a cultural walking tour. You can easily combine a visit here with a stop at the Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral (Red Church), which are located just steps away. While the cathedral is currently undergoing renovations, the area remains a vibrant focal point for sightseeing.

The Book Street is lined with various bookstores and publishing houses, offering a leafy, shaded environment that invites you to slow down. It is a popular check-in spot for visitors, providing a picturesque backdrop of books, greenery, and colonial architecture. Whether you are hunting for a specific title or simply want to soak in the intellectual vibe of the city, this street is the undeniable center of Saigon's reading culture.

• Location: District 1, adjacent to the Central Post Office.
• Nearby Landmarks: Notre Dame Cathedral (Red Church), Central Post Office.
• Atmosphere: Pedestrian-friendly, shaded, and culturally rich.

A true book lover's passion often extends beyond reading to writing, journaling, and collecting beautiful stationery. Ho Chi Minh City offers some exceptional spots for those who appreciate the tactile joy of paper and pen.

MUJI at Le Thanh Ton has recently reopened with a revamped, flagship-level experience that feels straight out of Japan. The store has been renovated to offer a more spacious and comfortable shopping environment. The stationery section, in particular, has been organized to be clearer and neater, making it a paradise for those looking to stock up on high-quality pens, notebooks, and organizers. The store also features an expanded home and bedding section, perfect for creating a cozy reading nook at home. If you visit during special events, you might even catch traditional Japanese drum performances or receive exclusive gifts like eco-bags.

For those seeking something more local and artistic, OHQUAO The Local Edit is a must-visit. This shop is known for its curated selection of local designs and stationery items that capture the creative spirit of modern Vietnam. It is the perfect place to find unique postcards, zines, or artistic prints that serve as a memento of your literary journey through the city.

• MUJI Le Thanh Ton: 35-45 Le Thanh Ton, District 1. Offers a comprehensive stationery selection and a Japanese flagship atmosphere.
• OHQUAO The Local Edit: A boutique spot for locally designed paper goods and artistic finds.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a city steeped in literary history. To truly understand the narratives that have shaped this city, one must visit the Hotel Continental Saigon. This historic hotel was a temporary home for the renowned British author Graham Greene, who stayed here while writing his classic novel, The Quiet American.

Guests can even stay in "The Graham Greene Suite," which retains a sense of history with its simple interior display. Standing on the balcony, one can imagine the scene Greene described in his letters: the heat of the afternoon, the smell of jasmine and fish sauce, and the sounds of the bustling street below. The hotel faces the Saigon Opera House, a Gothic-style masterpiece built in 1900, which glows with a golden hue under the night lights, adding to the cinematic atmosphere of the area.

Another site of literary significance is the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum. This yellow colonial-era building was one of the filming locations for the movie adaptation of Marguerite Duras's The Lover. Its architectural beauty and historical resonance make it a compelling stop for fans of Duras's semi-autobiographical work.

• Hotel Continental Saigon: Home to Graham Greene during the writing of The Quiet American.
• Fine Arts Museum: A filming location for The Lover and a stunning example of colonial architecture.
• Saigon Opera House: A historic landmark that sets the scene for Saigon's "old dream" vibe.

No book lover's guide is complete without the perfect places to sit and read. Ho Chi Minh City's cafe culture provides endless options for a quiet afternoon with a good book.

The Workshop Cafe is widely regarded as one of the best specialty coffee shops in the city. Located in a loft-style space, it offers a serious coffee menu for connoisseurs. While some find the "workshop" vibe intense, it is a top-tier spot for getting work done or diving into a novel.

For a taste of local flavor while you read, Little HaNoi Egg Coffee is a cozy retreat. Their signature egg coffee is rich and creamy, providing a comforting companion to your reading session. Pair it with a slice of sourdough for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.

If you prefer a garden setting, Dabao Concept offers a beautiful courtyard environment that is photogenic and relaxing. For a unique local twist, try the Salted Cream Coffee at Cafe Linh, which evokes a nostalgic "childhood candy" flavor that is creamy and addictive.

• The Workshop Cafe: A top-rated specialty coffee hub.
• Little HaNoi Egg Coffee: Famous for its creamy egg coffee and cozy toast.
• Cafe Linh: Known for its unique salted cream coffee.
• Dabao Concept: A garden-style cafe perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

After a day of book hunting and literary walks, immerse yourself in the city's cultural storytelling through the AO Show at the Saigon Opera House. This performance uses bamboo props, acrobatics, and modern dance to narrate the story of Vietnam's transition from rural life to urbanization. It is a visual poetry that resonates with the narratives found in Vietnamese literature, offering a "readable" experience without words.

Finally, treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation. A visit to Royal Barbershop offers a unique local experience with services like ear cleaning and facial massages, allowing you to unwind completely. Alternatively, Sen Trang Spa in District 1 provides a high-value relaxation package including hair washing and massage, perfect for soothing the mind after a day of intellectual exploration.

For more details on relaxation services, you can check out Royal Barbershop.

• AO Show: A "Bamboo Circus" storytelling experience at the Opera House.
• Royal Barbershop: A place to relax with traditional grooming services.
• Sen Trang Spa: Highly recommended for its head spa and massage treatments.