FAHASA bookstores today are more than just places to buy books — they have become cultural and architectural spaces, offering readers unforgettable visual and emotional experiences. Let’s explore the Top 3 FAHASA bookstores with the most distinctive architecture that you absolutely must visit!

1.Nguyễn Huệ Bookstore – A Timeless Architectural Icon in the Heart of a Bustling City

If there is a place in the heart of this dazzling city where time seems to slow down, it would be Nguyen Hue Bookstore. Nestled on one of the busiest walking streets in Ho Chi Minh City, where high-rise buildings and dazzling lights compete for attention, the bookstore quietly stands, a silent witness to the city’s journey of growth and transformation.

Nguyen Hue Bookstore is no stranger to the people of Ho Chi Minh City. As one of the oldest bookstores in town, it began its journey in 1976 as the State-Owned Book Distribution Office of Ho Chi Minh City, before officially taking on the name Nguyen Hue Bookstore in the early 1980s. For nearly half a century, it has been more than just a place to buy books, it has served as a cherished space for preserving memories and nurturing the love of knowledge for generations of Saigon readers.

The bookstore bears the mark of time not only through its books but also in its distinctive façade. With a deep wood tone as its primary palette and gentle arched doorways, the design evokes a sense of antiquity and calm, like a peaceful pause amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Inside, the space is thoughtfully arranged, balancing tradition and modernity. The book section retains a sense of elegance and tranquility, while the area for school supplies and toys bursts with bright, vibrant colors, bringing energy, youthfulness, and life to the space. The exterior is designed with simplicity and sophistication, not flashy, but enough to capture the hearts of those who cherish nostalgia and culturally rich spaces.

The interior is designed with a modern and intelligent layout — thoughtfully arranged shelves, balanced lighting, and a space that is both functional and inspiring. Every section, from books and stationery to souvenirs, is carefully curated without overshadowing the unique spirit of this nearly 50-year-old bookstore.

One standout feature is the Japanese Book Section — a dedicated space with a wide range of imported titles from Japan’s leading publishers. From language learning and literature to children’s books, food, fashion, gardening, parenting, crafts, and culture — it opens up an entire refined Eastern world right in Southern Vietnam.

Next to it, the English Book Section impresses with its diversity, spanning literature, self-help, academic textbooks, and children’s educational books — all meticulously selected and scientifically displayed. This area also includes the largest general book display in the entire FAHASA system, offering works in literature, history, research, and sports — a must-visit for any knowledge seeker.

Because of this, Nguyễn Huệ Bookstore is not only a favorite among book enthusiasts but also a beloved stop for both local and international visitors. Amid the city’s hustle and bustle, it offers a rare oasis where one can leisurely browse books while watching the world go by outside the glass windows — a place of calm and balance.

To me, Nguyễn Huệ Bookstore is a symbol — not just because of its age, but because of its enduring vitality and adaptability. It’s a place where old stories are rewritten with the breath of today — through technology, modern experiences — while preserving the cultural essence of a true Saigon bookstore.

2.FAHASA Huế Bookstore – A Harmonious Blend of Modern Design and Ancient Capital Heritage

Inspired by the timeless elegance of the imperial capital of Huế, FAHASA Huế captivates visitors with a design that blends modern art and traditional charm

From the initial concept, the bookstore cleverly incorporates iconic Huế cultural symbols. A model of the historic Tràng Tiền Bridge is vividly recreated, evoking nostalgia and local pride — stopping passersby in their tracks as if a memory from the past gently whispers through its architectural details.

At the center of the bookstore stands a stylized Huế conical hat — slender, graceful, and symbolic of the local people. More than just a decorative element, this conical hat quietly declares the beauty and refinement of Huế women. Soft lighting filters through curved roofs, reminiscent of áo dài-clad women strolling along the Perfume River.

Yet, FAHASA Huế isn’t only about nostalgia. Just beside the classic motifs is a vibrant experiential area, adorned with bright, stylized patterns — a joyful space where young minds can explore books in their own colorful way. This creates a balance: one side offers calm and heritage, the other, energy and modern life.

FAHASA Huế is more than a bookstore. It tells stories through space, light, and symbolism — a place to remember Huế not just with your eyes, but with your heart.

3.FAHASA Vạn Phúc Bookstore – A Silken Ribbon of Knowledge in the Heart of a Silk Village

It’s no coincidence that this bookstore draws inspiration from silk. Located in Vạn Phúc — a village renowned for its centuries-old silk weaving tradition — this store channels that cultural legacy into every aspect of its design.

The ceiling undulates in flowing waves, guiding visitors’ gaze like a soft silk ribbon, creating a space that not only sells books but tells stories — about culture, history, and the gentle elegance of knowledge.

At the center of the bookstore lies a delightful surprise: a stylized model of the sky, sun, and stars forming a miniature universe glowing with light. Children stop in awe. Adults gaze in curiosity. More than an architectural highlight, it sparks imagination — making reading feel like a journey through a galaxy within yourself.

Then I found a peaceful green reading nook — with quaint wooden tables, calming plants, and just enough natural light to immerse yourself in a new world. Here, everything slows down. No more noise, no more rush — just you, a book, and the serenity of the moment.

FAHASA Vạn Phúc is not just a beautiful bookstore. It’s a place that makes you want to linger a little longer, read a little deeper, and breathe a little slower. Its space is lovingly crafted — like a weaver threading silk — to deliver a truly cultural and emotional reading experience.