A Corner of Memories in the City
Amidst the hurried rhythm of Saigon, there are still places that quietly endure over time, silently preserving memories and the warmth of a bygone era. Xuân Thu Bookstore is one such place, where every brick and every bookshelf softly whispers stories spanning more than half a century.
The Early Years – The Soul of Books on Dong Khoi
Going back to the 1950s, when Đồng Khởi Street still carried a peaceful charm, its ancient trees leaning shadows across the cobblestone pavement, Xuân Thu Bookstore at 185 Đồng Khởi appeared as a familiar address for scholars, intellectuals, and book lovers. Belonging to the bookstore chain of publisher Albert Portail, Xuân Thu was not just a place to buy books—it was where people could reach for distant dreams through each page still fragrant with fresh ink.
On golden afternoons, in the gentle ringing of bicycle bells, Saigonese would stroll into Xuân Thu, choosing for themselves a French novel, a Vietnamese poetry collection, or rare foreign publications. This place was once a true treasure trove, where knowledge and art intertwined.
After 1975 – A Gateway to World Knowledge
Then came 1975, when the country turned to a new chapter of history. After the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, Xuân Thu Bookstore was taken over by the Ho Chi Minh City Book Distribution Company – FAHASA. From then on, Xuân Thu became FAHASA’s very first and largest foreign-language bookstore in the country. It was a “window” through which Vietnamese readers could approach the vast realm of world knowledge.
While Nguyen Hue Bookstore specialized in Vietnamese publications, Xuân Thu became known as a “paradise” of foreign-language books, attracting not only Vietnamese readers but also the international community living in Saigon.
2010 – One Door Closed, Another Journey Opened
On April 5, 2010, FAHASA Xuân Thu closed its familiar doors on Đồng Khởi Street to make way for the city’s Eden project. More than a year later, on July 15, 2011, the name reappeared at 391A Trần Hưng Đạo—this time in the form of a Hanoi-style heritage house, nostalgic yet modern in the heart of the city.
2017 – A New Look
On November 9, 2017, Xuân Thu’s half-century journey turned to a new page: FAHASA invested 40 billion VND to give the bookstore a grand new look, with 2,000m² of space holding more than 250,000 books and hundreds of thousands of non-book items.
On the day of reopening, the space lit up amidst a sea of visitors: the laughter of children at the toy area, the quiet rustle of pages turning, and the excited conversations of readers in search of their next book, all blended together into a vibrant symphony of a true house of knowledge.
Today – The Breath of the Past in a Modern Setting
Today, stepping into Xuân Thu Bookstore, one can immediately feel the harmony between tradition and modernity. The scent of new paper mingles with a hint of old wood, bookshelves stand tall and neatly arranged, warm light fills the air, and the tranquil atmosphere invites discovery.
- Book Section: Home to more than 250,000 titles ranging from Vietnamese to foreign publications, literature, children’s books, life skills, references, and timeless classics. This is where readers can find knowledge, inspiration, and new perspectives.
- Stationery Section: Bursting with tens of thousands of study and office products, from pens, notebooks, sticky notes to premium collections for professionals. Every creative or work need finds its answer here.
- Toys – Gifts – Hot Trends Section: A colorful world for children and young people alike. From educational toys, assembly models, plush bears, souvenirs, to trending items that everyone is chasing—everything here brings freshness and a uniquely delightful shopping experience.
Each area is thoughtfully designed, not only for shopping convenience but also to create a well-rounded “playground of knowledge, culture, and entertainment.”
At Xuân Thu today, classical architecture infused with modern touches, professional service, and a rich product selection have turned this place into a cultural landmark in the heart of Saigon—where readers can rediscover both the memories of the past and the joys of the present.
Xuân Thu Bookstore – A rendezvous of culture, knowledge, and emotion
From a historic milestone more than half a century ago to its radiant appearance today, Xuân Thu Bookstore is more than just a shopping destination. It is a space that preserves memories, nurtures the passion for reading, and fuels the thirst for knowledge across generations.
Amidst the fast-paced life of Saigon, Xuân Thu retains its warmth and familiarity—a place where readers can find harmony between tradition and innovation. Here, everyone can discover their own corner: a book that touches the soul, a gift that carries affection, or simply a quiet, peaceful moment.
It is these experiences that have built Xuân Thu’s lasting value, making it a true rendezvous of culture, knowledge, and emotion in the heart of Saigon.
📍 Address: 391 Trần Hưng Đạo, Cầu Kho Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Xuân Thu Bookstore is not just a place to buy and sell books. It is part of Saigon’s memory, treasuring stories and moments from the 1950s until today. It stands as proof that, though times may change, the love for books, and for the spaces that nurture knowledge, will never fade.
FAHASA CORPORATION
