HO CHI MINH BOOK STREET: MAP, DIRECTIONS & ACCESS TIPS

Nguyen Van Binh Book Street occupies a prime location in District 1, stretching approximately 100 meters from Hai Ba Trung Street to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. This strategic positioning places the book street at the cultural heart of Ho Chi Minh City, surrounded by some of the city’s most significant landmarks and tourist attractions.

The directions to Nguyen Van Binh book street are straightforward due to its central location. The street sits directly opposite the Independence Palace and lies just 2 kilometers west of the famous Bui Vien backpacker area. Most importantly for navigation purposes, the book street is immediately adjacent to two major landmarks: the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, making it virtually impossible to miss once you reach this historic district.

The pedestrian-only nature of the street means that once you arrive in the vicinity, you’ll need to complete your journey on foot. This car-free environment creates a peaceful oasis amid the city’s notorious traffic, lined with shaded trees and dotted with cozy cafes where visitors can relax with their newly purchased books.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh Book Street: Transport Options

Walking

For those staying in central District 1 or District 3, walking directions to Nguyen Van Binh book street offer the most scenic and cost-effective approach. The entire central area around the book street is highly walkable, with wide sidewalks and clear signage directing visitors to major attractions.

From Notre Dame Cathedral: The book street is literally adjacent to the cathedral, requiring less than a 2-minute walk. Simply exit the cathedral grounds and head toward the Central Post Office – the book street runs parallel to these landmarks.

From Ben Thanh Market: This popular tourist destination is approximately 800 meters from the book street, representing a pleasant 8-10 minute walk through the heart of District 1. Head northeast on Le Loi Street, then turn right onto Dong Khoi Street, which leads directly to the cathedral area.

From Nguyen Hue Walking Street: The pedestrian boulevard is roughly 500 meters from the book street. Walk northeast toward the Opera House, then continue straight to reach the cathedral area where the book street is located.

The walking route passes numerous cafes, shops, and historical buildings, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself. Most walks from central District 1 locations take between 5-15 minutes, depending on your starting point and walking pace.

Taxi/Ride-Hailing

Taxi to Ho Chi Minh book street represents the most convenient option for visitors staying further from the city center or those preferring door-to-door service. Ho Chi Minh City offers excellent taxi and ride-hailing services, with Grab being the most popular and reliable option for international visitors.

Using Grab: Download the Grab app and set your destination as “Nguyen Van Binh Book Street” or use the exact address: “Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.” The app provides upfront pricing and eliminates language barriers, making it ideal for international visitors.

Traditional Taxis: Reputable companies include Vinasun (green and white cars) and Mai Linh (green cars). Show the driver the address written in Vietnamese: “Đường Sách Nguyễn Văn Bình, Phường Bến Nghé, Quận 1” or simply say “Notre Dame Cathedral” as the book street is immediately adjacent.

Estimated Costs and Times:

• From District 1 hotels: 50.000-80.000 VND (approx $2-3 USD), 5-10 minutes.

• From District 3: 60.000-100.000 VND (approx $2,3-4 USD), 10-15 minutes.

• From Tan Son Nhat Airport: 150.000-200.000 VND (approx $6-8 USD), 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.

Pro Tip: Request to be dropped off at Notre Dame Cathedral or the Central Post Office, as these landmarks are universally recognized and the book street is immediately visible from both locations.

Bus

Bus to Nguyen Van Binh book street provides an economical option for budget-conscious travelers, though it requires more planning and local knowledge. Ho Chi Minh City’s public bus system has improved significantly in recent years, with modern air-conditioned buses serving major routes.

Relevant Bus Routes:

• Route 03: Stops near Ben Thanh Market, from where you can walk to the book street.

• Route 14: Connects various districts to the city center with stops near the cathedral area.

• Route 30: Serves the central district with stops close to major landmarks.

• Route 42: Another option connecting outer districts to the city center.

Key Bus Stops:

• Ben Thanh Market: Multiple routes converge here, requiring a 10-minute walk to the book street.

• Notre Dame Cathedral area: Some routes stop within walking distance of the book street.

• Opera House: Located on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, about 500 meters from the destination.

Bus Information:

• Cost: 7.000-8.000 VND (approx $0,3 USD) per trip.

• Operating Hours: Generally 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

• Payment: Exact change required or use a bus card.

• Travel Time: Varies significantly based on route and traffic, typically 20-45 minutes from outer districts.

For real-time bus information, download the “BusMap” app, which provides route planning and live tracking for Ho Chi Minh City’s public transportation system.

Motorbike

đường sách nguyễn văn bình ở đâu

Motorbike transportation offers flexibility and speed for getting to Saigon book street, though it requires confidence in navigating Vietnam’s unique traffic patterns. Several options exist for motorbike travel, from personal rentals to professional services.

Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm): Traditional motorbike taxis can be found throughout the city, particularly near hotels, markets, and tourist areas. Negotiate the fare beforehand, typically 30.000-50.000 VND (approx $1-2 USD) for short distances within District 1.

Grab Bike: The ride-hailing app also offers motorbike services, providing upfront pricing and professional drivers. This option is generally safer and more reliable than traditional xe ôm services.

Personal Motorbike Rental: If you’re comfortable riding in Vietnamese traffic, numerous rental shops offer daily rates of 100.000-150.000 VND (approx $4-6 USD). However, this option is only recommended for experienced riders familiar with local traffic patterns.

Parking Considerations: Nguyen Van Binh Book Street is pedestrian-only, so motorbike parking is available on adjacent streets. Look for designated parking areas or ask local shop owners about secure parking options. Parking fees typically range from 5.000-10.000 VND (approx $0,2-0,4 USD).

Metro

The closest metro station to book street Ho Chi Minh is Opera House Station on Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien), which opened in late 2024. This underground station is located at 7 Cong Truong Lam Son, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, approximately 500 meters from Nguyen Van Binh Book Street.

From Opera House Station to Book Street:

• Walking Distance: 500 meters (approximately 6-8 minutes).

• Route: Exit the station and head northeast toward Notre Dame Cathedral.

• Landmarks: Pass by Rex Hotel and Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee building.

Metro Line 1 Information:

• Operating Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

• Frequency: Every 4-6 minutes during peak hours.

• Cost: 8.000-20.000 VND (approx $0,3-0,8 USD) depending on distance.

• Payment: Metro cards available at stations.

The metro system provides a modern, air-conditioned alternative to surface transportation, particularly useful during rush hours when traffic congestion is heaviest.

Getting to Saigon Book Street: Helpful Tips

Exact Address: Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnamese Address: Đường Sách Nguyễn Văn Bình, Phường Bến Nghé, Quận 1, TP. Hồ Chí Minh.

Key Landmarks to Look For:

• Notre Dame Cathedral: The book street runs directly from this iconic red-brick cathedral.

• Saigon Central Post Office: Located immediately adjacent to the book street.

• Independence Palace: Visible across the street from the book street area.

• Rex Hotel: A prominent landmark near the Opera House metro station.

Navigation Apps: Google Maps works excellently in Ho Chi Minh City and provides real-time traffic updates. Download offline maps before traveling to ensure navigation capability without internet connection.

Language Tips: Learn to recognize the Vietnamese name “Đường Sách Nguyễn Văn Bình” or simply show locals a photo of Notre Dame Cathedral, as the book street’s location is universally known among residents.

Best Times to Visit: Early morning (8:00-10:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) offer the most comfortable weather and lighter traffic for travel. Avoid midday heat and evening rush hours when possible.

Discover Ho Chi Minh City with Joy Journeys

While how to get to book street District 1 is straightforward, combining your visit with a comprehensive city tour enhances your Ho Chi Minh City experience. Joy Journeys offers expertly crafted city tours that include the book street alongside other cultural landmarks, providing historical context and local insights that independent exploration cannot match.

Their “Saigon History & Cu Chi Tunnels with War Museum Tour” includes visits to the book street area as part of a comprehensive exploration of Ho Chi Minh City’s French colonial heritage. The tour covers the historic district where the book street is located, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and other architectural gems from the colonial period.

Joy Journeys’ small group approach (maximum 10 travelers) ensures personalized attention while their knowledgeable guides share stories about the area’s transformation from French colonial administrative center to modern cultural hub. The tour includes comfortable transportation between sites, eliminating navigation concerns while maximizing your time for cultural exploration.

For visitors interested in combining the book street with other literary and cultural experiences, Joy Journeys can customize itineraries that include visits to local libraries, cultural centers, and traditional craft workshops where Vietnamese books and art are created.

FAQs

What is the nearest metro station to the Book Street?

The closest metro station to book street Ho Chi Minh is Opera House Station on Metro Line 1. Located approximately 500 meters from Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, the station provides convenient access with a pleasant 6-8 minute walk through the historic district. The metro operates from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, with trains running every 4-6 minutes during peak hours.

Is parking available near the Book Street?

While Nguyen Van Binh Book Street itself is pedestrian-only, motorbike and bicycle parking is available on adjacent streets including Hai Ba Trung Street and Dong Khoi Street. Parking fees typically range from 5.000-10.000 VND (approx $0,2-0,4 USD) for motorbikes. Car parking is more limited but available at nearby hotels and commercial buildings, with rates varying from 20.000-50.000 VND ($0,8-2 USD) per hour.

What is the best time to visit the Book Street to avoid traffic?

The optimal times for getting to Saigon book street while avoiding heavy traffic are early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) and late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM). Avoid the lunch rush (11:30 AM-1:00 PM) and evening rush hour (5:30-7:30 PM) when District 1 experiences its heaviest congestion. Weekend mornings are particularly pleasant, with lighter traffic and a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for exploring the book street and surrounding cultural sites.

Curious about how to get to Ho Chi Minh Book Street? Whether you prefer a scenic walk from nearby attractions, a quick Grab ride, or joining a guided city tour, this literary haven is easy to reach and worth every moment. Enhance your cultural journey with Joy Journeys’ thoughtfully curated tours that include the book street and other iconic spots in Ho Chi Minh City. Start planning today at joyjourneys.com.vn and experience why this vibrant pedestrian zone is a favorite for book lovers and culture seekers alike.

Link: joyjourneys.com.vn/article/how-to-get-to-ho-chi-minh-book-street/