Harness your thirst for knowledge at the 7 coolest libraries and bookstore

This historic, privately funded library on Surawong Road boasts an archive of about 20,000  mostly English-language books in various genres. Neilson Hays was first founded in 1869 but its present neo-classical structure was only built in 1921. From the start, the library has always promoted English literacy for Bangkokians who want to find inspiration, be it in the pages of a prize-winning literary classic or in the words of a famous historian. 

Neilson Hays is also known as a spot for creative and cultural events, from live music performances to workshops and talks.

📍 Surawong Road
☎️ 0 2233 1731 / info@neilsonhayslibrary.org / Website / Facebook / Instagram

🕒 Tue-Sun (09:30-17:00) 

Don’t miss out on visiting this library where you can read while taking in peaceful views of Chao Phraya River. This riverside library is situated on Samsen Road and is accessible either by taxi or a fun boat ride to the Rama VIII Bridge. It is run by Bank of Thailand, which explains its massive catalog (about 30,000) of books about economics and finance, although tomes in other genres are also available.

With its huge space and two floors, the Bank of Thailand Library also functions as a co-working space and an informal meeting venue. It also provides an online service that allows you to access over 7,000 archives from libraries around the world. Don’t forget to check out the Bank of Thailand Museum where you can learn all about the evolution of Thai money.

📍 Samsen Road
☎️ 0 2283 5693 / librayservice@bot.or.th / Website

🕒 Mon-Sat (08:30-16:30)

Situated in Jim Thompson House, Willian Warren Library is dedicated to the American author of the same name whose many respected works cover the history and culture of Thailand as well as the mysterious life (and disappearance) of silk magnate Jim Thompson. The place is filled with insightful books, DVDs and magazines related to Thompson’s interests, including art, culture, architecture, landscaping and Thai textiles. In over 15 years of operations, the library has amassed a collection of 3,000 books and has branched out to reading material on Southeast Asian culture. 

Before or after cocooning with your book here, stop by Jim Thompson Art Center (JTAC) to get more inspiration from art exhibitions and other thought-provoking events and workshops.

📍 Soi Kasemsan 2
☎️ 0 2233 1731 / library@jimthompsonhouse.com / Website / Facebook

🕒 Wed-Sun (10:00-18:00)

Candide Books, nestled within riverside compound The Jam Factory in Charoen Nakhon (only a six-minute walk from ICONSIAM), is one of the most beloved bookstores in Bangkok. The store focuses on books produced by independent publishers and translated titles handpicked by owner and reading enthusiast Duangruethai Asanachatang.

You can rest assured that there’s at least one title waiting for you, whether it's an engrossing piece of fiction or an indie book focusing on a particular subculture. Once in a while, Duangruethai recruits a live jazz band to serenade patrons, and hosts a talk on critical issues relevant to the times.

📍 The Jam Factory, Charoen Nakhon Road
☎️ 0 2861 0967 / bookscandide@gmail.com / Website / Facebook / Instagram

🕒 Daily (10:00-18:00)

Set in an old wooden house on Soi Mahannop 1 (a two-minute walk from Bangkok City Hall), World at the Corner is run by Nut and Sivika Prakobsantisuk, two siblings with a lifelong passion for traveling and reading. Here, Nut and Sivika sell tomes on the likes of travel, fashion, art and politics—collected from each place they have visited—as an act of passing on their knowledge and experience to Bangkok’s bookworms.

The shop is only open on the weekend so we suggest making a day out of exploring the area, and visiting attractions like the Giant Swing, and eateries like beloved toast and milk shop Mon Nom Sod.

📍 Soi Mahannop 1, Phra Nakhon

☎️ 08 9699 7074 / Facebook

🕒 Fri-Sun (10:00-19:00)

Located about a 10-minute walk from major backpacking destination Khaosan Road, this compact indie bookstore-slash-café displays a variety of Thai and English-language books in different genres, from literature and fiction to cookbooks and historical titles.

To strengthen its commitment to improving the city’s literature scene, Passport Bookshop hosts a series of small but impactful events, such as talks and book launches. Plus, there’s a cute corner where you can browse for cool postcards and sit down with a nice cuppa.

📍 Phra Sumen Road
☎️ 0 2629 0694 / yo.noompassportbookshop@gmail.com / Facebook

🕒 Tue-Sun (11:30-18:00)

Arai Arai, the creative complex in Chinatown is home to establishments that welcome youths and the youthful. One of them is Vacilando, a shop that highlights a wide range of photobooks and art-forward zines sourced from global publishers.

Vacilando has recently expanded its collection to include tomes on politics and rare titles focusing on certain aspects of pop culture. Once in a while, it hosts events and exhibitions such as showcasing the works of Japanese photographer Tetsuo Kashiwada.

📍 Arai Arai (2/F), Maitri Chit Road
☎️ 08 6775 8977 / yo.noompassportbookshop@gmail.com / Facebook / Instagram

🕒 Tue-Sun (11:30-18:00)

Go from one cozy, comfortable nook to another. The newly renovated Le Méridien Bangkok is only a 10-minute walk to Neilson Hays Library and many of Bangkok’s best libraries and bookstores. Quench your thirst for knowledge and then come back and cozy up with your borrowed book in one of the hotel’s spacious rooms, each of which comes with a comfy daybed and stunning views of the city’s skyline. What’s more, indulge in a blissful treatment at the spa and take your fill of delectable grilled fare at Rolling Ribs Brew Bar & BBQ.

On the other end of Surawong Road is Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse, which promises superb urban vacations in sleek, contemporary spaces. Only a stone’s throw away from Neilson Hays Library, the five-star city sanctuary boasts world-class amenities that reinterpret Thailand’s cultural highlights under one roof. Delight in top-notch Chinese fare at Yao Restaurant and Yao Rooftop Bar, and treat yourself to a relaxing massage at Quan Spa.

Last but not least, a stay at the legendary Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers never fails to delight bookworms and culture enthusiasts. Set in the old trading quarter of Charoenkrung, the hotel is surrounded by some of the coolest bookshops, art bookstores, and libraries in Bangkok. Grab some books and bring them to your room – it's the perfect peaceful space to enjoy an afternoon of reading, thanks to the giant window overlooking the Chao Phraya River.

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