The Largest and Most Iconic Bookstores in Southeast Asia
Here are the largest bookstores in Southeast Asia, with one of them unfortunately closed in 2024.
Southeast Asia is home to a vibrant and diverse book culture, with impressive bookstores serving not only as places to buy books but also as cultural, educational, and community spaces. From Indonesia to Vietnam, several major bookstores have become landmarks for readers and visitors alike.
In Indonesia, Gramedia Grand Indonesia in Jakarta is one of the flagship branches of Gramedia, the country’s largest bookstore chain. Located inside Grand Indonesia, the store offers a broad selection of Indonesian and international books, educational materials, stationery, and lifestyle products. Its central location makes it a popular destination for students, families, and tourists.
Singapore’s POPULAR Bookstore at Bras Basah Complex has a particularly rich history. Bras Basah Complex is known as Singapore’s “City of Books,” and POPULAR’s flagship store has been an important part of the complex since 1980. It was once considered the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia and continues to offer books, school materials, stationery, and other educational products.
Malaysia has two notable names. Eslite Spectrum Kuala Lumpur, located at The Starhill, brings Taiwan’s celebrated eslite concept to Southeast Asia. It combines multilingual books with art, design, exhibitions, cafés, and cultural experiences.
MPH Bookstore Mid Valley Megamall, meanwhile, was a landmark Malaysian megastore for 25 years. It was renowned for its extensive collections, particularly children’s and professional books, before closing as retail conditions changed.
Thailand is represented by Kinokuniya Siam Paragon and Asia Books CentralWorld, both in Bangkok. Kinokuniya is especially popular for its extensive English, Japanese, and Thai selections, while Asia Books CentralWorld is known for its strong range of English-language books, magazines, and travel titles. Asia Books lists its CentralWorld branch on the sixth floor of the shopping complex.
In the Philippines, Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street has become a major destination for readers, offering a wide range of local and international titles in a modern retail environment.
Finally, Vietnam’s FAHASA Nguyen Hue Bookstore in Ho Chi Minh City is a long-standing literary landmark on Nguyen Hue Street. Established in the 1970s, it offers books, stationery, and cultural products and has been modernized with technology-driven shopping features.
Together, these bookstores demonstrate that Southeast Asia’s book industry is about more than retail. They are cultural destinations that connect readers with literature, education, creativity, and the wider world.