8 best book cafes in Bangkok for books and coffee lovers
What will be better than spending an afternoon tucked away in a quiet corner, sipping on a rich, aromatic latte, while you dive into a novel or catch up on some light reading. It’s the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. With plenty of cafés offering warm, inviting spaces where books and coffee blend seamlessly, here are some must-visit spots that should be on your list for your next café adventure in Bangkok.
Top 8 book cafes in Bangkok to visit as a bookworm
1. BALZAC
A French-style café and bookstore that offers a warm, vintage vibe. It features three floors, including a gallery and a small cinema, along with a section dedicated to vinyl records. This book cafe is named after the famous 19th-century French novelist Honoré de Balzac, known for his intense coffee consumption. Owner Chango “Zac” Favre aims to create a cultural hub that fosters exchange between Thai and French cultures through literature and art.
Location: 43, 357 Charoen Krung Road, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 2pm to 6.30pm
Wednesday to Friday: 10am to 6.30pm
Saturday: 10am to 7pm
Sunday: 10am to 6.30pm
Contact: +66 816964798
Pros | Cons | |
✓ Cosy atmosphere perfect for reading. ✓ A wide selection of books available for purchase. ✓ Friendly staff. | ✗ Limited food menu. ✗ Can get crowded during peak hours. |
2. RimKhobfa Black and Milk Cafe
For anyone who loves the smell of fresh coffee and being surrounded by books, RimKhobfa’s Black and Milk Café in Charansanitwong is your go-to book cafe in Bangkok. The café is split into two sections, one for coffee lovers, and the other for bookworms who want to browse through a solid selection of reads. It’s the perfect blend of caffeine and literature.
Location: 121 Charan Sanitwong Frontage Rd, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700
Opening hours: 9am to 7pm for bookstore, and 7am to 7pm for the cafe
Contact: +66 614290966
Pros | Cons | |
✓ Unique decor with a relaxing vibe. ✓ Offers a variety of beverages, including specialty coffees. ✓ Good place for both reading and socialising. | ✗ Service can be slow during busy times. ✗ Limited food options available. |
3. Burapa Coffee
Originally a bookstore, Burapa Coffee has transformed into a café that serves delicious coffee at reasonable prices. The café retains a cosy atmosphere where customers can relax with their books. It has become popular among patrons who enjoy spending time reading in a comfortable setting.
Location: 122 Charoen Krung Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Closed on Sundays
Contact: +66 22227037
Pros | Cons | |
✓ Known for its quality coffee and friendly baristas. ✓ Comfortable seating arrangements for reading or working. ✓ Pleasant outdoor seating area. | ✗ Some inconsistency in drink preparation. ✗ Limited book selection compared to dedicated book cafes. |
4. A BOOK with NO NAME
This hidden gem offers a cosy atmosphere with a home-like feel. It features a resident cat that adds to the relaxed vibe. This book café provides an extensive drink menu at affordable prices, making it an inviting space for book lovers to unwind. It is conveniently located near MRT Bang Phlat station. Just tell your motorbike taxi to drop you off near Edison Mall, Sri Yan, which is right across the street.
Location: 721, 723 Samsen 17 Alley, Thanon Nakhon Chai Si, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 12pm to 7pm
Saturday to Sunday: 12pm to 10.30pm
Closed on Mondays
Contact: +66 802384284
Pros | Cons | |
✓ Extensive collection of books across various genres. ✓ Quiet atmosphere conducive to reading and studying. ✓ Affordable prices for both food and drinks. | ✗ Can get crowded. ✗ Limited menu items may not satisfy all tastes. |
5. Haru Ranman comic Cafe & Bar
Open 24 hours, this Japanese-style café is a dream for manga fans. With private rooms on the second floor, you can enjoy some quiet time reading or even catch a nap. And if you’re up for karaoke, the third floor is all about that!
Location: 20/12 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: +66 21009102
Pros | Cons | |
✓ Unique theme focusing on comics and manga, appealing to enthusiasts. ✓ Offers a fun and vibrant atmosphere. ✓ Good selection of drinks and snacks. | ✗ Noise levels can be high due to the lively environment. ✗ Limited space for larger groups. |
6. Dasa Book Cafe
Sustainable and book-lover-friendly, Dasa Book Café near BTS Phrom Phong offers second-hand books in every genre. They even have a swap system where you can return a book for 50% off your next purchase. If you’re into old-school CDs, they’ve got those too, and they’ll even buy your old ones. It’s the perfect spot for people who love rotating their reading list.
Location: 714/4 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Opening hours: 10am to 8pm daily
Contact: +66 26612993
Pros | Cons | |
✓ Extensive collection of second-hand books. ✓ Relaxed vibe with plenty of seating. ✓ Affordable prices for both books and food. | ✗ Can feel cramped during busy times. ✗ Limited food options compared to other cafes. |
7. HOC Book Cafe
This cute little book café in Hua Lamphong, Charoen Krung, is all about eco-friendly vibes. Bring your own cup, and you’ll get a 5-baht discount! They’ve also got a book exchange system where you can swap out your old reads. Plus, there’s a section of second-hand goods to browse.
Location: 1038, 4 Charoen Krung Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm daily
Contact: +66 829838099
Pros | Cons | |
✓ Comfortable seating with a pleasant ambiance for reading. ✓ Good coffee quality and a decent menu selection. ✓ Regular events that promote community engagement. | ✗ Slower service during peak hours. ✗ Book selection may not be as extensive as other cafes. |
8. Oasis Coffee
Open 24/7, Oasis Coffee offers a vintage-modern style that’s perfect for anyone looking for a quiet spot to work or read. With its peaceful atmosphere and the option to have your choice of vinyl playing in the background, it’s a haven for those who want to enjoy some music while they dive into a good book.
Location: 70 Pracha Rat Bamphen Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: +66 858318496
Pros | Cons | |
✓ Friendly staff contributing to a welcoming environment. ✓ Excellent coffee and homemade pastries. ✓ Convenient for late-night coffee lovers or those needing a quiet place to work at any hour. | ✗ Indoor seating can be limited, especially during busy hours ✗ Occasional slow service during peak times. |
From charming little books filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee to more spacious, airy places that offer cosy armchairs and plenty of bookshelves, these book cafes in Bangkok cater to both coffee enthusiasts and book lovers alike. You’ll find a mix of local cafés with their own unique charm and trendy spots where the atmosphere is designed to inspire you to unwind, focus, or get lost in your thoughts.
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