There are a number of bookstores in Chiang Mai, selling a wide variation in newer literature. These stores carry numerous novels, and the latest bestsellers in modern literature. There are three that are especially worth visiting, with large selections of Thai and English books. Some of these bookshops also have small cafes, which are perfect places to relax.
The Booksmith
The Booksmith is easily one of the most stylish bookshops in Chiang Mai. With dim mood lighting, a sleek modern interior and a small cafe, this is the perfect place to shop or hang out. The small cafe in the bookshop offers coffee and a nice variation in desserts. They sell both hot and cold drinks, specializing in the Chillax Latte, which is a strong organic coffee drink. Next to the cafe are a few polished wooden seats and tables. There are also cushioned seats opposite the wooden chairs. This bookstore has numerous large windows, letting in a lot of light, and adding to the sleek modern atmosphere. The interior is very inviting and warm, much more so than many of the other bookshops in Chiang Mai. The Booksmith mainly sells nonfiction, focusing specifically on art, design and architecture. All of the books sold here are handpicked by the owner himself. The literature isn’t what you would typically find at most bookshops, and is quite unique. The books sold at The Booksmith are generally more expensive than elsewhere, as they are all brand new, and recently published. The selection of books here is small when compared to the other bookshops in Chiang Mai. The Booksmith is the perfect place to buy a book, sit down, and relax, all while enjoying a delicious cup of freshly brewed coffee.
At One Nimman ปากซอย Soi 1, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Open 10 am – 10 pm
Tel. 053 223 292
Facebook: thebooksmithbookshop
DK Book Center
The DK Book Center is a massive department-like store, selling numerous books and a number of other items. This store mainly has a large selection of thai literature, and they don’t sell any novels in english. All of their books are recently published and new, from both Thailand and America. This spacious store also sells office supplies, lamps and even textbooks. In terms of other items, DK Books offers quite a wide range of household products. This store has multiple shelves stocked full of school supplies, including pens, binders, paper and notebooks. In the corner is a small cafe, which sells coffee and other hot drinks. Leather chairs and other seats are behind the drink booth, offering numerous places to sit and relax. With a wide range in thai literature, household supplies and a small inviting cafe, DK Book Center is a great place to go shopping or relax.
At 79/1 Kotchasarn Rd, ตำบล ช้างคลาน อำเภอ เมืองเชียงใหม่ Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100
Open Mondays – Fridays 10:30 am – 8 pm / Saturdays and Sundays 9 am – 8 pm
Tel. 053 206 996
Facebook: DKBook-Center
Suriwong Book Center
Suriwong Book Center is truly a massive bookstore, offering a huge variation in literature. Abounding with new releases and bestsellers, this bookstore sells quite an array of both english and thai literature. The english section is smaller than the thai section, but there is still a nice variation in english novels. This bookstore doesn’t have a cafe like the others, but makes up for this with its numerous recently published paperbacks. Because the books here are brand new and recently published, they are much more expensive than elsewhere. Overall though, Suriwong Book Center is truly a fantastic bookstore, and you’ll have a hard time leaving without at least one book.
At 54 54/1 Sridornchai Rd Lane 1, Haiya Sub-district, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100
Open Mondays – Sundays 10 am – 7 pm
Tel. 053 281 052
Facebook: suriwong.bookcentre
