Paperbacks in Thailand and Bali
 

We are leaving for Thailand and Bali next month and I wondered if it is easy to buy paperbacks (in English) in Thailand and Bali? I am one of those people who can't be without a book, and I really don't want to bring more than one with me. Also, if available do the paperbacks cost a lot more than in the US? Thanks!

I recently returned from Thailand (Bangkok and Chaing Mai ) and can report that there are English speaking bookstores in both places. This was my first trip to SE Asia so I stocked up on paperback novels before I left, but as it happens, I didn't really need to. In Bangkok, in Siam Square in one of the malls, there is one store. Sorry but forget the name.

I usually take my own reading material to SE Asia. I leave my paperbacks at the hotels as I finish them. Many hotels have "libraries" where you are encouraged to take a book and leave a book.

We usually visit Asia books when we are in Bangkok - branches in many locations. They do have English paperbacks, but we are always looking for books about Asia that are not readily available in the US.

who has time to read in these fantastic locations...

yes books are available but i would take what i know from home and am also sure of the pricing....

Bob, I always take time to read! I guess you'd be apalled at how many books we take along. But leaving books behind leaves space for shopping finds and lightens our load to keep our luggage within weight limits.

Great, thanks for letting me know that I can get books over there. I always like to look for books by native authors that I may not see at home. And, Kathie thanks for suggesting a book exchange or leaving books behind. I have done that in Europe and it worked out perfectly. (feels good to pass on a book to someonelse, too). I felt a little silly asking this question because I knew someone would wonder why I needed books on a trip like this. SO, Kathie thanks for the support -- I guess bookaholics have to stick together!

Reen, there's a good bookstore (including interesting children's books) in Ubud on the main street and the Agung Rai Museum has a very good bookstore with some SE Asian relevant fiction. Prices seemed comparable to western prices to me.

Thanks, jenskar -- sounds like I won't have any problems in either Thailand or Bali!

nothing apalles me except speedos on middle aged men....

Huge book store in Central world opposite Grand Hyatt.
Its as big as a large borders store and has thousands of books in english.

Asia Books and Bookazine are two local chains that sell English language books almost exclusively. You'll find one or the other in all major tourist areas.

In addition, Kinokinyunya (sp?) has huge branches in Siam Paragon, Central World and Emporium. They stock mostly Enlgish books, although Central World is about half Japanese.