For readers and collectors of Southeast Asian literature, finding rare, out-of-print, or simply affordable titles can be a challenge. New releases from regional presses often have limited print runs, and international distribution remains patchy. Secondhand bookshops, online marketplaces, and library surplus sales offer an alternative route to building a personal library on the region. This guide covers the most reliable sources for secondhand books on Southeast Asia, from established stores in Singapore and Bangkok to global platforms like AbeBooks and eBay. Whether you are searching for a 1960s travel narrative, a colonial-era memoir, or a recent academic monograph, the following leads will help you locate it.

Prices quoted are approximate and were current at the time of writing. Availability and stock vary constantly, so persistence and regular checking are part of the process. For a broader overview of the region’s literary landscape, see The Complete Guide to Southeast Asian Books, Authors, Translations, History, and Reading Resources.

1. Singapore: The Hub for Secondhand Southeast Asian Books

Singapore’s compact size, high literacy rate, and history as a regional publishing centre make it an excellent base for secondhand book hunting. The island has a handful of long-standing shops and a lively online resale market.

1.1 Littered with Books (Duxton Hill)

Located at 20 Duxton Hill, this two-storey independent bookstore carries a curated selection of new and used titles. Its secondhand section includes literature, history, and travel writing on Southeast Asia. Prices for used paperbacks range from SGD 10 to SGD 25. The shop also buys collections, so stock rotates regularly. They do not maintain an online catalogue, but in-store browsing is rewarding.

1.2 Basheer Graphic Books (Bras Basah Complex)

Bras Basah Complex, known as Singapore’s “book city,” houses several secondhand dealers. Basheer Graphic Books (231 Bain Street, #04-19) specialises in art and design but also stocks used academic titles on Southeast Asian history and culture. Expect to pay SGD 15-40 for out-of-print monographs.

1.3 Online Resale Platforms in Singapore

  • Carousell (carousell.sg): The dominant peer-to-peer marketplace in Singapore. Search for “Southeast Asia books” or specific country keywords. Prices are negotiable; many sellers offer meet-ups or postage. A typical used paperback costs SGD 5-15.
  • Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Groups: Groups such as “Singapore Book Exchange” and “Southeast Asian Books for Sale” have active members. Joining these groups gives access to private sales and swaps.

For more on Singapore’s literary scene, see Singapore Authors: Top 10 Writers You Should Know and Where to Buy Southeast Asian Books in Singapore.

2. Thailand: Bangkok’s Secondhand Book Streets

Bangkok remains a prime destination for secondhand books in English on Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand. The city’s used bookshops cluster in the Banglamphu area and along Charoen Krung Road.

2.1 Dasa Book Cafe (Sukhumvit)

Dasa Book Cafe (714/4 Sukhumvit Road, between Soi 26 and 28) is a three-storey shop with an extensive collection of used books on Thailand, Southeast Asia, and travel writing. Their Thai history section includes titles from the 1960s, 1990s that are hard to find elsewhere. Prices range from THB 150 to THB 800. They also have a small selection of fiction by Thai authors in translation.

2.2 The Bookshop (Banglamphu)

Located at 165/1 Soi Rambuttri, this shop stocks new and secondhand books, with a strong section on Thai culture, Buddhism, and regional history. Used paperbacks are priced THB 100-400. They also buy used books from customers.

2.3 Weekend Market Stalls (Chatuchak)

Chatuchak Weekend Market has several stalls selling secondhand books, particularly in Section 2 and Section 24. Stock is unpredictable, but bargains can be found. Prices are typically THB 50-200 per book. Arrive early for the best selection.

For reading recommendations, see Thai Translated Fiction: A Guide to the Best Novels and Thailand History Books in English: A Reading List.

3. Malaysia: KL and Penang’s Used Book Scene

Malaysia’s secondhand book trade is centred on Kuala Lumpur and Penang. English-language books on Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo are relatively abundant.

3.1 BookXcess (Multiple Locations)

BookXcess is a chain that sells remainders and overstock at deep discounts. While not strictly secondhand, their prices (often MYR 10-30) are comparable to used book prices. Their biggest outlet is at The Mines Shopping Mall in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. They occasionally stock regional non-fiction titles.

3.2 Junk Book Store (Penang)

Located at 28, Jalan Chow Thye, George Town, Penang, Junk Book Store is a chaotic but treasure-filled shop. It specialises in old paperbacks on Malaysia, Singapore, and colonial history. Prices are MYR 5-50. The owner, Mr. Lim, has been in the trade for decades and can help locate specific titles.

3.3 Online Platforms in Malaysia

  • Mudah.my: A classifieds site similar to Craigslist. Search “buku second hand” or “used books Malaysia.”
  • Shopee Malaysia: Some sellers list secondhand books. Filter by “preloved” or “used.”

For background on Malaysian writing, see Malaysian Literary Icons: Key Authors and Their Works and Colonial Malaysia in Literature: Books That Capture the Era.

4. Indonesia: Secondhand Books in Jakarta and Yogyakarta

Indonesia’s secondhand book market is vibrant but fragmented. English-language books on Indonesia are less common than in Singapore or Thailand, but dedicated shops and online communities exist.

4.1 Pasar Buku (Jakarta)

Pasar Buku in Blok M Square (Jakarta Selatan) is a multi-floor market with dozens of stalls selling new and used books. English-language titles on Indonesian history, culture, and travel are scattered among the stalls. Prices range from IDR 50,000 to IDR 200,000. Bargaining is expected.

4.2 Kedai Buku (Yogyakarta)

Yogyakarta has a strong literary culture. Kedai Buku on Jalan Prawirotaman sells used English-language books, including travel writing and academic works on Indonesia. Prices are IDR 30,000-150,000. The shop also has a small selection of Indonesian writers in English and Indonesian fiction in translation.

4.3 Online Options

  • Tokopedia and Bukalapak: Indonesia’s largest e-commerce platforms. Search “buku bekas” (used books) and filter by category. Many sellers offer shipping across the archipelago.
  • Instagram Shops: Many Indonesian secondhand booksellers operate via Instagram. Accounts like @buku_bekas_berkualitas and @secondhandbook.id post regular updates.

For deeper reading, see Indonesian Independence Narratives: Key Books in English and Indonesia Travel Narratives: Best Books for the Armchair Traveller.

5. Vietnam and the Philippines: Emerging Markets

Secondhand English-language books on Vietnam and the Philippines are less abundant but can be found with effort.

5.1 Vietnam: Book Street and Online Groups

Ho Chi Minh City’s Nguyen Van Binh Book Street has a few stalls selling used English books. Prices are VND 30,000-100,000. The Bookworm (44/1 Pham Viet Chanh, Binh Thanh) is a dedicated secondhand shop with a small section on Vietnam War history and travel. Online, Facebook groups like “HCMC Book Exchange” and “Vietnam Secondhand Books” are active.

For reading recommendations, see Vietnamese Literary Gems: Novels and Stories in English, Best Vietnamese Novels in English: A Curated List, and Vietnam War Books: Essential Reading in English.

5.2 Philippines: Book Sale and National Book Store

Manila’s Book Sale chain has multiple branches (e.g., Robinson’s Place Ermita) and stocks used books on Philippine history, culture, and travel. Prices are PHP 50-200. The National Book Store (various locations) sells remainders and overstock at discounted prices. For online searches, Carousell Philippines is the best platform.

See Philippines Travel Books: A Reader’s Guide for related titles.

6. Global Online Marketplaces for Secondhand Southeast Asian Books

When local sources fail, global online platforms offer the widest reach. Shipping costs can be high, but for rare or out-of-print titles, they are often the only option.

6.1 AbeBooks (abebooks.com)

AbeBooks aggregates listings from thousands of independent booksellers worldwide. Search for “Southeast Asia” or specific country keywords. Filter by “Used” condition. Prices range from USD 5 to USD 200+ for rare editions. Shipping from the US or UK to Southeast Asia typically costs USD 15-30.

6.2 eBay (ebay.com)

eBay has a large selection of used books on Southeast Asia. Look for sellers with high ratings and “Buy It Now” options. Many sellers offer combined shipping. A typical used hardcover in good condition costs USD 10-40.

6.3 Biblio (biblio.com)

Biblio is a smaller but curated alternative to AbeBooks. It focuses on independent sellers and often has lower fees, which can translate to lower prices for buyers.

6.4 World of Books (worldofbooks.com)

This UK-based seller ships internationally and stocks many ex-library copies of Southeast Asian non-fiction. Prices are low (GBP 3-10), but condition varies. Free shipping on orders over a certain amount.

6.5 Better World Books (betterworldbooks.com)

Better World Books sells used books and donates a portion of profits to literacy programs. They have a solid selection of Southeast Asian history and travel titles. Shipping is free within the US and affordable internationally.

7. Library Sales, University Exchanges, and Other Sources

Institutional sales and exchanges are an underappreciated source of secondhand books on Southeast Asia.

7.1 Library Discard Sales

Public and university libraries periodically sell withdrawn books. In Singapore, the National Library Board holds sales at various libraries (e.g., the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library). Prices are SGD 1-5 per book. Check their website for announcements. In Bangkok, the Neilson Hays Library (195 Surawong Road) holds an annual book sale with many English-language titles on Thailand.

7.2 University Press Sales

University presses in the region sometimes sell remainders directly. NUS Press (Singapore) and ISEAS Publishing (Singapore) occasionally offer discounts on overstock. Sign up for their newsletters.

7.3 Book Fairs

Secondhand books are common at book fairs. The Bangkok International Book Fair (March/April) and the Singapore Book Fair (June) have stalls selling used books at low prices. The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (Bali) also has a book market.

7.4 Expatriate Book Swaps

In cities with large expatriate communities, informal book swaps and donations are common. Check noticeboards at community centres, cafes, and international schools. In Jakarta, the American Club and British Club occasionally have book exchange shelves.

For library borrowing options, see Where to Borrow Southeast Asian Books: Libraries and Digital Collections.

Conclusion

Finding secondhand books on Southeast Asia requires a combination of local knowledge, online searching, and patience. Singapore and Bangkok offer the most consistent physical retail options, while global platforms like AbeBooks and eBay fill gaps for rarer titles. Library sales and university exchanges provide low-cost alternatives. As the market for Southeast Asian literature grows, more secondhand copies are likely to circulate, but the hunt remains part of the pleasure for collectors and casual readers alike.

For a complete overview of the region’s books, authors, and resources, refer to The Complete Guide to Southeast Asian Books, Authors, Translations, History, and Reading Resources.

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