Floating Book Fair at Klong Toey Port

The largest floating bookstore in the world is the Logos Hope and it has just arrived in Klong Toei Port in Bangkok. The ship carries over 5,000 low cost books and its mission is to visit countries where books may be hard to come by. All of the crew are volunteers and usually sign up for one or two year contracts.

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The bookstore will be open from 8th February to 2nd March 2014.  They are open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Closed on Mondays. Tickets cost 20 Baht for adults but free for children. Expect long queues at the weekend.

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The majority of books are in English with just one small section in Thai. You won’t find the latest novels on the New York Bestseller’s List. If you want that, then just go to Asia Books. For me it was interesting as it has books that you don’t often see in Thailand. There is also a lot for kids.

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The easiest way for you to get here is to drive or take a taxi to Klong Toei Port. At the entrance, which looks a bit like tollbooths, go to the far right where there is a sign pointing the way. Park at the far end. I’m told that buses 4, 47, 72, 102, 180 pass the entrance to Klong Toei Port. Then walk in. Be prepared for a 10-15 minute walk if you do.

4 thoughts on “Floating Book Fair at Klong Toey Port

  • February 16, 2014 at 12:15 am
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    My parents took me to this boat when I was small. They did not really know much English and wanted my sister and I to be able to look at some books (at the time internet did not exist yet and there weren’t many English book shops in Bangkok). We enjoyed ourselves browsing the children books. I agree with Richard -I don’t think that it really matters who owns the boat. The visit is a good experience for kids.

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  • February 13, 2014 at 1:13 am
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    I am glad that Andrew has called attention to the fact that this is a Christian evangelical mission. Why aren’t they forthcoming about that fact? Why all the stealth? I find it very annoying that this operation is clandestine for the most part and would suggest people avoid it for that reason alone.

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    • February 13, 2014 at 7:06 am
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      Not sure why it really matters. They are not trying to “convert” you as soon as you step on board. I don’t know about you, but I went there to browse the books, many that are not available here in Thailand. Plus the experience of visiting the ship.

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  • February 7, 2014 at 1:57 pm
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    You should mention that the boat is a Christian evangelical mission. I don’t think non-Christians would feel terribly uncomfortable but it’s good that people know what they’re getting in to. Some of the books are of the Christian genre, and the entrance fee is also for a brief tour around the boat which has some evangelism.

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