Where to Buy English Teaching Materials in Da Nang: Best Stores & Prices

Buy English teaching materials in Da Nang at Nhà Sách Kim Sa for local prices (50,000-200,000 VND / $2-8) or Fahasa bookstores for complete Oxford/Cambridge textbook packages. These stores carry materials designed for Vietnamese learners, not overpriced imports. Here's where to find everything you need to teach English in Da Nang.

The Problem With Teaching English in Vietnam

Teaching English to Vietnamese kids is different from teaching back home. The materials need to:

• Account for Vietnamese as a first language (different phonetics, grammar patterns)
• Use culturally relevant examples Vietnamese kids understand
• Be affordable (Vietnamese wages are different from Western costs)
• Actually be available in Da Nang (not just online with shipping nightmares)

Most expats start with paper, pens, and whatever they can improvise. But if you want structured materials—activity books, flashcards, games—you need to know where to look.

Best Places to Find English Teaching Materials

1. Nhà Sách Kim Sa (The Local Go-To)

Location: Da Nang, Sơn Trà District

What they have: School supplies, workbooks, Vietnamese textbooks, English materials for learners

Why it's great: This is where local teachers and Vietnamese parents shop. They have activity books specifically designed for Vietnamese native speakers learning English. The staff actually understands what works for kids here.

Price range: Very reasonable. Books are typically 50,000-200,000 VND ($2-8 USD)

Pro tip: Ask for books labeled "tiếng Anh cho trẻ em" (English for children). They often have workbooks that pair with popular school curriculum like "Family and Friends" series.

2. Fahasa Bookstores

Locations: Multiple branches throughout Da Nang (check Google Maps for nearest)

What they have: Vietnam's largest bookstore chain. Huge selection of English learning materials, textbooks, activity books, games, flashcards, and multimedia resources

Why it's great: This is the serious option. Fahasa carries official textbook series used in Vietnamese schools, plus supplementary materials. They often have the complete packages with:

• Activity books and workbooks
• Teacher's guides
• Flashcards and picture cards
• iTools (interactive multimedia support)
• Game materials

Important note: Make sure you buy from "Fahasa Official" or "Fahasa Mall" on Shopee/Lazada if ordering online. There are counterfeit versions with no multimedia support. The real ones come with the full package.

Price range: More expensive than Kim Sa, but still reasonable by Western standards. Complete textbook packages run 300,000-500,000 VND ($12-20 USD)

Pro tip: Fahasa has multiple floors. The English learning section can be on the 2nd or 3rd floor depending on location. Don't just check the ground floor and leave.

3. Shopee and Lazada (Online)

Best for: Convenience, bulk buying, and specific items

What you'll find: Everything—textbooks, workbooks, flashcard sets, board games, picture books, comics

What to look for:

• Search "sách tiếng Anh trẻ em" (English books for children)
• Look for popular series: Family and Friends, Oxford Phonics, Let's Go, Super Minds
• Buy from "Fahasa" or "Nhà Sách" sellers (official bookstore accounts) to avoid counterfeits
• Check reviews—Vietnamese reviews will tell you if materials are good for kids

Price advantage: Sometimes cheaper than in-store, plus free shipping on larger orders

Warning: Counterfeit English textbooks exist. Cheap versions often have no multimedia support and poor print quality. Stick with verified sellers.

4. Local Schools (Ask Around)

What they have: Access to textbook suppliers and recommended materials lists

Why it's helpful: If you know a local teacher or work at an international school, they can point you to where they source materials. Schools often get better prices on bulk orders.

What Specific Materials to Get

For Kids 6-7 Years Old (Like Many Expats Teaching)

Recommended series:

• Family and Friends (Oxford): The gold standard. Includes activity books, workbooks, and games. Available at Fahasa and Shopee.
• Let's Go (Oxford): Similar quality, playful approach
• Super Minds: Cambridge series, great for young learners

What to buy:

• Activity book (for structured lessons)
• Picture flashcards (vocabulary building)
• Simple board games (makes learning fun)
• Picture books (for reading and comprehension)

Budget estimate: 300,000-500,000 VND ($12-20 USD) gets you a solid starter kit

DIY Alternatives (If You're Budget-Conscious)

Paper, pens, and creativity can go a long way:

• Make your own flashcards by drawing pictures and writing English words
• Print materials from free websites (English for Young Learners, etc.)
• Use games you already know (memory games, simple board games) and adapt them to English
• Picture books from libraries or second-hand expat groups

One expat I know started teaching with just these materials and built up over time as she saw what worked.

Pro Tips From Da Nang Expats

Start old school, upgrade gradually: Don't buy everything at once. Start with books and pens. See what the kid responds to. Then buy flashcards and games if they help.

Check multiple floors at Fahasa: The teaching materials aren't always on the main floor. Ask staff where the English children's section is.

Join expat groups: Facebook groups like "Expats in Da Nang" often have people giving away or selling used teaching materials cheaply.

Talk to local teachers: They know what works with Vietnamese kids and can recommend specific materials that pair well with the school curriculum.

Consider the kid's level: A 6-year-old just starting out needs different materials than a 10-year-old who already knows some English. Ask the parents about current level before buying.

Multimedia is nice but optional: iTools and digital resources are great, but honestly? A good activity book and some flashcards get the job done.

Real Talk: What Actually Works

One expat here has been teaching kids for three years. Her advice? "Don't overthink it. Get a basic textbook series, some flashcards, and a game. Kids learn from consistency and fun, not from fancy materials."

She started with just Kim Sa materials and a homemade memory game. Now the kid she's teaching speaks pretty solid English.

The fancy multimedia stuff is nice. The expensive imported books are nice. But what actually matters is:

• Materials appropriate for the kid's level
• Consistency (regular teaching)
• Making it fun (games, pictures, interaction)
• Cultural context (materials that make sense to Vietnamese kids)

Where to Start

If you want to go in person: Visit Nhà Sách Kim Sa first (no pressure, good prices, local perspective). If you need more selection, go to Fahasa and check all three floors.

If you want to order online: Search Shopee for "sách tiếng Anh trẻ em" and look for Family and Friends or Oxford series from Fahasa sellers. Budget 300,000-400,000 VND for a solid starter pack.

If you're on a tight budget: Start with Kim Sa workbooks and DIY flashcards. Upgrade as you see what works.

Teaching English to a Vietnamese kid is rewarding. You just need the right materials to start.

Related Da Nang Guides

• Where to Stay in Da Nang: Best Areas
• Vietnam Visa Run to Laos
• Student Visa Strategy for 1-Year Stay

Offer teaching services? List your business on ExpatsList.