Last week, the biggest nautical bookstore on record, Doulos Hope, arrived at Khlong Toei’s Bangkok port. The affair offers a collection of more than 5,000 imported books across genres and language proficiencies. The cruise is home to international volunteers who will be hosting cultural exchanges and educational events around the area.

 

In 1991, Doulos Hope was constructed in Germany, and 31 years later the vehicle was handed over to GBA ships, a non-profit international organization that aims to expand knowledge and culture across waters. After some refurbishment, the ship set sail in May 2023. 

Touring along the coast of Southeast Asia, in under a year the ship has already made port at several cities around Singapore and Malaysia and is currently anchored in Bangkok. It’s a rare chance to shop for books from around the globe and strike up conversations with volunteers from China, Singapore, the Philippines, and Europe. For those who want a peaceful reading session, the ship also has a café overlooking the Chaophraya River. 
 

Next, the traveling bookstore will head onto Sihanoukville, Cambodia, and will remain there from Dec 15, 2023 to Jan 12, 2024.

 

Doulos Hope is open for public viewing every Tues-Sun, 2pm-9pm, until Nov 26. Tickets are B30 per person. Children under 12 and seniors above 65 years old can enter free of charge. Book a spot in advance here.