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Vietnamese, or Tiếng Việt, is used by more than 70 million people worldwide—and yes, you can add to that count! After all, it’s much easier to learn a new language nowadays with the help of the right books and apps for the job.
That being said, make sure that your book references match the dialect/s that you’ll be studying. Take note that Vietnamese has three dialects, each distinguished by region:
- Northern – Hanoi dialect (official language and writing system)
- Central – Huế dialect or High Annamese
- Southern – Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) dialect or Cochinchinense
Got that in place? Good, let’s get started!
1. Master the Vietnamese Alphabet: A Handwriting Practice Workbook
Before officially kicking off your lessons, I highly recommend that you learn the Vietnamese writing system first. In that regard, this Handwriting Practice Workbook is definitely worth the purchase, as it’ll teach you the alphabet through simple tracing activities.
It has exercises that demonstrate the stroke order of both official and alternative cursive styles of penmanship, as well as charts for writing tone diacritics.
In short, this is a decent reference that works for both Northern and Southern Vietnamese.
Key features:
- Spacious letter-tracing workbook
- Showcases the different writing styles
- Includes a Northern and Southern Vietnamese pronunciation guide
2. Let’s Learn Vietnamese Kit: A Complete Language Learning Kit for Kids
While the Let’s Learn Vietnamese Kit mainly targets preschool to early elementary students, its introductory-level approach might appeal to new learners as well!
Here, you can pick up essential Vietnamese words and phrases effortlessly. It includes 64 thematic flashcards with visuals, an audio CD for pronunciation practice, a colored wall chart for vocabulary review, and a 32-paged learning guide for parents and teachers.
Don’t be afraid to integrate these simple materials with your lessons, for you’ll never know how useful they can be, later on!
Key features:
- Basic Vietnamese lessons aimed at children
- Contains 64 vocabulary flashcards and a wall chart
- Comes with an Audio CD (with dialogues and songs)
3. Vietnamese Flash Cards Kit: The Complete Language Learning Kit
Flashcards are very fun to study with! Not only are these helpful when traveling, but they are likewise great for quick review sessions.
The Vietnamese Flash Cards Kit contains 200 hole-punched cards that teach the basic words and phrases.
Each card is formatted in the same manner; The front side presents the main word/s, and the back side provides their pronunciation, an English translation, and sample sentences in both Vietnamese and English.
On top of that, this kit comes with free online audio and a 32-page study guide for good measure.
Key features:
- Flashcards teach 1,000 Vietnamese words and phrases
- Study guide added (includes pronunciation, tips, and indexes)
- Has audio recorded by native speakers
4. Elementary Vietnamese
Now, if you’re interested in high school or college-level study, then I’ve got good news for you!
Elementary Vietnamese is a leading resource for beginner Vietnamese studies, which can be suitable for school, work, or travel purposes. (In fact, it was originally made for Harvard University classes!)
Tackling all reading, writing, and speaking disciplines, this book is loaded with example texts, exercises, dialogues, and culture notes that will thoroughly immerse you in the language. (Just know that the lessons here primarily cover the Northern dialect, and are presented more formally.)
If you’re ready for intermediate-level materials, you may purchase their Continuing Vietnamese installation!
Key features:
- Detailed and academic textbook
- Goes together with mp3 audio containing recorded dialogue, pronunciation drills, and the like
- Lessons integrate Vietnamese culture
5. Easy Vietnamese: Learn to Speak Vietnamese Quickly!
Easy Vietnamese is a stellar reference book for beginners who aspire to study independently. Inside, you’ll find sections on vocabulary (covering commonly used words and phrases) along with grammar and pronunciation.
Most interestingly, its Vietnamese lessons don’t just tackle the academics of sentence structure, but also the cultural aspects of etiquette, idioms, and greetings!
Accompanied by exercises, online audio, and helpful tips—all in all, this textbook will get you learning efficiently!
Key features:
- Beginner-level book for self-study
- Provides an introduction to Vietnamese vocabulary
- Practice conversing with its online audio
6. Southern Vietnamese for Beginners
Southern Vietnamese for Beginners is a complete course that purely focuses on—you guessed it—the Southern Vietnamese dialect.
This edition includes vocabulary and grammar lessons, as well as audio and video tutorials, that will get you speaking Vietnamese in a snap!
What makes this book unique is that it’s narrated by two protagonists from Ho Chi Minh City (where Southern Vietnamese is primarily spoken) through a series of playful and well-illustrated comics.
Key features:
- Story-based method that concentrates on Southern Vietnamese
- Includes audio and video accompaniment
- Teaches 300 important words, phrases, and structures
7. Colloquial Vietnamese
Routledge’s Colloquial Vietnamese offers step-by-step lessons that require no prior knowledge of the language.
Written in an accessible, user-friendly manner, this book contains jargon-free grammar explanations, dynamic exercises, vocabulary lists, and realistic dialogues that’ll take you through the beginner level. Furthermore, you can access its online audio here to learn straight from native speakers!
Should you want more in-depth knowledge, this textbook also discusses the life and culture of Vietnam.
Key features:
- Beginner-friendly reference
- Trains you to read, write, listen, and speak Vietnamese
- Has a grammar summary, bilingual glossary, and English translations at the back
8. Complete Vietnamese
Want to level up your studies? Complete Vietnamese is filled with engaging units to help you start from scratch!
To help you communicate effectively, this book includes lessons on basic vocabulary, grammar tips, pronunciation guides, and author insights. In addition, it has multiple tests and online articles to further extend your knowledge!
While it isn’t the perfect resource, I’d say it’s packed with enough content to build your momentum. Expect to reach Level B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages by the end of it—meaning that you’ll be able to talk to native speakers without trouble!
Key features:
- Vietnamese grammar and vocabulary book
- Contains thematic units, quick tips, and interactive exercises
- Lessons are structured around communication skills
9. Hippocrene Beginner’s Vietnamese
Hippocrene Beginner’s Vietnamese is a surprisingly thorough reference that covers both Northern and Southern Vietnamese for self-study. Not a lot of textbooks do this, so it’s worth taking a look at.
This edition offers 13 practical lessons on basic vocabulary, grammar, and dialogues, which are notably clear and well-paced. One could say that it’s a pretty great Vietnamese book for beginners!
To keep you in check, there are a few exercises—and a bilingual glossary—in here as well!
Key features:
- Simple yet well-paced guide
- Packed with 2 CDs recorded by native speakers
- Uses both Northern and Southern dialects
10. Vietnamese for Beginners
- New
- Mint Condition
- Dispatch same day for order received before 12 noon
- Guaranteed packaging
- No quibbles returns
Vietnamese for Beginners is a refreshing guide to the Southern dialect.
Whether you’re teaching yourself independently or are using this in a classroom, this book is loaded with fun lessons and exercises to keep you energized!
And if that doesn’t convince you, then perhaps its extensive vocabulary lists will do just the trick.
Admittedly, some reviews claim that it doesn’t wholly cover the basics; However, once you learn the alphabet and basic pronunciation, you’ll find that this still is a valuable reference.
With that in mind, don’t forget to buy the CD accompaniment (sold separately)!
Key features:
- Centered on the Southern Vietnamese dialect
- Lessons on speaking, listening, reading, and writing
- Best used with CD (which covers pronunciation, vocabulary, conversations, and grammar)
11. Vietnamese Stories for Language Learners
Vietnamese Stories for Language Learners is designed for beginner to intermediate language students who want a closer look into Vietnamese culture and literature.
Presented in parallel Vietnamese and English versions, this book has 40 simplified folk stories that demonstrate the cultural, social, and religious norms of the country.
Each piece has been simplified and translated for easy reading and is accompanied by vocabulary guides, culture notes, and discussion questions. The best part is that it even comes with recorded audio!
While some find it a bit too quick for beginners, this, nonetheless, should make a wonderful add-on to your studies!
Key features:
- 40 simplified and translated Vietnamese folktales
- Integrates culture with vocabulary and grammar lessons
- Comes with CD content (which is also accessible online)
12. Lonely Planet Vietnamese Phrasebook & Dictionary
Nothing goes with your lessons better than a handy phrasebook, and certainly, Lonely Planet delivers on all accounts!
This book shows a number of typical “survival” words and expressions you can use in any situation. Realistic topics—like social events, travel inquiries, and ordering food—are discussed inside and are likewise accompanied by cultural guides and a two-way dictionary.
Filled with important phrases and vocabulary, this guide will surely keep you at ease while you’re on the move.
Key features:
- Helps with traveling and conversing in Vietnam
- Conveniently formatted for quick reference
- Contains a 3,500-word dictionary, cultural notes, and idioms
Conclusion
To sum it up, these are the 12 best books to learn Vietnamese!
Once you know which dialect to study and have determined your current proficiency level, you’re practically set for the road ahead! Pick one of these books and start diving into this beautiful language. And for a well-rounded learning journey, you can also sign up for Vietnamese online courses or download some Vietnamese learning apps. Happy studying!
Best books to learn Vietnamese – Pin it!
