Laos Nightlife

What to Do at Night in Laos

Laos nightlife has had quite a paradoxical character: From the extremes of the opium culture that infiltrated the country during the late sixties and early seventies, to the enforced curfew into the late seventies and beyond. Now, perhaps it has it found its equilibrium as the 'sleepy town' of the region yet with Southeast Asia's best beer.

The odd 'happy shake' can still be found in Vang Vieng, but the rest of the country has cleaned up its act and the most outrageous nightlife you will get in Laos is in Vientiane where a handful of nightclubs stay open past midnight. While the country is packed with fun, it is not the place to come if you want a Patong-style holiday.

Lazy riverside bars, quaint wine drinking venues and a handful of nightclubs sounds about right for the range of nightlife in Laos. Alternatively, internet cafes in the bigger cities are usually open until late. The charm of the sleepy town can also lend itself to relaxing nights best spent rekindling your appreciation of nature.

Vientiane Nightlife

'The brothels are cleaner than the hotels, marijuana is cheaper than pipe tobacco, and opium easier to find than a cold glass of beer.'

Paul Theroux, writing in 'The Great Railway Bazaar', of Vientiane in the 1970's, got it spot on. (Read More)

Luang Prabang Nightlife

Luang Prabang is not a destination for those who want to spend their evenings getting messed up and days recuperating from the previous night's shenanigans. That's not to say it can't be fun and as wild as you want to make it. Luang Prabang is decidedly morning orientated as the majority of the locals are in bed by 22:00, rising at 05:00 to feed the monks. (Read More)

Bokeo Nightlife

Bokeo, the smallest province in Laos, and even in its capital city Huay Xai, visitors might have a difficult time looking for a decent bar to drink in. Bokeo's spotlight is more on the traditional ways of locals rather than the lights and sounds of the night. However, several restaurants along the Mekong River are perfect for providing the perfect spot where one can drink with an impressive view of the Mekong River before and after sunset. Visitors should definitely try the famous local Beer Lao, "Asia's Best Beer" (TIME Magazine) A reminder to solo travllers, wandering around alone out late at night is not recommended.

Xieng Khouang Nightlife

Xieng Khouang does not offer much in the way of nightlife. Although, there are a few Laos-style clubs that play a mixture of Thai, Vietnamese and Laos pop, these pick up more on the weekend and are generally quiet throughout the week. Phonsavanh Nightclub is considered to be the most popular because of its location in the centre of town. Chittawan is popular with the young Lao crowd who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Phai Kham is a warm and intimate venue on the same street as Chittawan about two km west of the bus station.

Savannakhet Nightlife

Even on a Saturday night there is never a huge amount of people around to provide a Saturday night feeling and atmosphere. Although Savannakhet is the second-largest city in Laos, travelers should not expect exciting nightlife venues. However, the city is not completely dead at night; there are a number of restaurants and open-air bars along the Mekong River front where one can enjoy both imported beer and Beer Lao. (Read More)

Champasak Nightlife

Surprisingly, the small town hosts a few nightclubs along the Mekong River. Lotty is one of the most popular nightclubs with both local and tourists. South of the Mekong, one will find a number of places to enjoy the sunset over the river with a Beer Lao. Although nightlife in Pakse usually ends at 23:30 (as well as the other parts of Laos,) guesthouses with good outdoor seating areas along the river make good spots to continue the evening. Alternatively, try the Lao-styled Korean barbeque with a cold drink and a group of friends, you will find the evenings in Pakse can be very enjoyable.

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