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.

Bokeo Nightlife

Bokeo is the smallest province in Laos and visitors might have a difficult time looking for a decent large and busy bar to drink in. Bokeo's spotlight is focused more on its traditional ways rather than lights and sounds of the night. However, several restaurants along the Mekong River are perfect spots to socialise and drink with an impressive view of the Mekong River before and after the sunset.

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. But 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 and the majority of the locals are in bed by 22:00, rising at 05:00 to feed the monks. Read More...

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 – 'Asia’s best beer' (TIME Magazine). Read More...

Vientiane Nightlife

Vientiane has evolved from a quiet little town to a fun city with modern, trendy and eclectic choices of places to enjoy after dinner. Some well known venues have clearly been popular for years and still attract a crowd of local and expats, but it is easy to see why many travelers came to Vientiane and never left.

Vang Vieng Nightlife

Vang Vieng nightlife offers drinking and lots of it. While the infamous ‘shroom special shakes’ can do the job without any help from synthetic stimulants, more experienced travellers tend to chill out with beers or drinks that they are familiar with. Read More...