In Laos, nights do not fall with flashing lights and the roaring sounds of nightclubs. However, that doesn’t mean that there is nothing happening at night. There is another nightlife behind the facade of tranquillity, offering a different experience of nightlife, where bars and live music feature. Let’s find out what nighttime in Laos is like and where you can find the best nightlife.
Laos Nightlife Overview
Lao nightlife can’t be compared to the high-energy clubbing experience of Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City. It is slower-paced and more relaxed than that of other Southeast Asian countries, allowing for greater connection to the indigenous cultures there. Lao evenings tend to be less about loud music and dancing in clubs, and more about enjoying time by the river, shopping in local open-air markets, or listening to live music in casual venues.
The nightlife you experience while in Lao will depend on which city you are in. Vientiane has the most developed bar scene. Vang Vieng is popular with backpackers who prefer a more social and party-like atmosphere. Luang Prabang has a quieter, more tranquil nightlife environment due to its protected history as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Local law and culture also have an important influence on what happens during the night in Laos; bars tend to close earlier than in other neighbouring countries, music volume is more regulated, and people tend to behave with more respect toward each other. Laos nightlife is much quieter than either Thailand or Vietnam at night. However, this is one of the reasons why many people enjoy the nightlife in Laos.
The most important element of enjoying your experiences at night in Laos will be setting realistic expectations about what the nightlife will be like; if you want to find large nightclubs playing loud music until sunrise, you will probably be disappointed. If you want to enjoy laid-back and relaxed evenings in beautiful surroundings with lots of opportunities to interact with locals, you can expect to have some unforgettable memories of your experience of nightlife in Laos.
Best Cities to Experience Laos Nightlife
Depending on your location in Laos, you can enjoy various options for a night out – from relaxing with a drink at a bar to going to a place to enjoy the party with other travellers to walking around a place that has been lit up by lanterns as they go along an evening fair. Each of these cities hosts an authentic version of its culture and provides its nightlife scenes based on the type of culture it has.
Vientiane Nightlife: The Most Developed Scene
The capital of Laos, Vientiane, has an exciting nightlife scene dominated primarily by bars, lounge roofs, and live music venues. These elements create a calming social environment at a slower pace than many other cities. People meet for drinks and enjoy both a relaxed atmosphere and each other’s company while taking in the view of the Mekong River.
When the sun sets, almost all of the bars in Vientiane are located within the Mekong Riverfront area. There are numerous cocktail bars available to you within the city, and many rooftops to provide a more upscale environment. Additionally, there are many street food vendors and night markets close by, making it possible to obtain food after your time spent drinking.
Check out these suggested locations to visit while in Vientiane:
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Bor Pen Nyang: Relaxed riverside location serving Lao food as well as enjoying a beautiful sunset, often frequented by expats and tourists alike.
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Tipsy Elephant: A casual bar specializing in unique cocktails, popular with both locals and expats.
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Khop Chai Deu: A long-established Vientiane bar, very laid-back with plenty of local beer and a social crowd.
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Moonlight Lounge: Rooftop bar providing good views of the city and a more sophisticated way to enjoy drinks.
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Marina Bar & Restaurant: An ideal spot to relax and enjoy evening drinks along the river, while sampling both Western and Asian cuisines.
Vang Vieng Nightlife: Backpacker Party Capital
Many backpackers and young tourists have said that this city in Laos has a more vibrant nightlife than any other city in the country. Vang Vieng’s nightlife is created by the beautiful limestone mountains and rivers that surround it.
Vang Vieng has a lot of places to go out and enjoy the nightlife, such as riverside bars and party hostels, which provide easy access between each location within walking distance. The vibe in Vang Vieng is that of an outdoor party, where people start drinking at sunset and continue as the night goes by, eventually leading to unstructured parties and spontaneous gatherings.
Compared to similar activities in other cities in Laos, music is played at a much higher volume, alcoholic beverages are cheaper than elsewhere, and meeting new friends while traveling is a part of what makes this area so popular among young travelers.
Here are some recommendations to visit when you’re in Vang Vieng.
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Gary’s Irish Bar: The 1 of the most recommended places to meet fellow travelers and enjoy cheap drinks while listening to music in a fun and energetic environment.
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Smile Beach Bar: Located on the banks of the river, with stunning views, it is a great place during the daytime to relax, but it turns into a very lively atmosphere as it gets dark.
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Nana Backpackers: This is a hostel that has an incredible atmosphere; you will meet other travelers and attend fun parties every night.
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Mad Monkey Vang Vieng: This is also a hostel, and it organizes lots of parties and group activities for travelers.
Luang Prabang Nightlife: Chill and Cultural Evenings
The nightlife in Luang Prabang presents a contrasting experience. With a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the town’s evenings consist of peaceful, atmospheric, and culturally/visually-based ambient activities. Those who prefer relaxed conversation over the large-scale entertainment offered by other countries will find the city’s nightlife to be subtle and elegant.
The city comes alive in the evenings through the night markets, casual bars, and riverfront venues, providing a light fermentation to creation. The pinnacle of sunsets and evening cocktails along the Mekong River makes this destination a great place for couples and single travellers.
Here is a list of places you might want to consider checking out while in Luang Prabang:
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Luang Prabang Night Market: This is where you focus your attention on all your evening activities, whether that be getting some bite to eat (as in street food), finding some souvenirs, or even for a stroll.
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Utopia: Utopia is a chilled-out bar along the river’s edge and is popular amongst locals and tourists alike. A similar place but with a relaxed feel, music & an enjoyable social atmosphere.
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Tangor: A cozy wine bar where you can enjoy a quiet, intimate evening.
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525 Cocktails & Tapas: A well-known cocktail & tapas bar with a very stylish interior design.
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Red Bul Bar: A small Jazz Bar providing live music to a dedicated audience.
Other Emerging Nightlife Spots in Laos
Away from the larger tourist destinations of Laos, the nightlife is far more subdued and captures the more authentic way of life in Laos than the nightlife in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and most other major tourist cities.
However, many cities, such as Pakse and Savannakhet, lack developed nightlife districts. Instead, you’ll find small bars where people gather to unwind after a long day, share a few drinks (usually local beers), and converse with each other in a relaxed and slower-paced atmosphere.
These bars present the perfect opportunity for those wishing to experience the everyday life of residents of Laos, rather than those established for tourists looking to socialize and/or experience nightlife.
Check out these fun spots outside of the biggest towns:
- Sabaidee Bar (Pakse): A nice, laid-back bar located right on the river. Sabaidee Bar is a popular place with both the locals and visiting tourists.
- Daolin Restaurant & Bar (Pakse): A relaxed, casual place for drinks and food after a long day of exploring the area around Pakse.
- Local Bars in Savannakhet: Smaller, informal venues that allow you to experience how other locals enjoy their night!
What to Do in Laos Nightlife
Although nightlife in Laos can be a bit more subdued than that of neighbouring countries, it still has many opportunities to take photographs, particularly at night markets, riverside bars, and whilst watching the sun go down. If you like socialising, lively environments, and taking photographs during the evening, your time in Laos will provide enough opportunity to keep you entertained.
Walk around Night Markets and Capture the Night Vibe
Laos has many night markets throughout its cities, which give residents and tourists a fun and relaxing place to spend the night. They provide a combination of food, shopping, and socialisation all in one area.
The Luang Prabang Night Market is the most popular in Laos nighlife and can be found on the main street of the old town of Luang Prabang. This night market is a great place to buy handmade crafts, textiles, and several types of local street food. Nights are lively but not overly crowded and typically start at sundown through to late at night.
In Vientiane, the capital of Laos, the night market extends along the Mekong Riverfront and has a more laid-back atmosphere. Vendors sell clothing, snacks, and other everyday items, while there are also food vendors selling meats, noodles, and shakes made from fresh fruit. Most Laotian night markets will begin setting up their stalls between 5 and 6 PM and close around 10 and 11 PM, due to the fact that people in Laos tend to go to bed early.
Grab Drinks at Bars and Lounges with a Riverside View
Unlike most Western countries, bars in Laos are less about the spectacle and more about the place, although riverside bars tend to be busiest at the beginning of the night, with many people coming to chat over drinks, while cocktail bars on rooftops tend to give guests a fancier night out.
In Laos, one of the most common things to drink when hanging out is a cold Beerlao, and a typical evening in Laos usually consists of relaxing moments, usually spent by the river with the people watching, followed by warming up for the evening. Some riverside bars have great sunset views, so they are a natural stop for many after finishing their day.
Enjoy Live Music and Lively Evening Performances
Music performed publicly in Laos’ nightlife contributes to a more emotional experience in an otherwise quiet space. Small jazz bars and acoustic venues such as those found in Vientiane and Luang Prabang simply define an intimate social environment that allows for conversation, with music being an addition to the ambience of the space.
In some instances, minor cultural or traditional performances occur in tourist locations during special events (festivals) as a means of providing insight into the culture in a non-official/ formal way.
Enjoy the Sunset Near the Mekong River
A lot of people in Laos love to spend evenings along the Mekong River and take photos while doing it. As the sun sets, the areas along the river become very crowded with people who are walking, drinking, talking, and getting ready for whatever comes next.
There are great places to take pictures of the sunset, group shots of your friends, and pictures of you being your natural self while the Mekong River reflects the sky as it changes. When it’s dark outside, there are still many people at the riverfront. They create a nice balance between being active and relaxing, which makes it a great place for travelers who enjoy being in a lively atmosphere without having to party all night.
Practical Tips for Indian Travellers to Enjoy Laos Nightlife
When you go out at night in Laos, you will be able to relax and enjoy yourself as well. However, the nightlife culture here is different from the culture in other Southeast Asian nations, and here are some useful tips for you:
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Begin your Laos nightlife exploration earlier
Most of the bars and night markets in Laos do not stay open as late as those in other countries. Many of these places will start to get quiet about 10-11 PM, especially if they are not in locations where there are a lot of backpackers. Therefore, it is a good idea to go out shortly after sunset or in the early evening if you want to take advantage of the night.
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Bring cash with you to the night markets
Cash is the best method to pay at the night markets, local bars, and small venues. Some places do not accept credit or debit cards, so finding an ATM late at night can be difficult. It also helps to have small denominations of currency since they are easier to use in small venues and markets.
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Wear casual and comfortable clothing
There is no need to dress to impress when you go out at night in Laos, and it is fine to wear casual and comfortable clothing. You just want to make sure you do not wear clothing that is too revealing, especially in towns that are quieter, because Laos is much more conservative compared to its neighbouring countries.
- Plan your transportation back to your accommodation
Taxis and tuk-tuks are available in most tourist areas; however, they become harder to find later at night. If you are staying far from your accommodation, consider arranging for a ride ahead of time or leaving before the venues close.
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Safety precautions in Laos
Laos is a safe country, even at night; however, keep an eye on your personal belongings when you are in crowded places and always try to walk back to your accommodation on well-lit streets. Use common sense when walking in a deserted area late at night.
3-Day Laos Itinerary with Nightlife
An example of a 3-day itinerary including main attractions, natural highlights, & some of the best nightlife available in Laos, great for first-time visitors.
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Day 1
Day 1 is dedicated to visiting Vientiane; while there, you will visit landmarks like Pha That Luang, Patuxai, Buddha Park, and others in the area (including nearby temples) during the day. Spend the late afternoon at the Mekong River watching the sunset & enjoying the atmosphere along the riverfront.
In the evening, visit the Vientiane Night Laos Market to sample local street foods & shop for souvenirs, then spend the rest of the night having drinks at one of the more casual riverfront bars with views over the Mekong River.
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Day 2
Day 2 consists of traveling from Vientiane, the capital of Laos, to Vang Vieng, a small town located amongst limestone hills and rivers. Highlights for you this day include: Blue Lagoon, Tham Phu Kham Cave, and hiking to Nam Xay Viewpoint for some of the best views of the area. After watching the sunset from a riverside bar on the Nam Song River, you will have the opportunity to experience Vang Vieng’s backpacker nightlife scene (many bars and party-style hostels provide an exciting social atmosphere while in Vang Vieng).
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Day 3
Day 3 of your trip will allow you to continue to discover Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as you explore the rice paddy fields surrounding the town or choose to take a guided tour of Wat Xieng Thong, the Palace Museum of the former King of Laos, and, if you’re up to the challenge, climb Mount Phousi for an incredible view of both the town and the Mekong River. Later in the evening, you will visit the famous Luang Prabang Night Market and end your trip at one of Luang Prabang’s many wine bars or live jazz bars.
This suggested 3-day itinerary provides examples of how to experience Laos nightlife and culture. To create a Laos experience tailored to your own needs, you can discuss with travel experts from Vietnamtour.in to build a personalised itinerary, from destinations to accommodation
Conclusion
The Laos nightlife is relaxed and friendly, with a cultural emphasis on attending the night markets, river bars, and live bands available in the cities of Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang. This complements the activities of the day for a balanced touring experience without a sense of urgency in Laos.
For tourists seeking a comfortable and organised tour, Vietnamtour.in provides customised tours of Laos and Vietnam attractions. In such tours, tourists can enjoy evening activities along with visiting popular tourist spots without any worries about destination, accommodation, food, or how to travel!