Nocturnal Oasis: Explore The Best Nightlife Scenes in Laos!

Laos is a popular Southeast Asian destination for visitors and backpackers, sharing a border with Vietnam and Cambodia. Although not as spectacular and crazy as its surrounding nations, Laos nightlife is not as dreary and uninteresting as you may anticipate. People here know how to have a good time. In fact, it is one of the best locations to live free and have fun while you are still young.

If you are looking for places to enjoy Laotian nightlife while you are backpacking, here are some options to get wild and crazy.

Dance Along With The Lively Tunes Of Laos Nightlife

Dive into the enchanting nightlife of Laos, a country rich in cultural heritage that unfolds a distinctive and laid-back experience in its vibrant entertainment districts. The atmosphere is characterized by a relaxed and friendly vibe, providing the perfect backdrop for travelers to unwind and connect. Laos nightlife caters to diverse preferences, from cozy riverside bars with breathtaking views to lively night markets offering local delights. Live music, traditional dance performances, and the opportunity to engage with both locals and fellow travelers enhance the allure of Laos's nightlife.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Laotian culture through the bustling night markets and street vendors scattered across the city. Witness manual workers grabbing a quick late dinner on their way home, and succumbing to the irresistible allure of delicious local street food in the evening, emanating enticing aromas and flavors from charming small stalls.

Daily life starts early in a nation deeply influenced by Buddhism, especially in Luang Prabang, the former religious capital. The majority of the city embraces a morning-oriented lifestyle, rising at 5 AM and retiring by 10 PM after a day of hard work. By 10 PM, the streets of Luang Prabang clear, embracing the city in peaceful darkness and tranquil landscapes. Though seemingly subdued for a Buddhist country, this nightly tradition makes Luang Prabang's nightlife exceptionally unique and cherished.

Dance along with the lively tunes of Laos nightlife 

Top Laos Nightclubs: Unveiling The Pulse of The Night In Enchanting Rhythms

1. Bor Pen Nyang Bar And Restaurant

Bor Pen Nyang is a 4-storey bar and restaurant on the Mekong River and central Vientiane. This place is great for catching the sunset, but you have to come early because the table runs out very quickly on the balcony side. Besides, the specialties here are BBQ, larb (minced meat salad), spicy seafood soup, and the special Swiss cheeseburger. At night, Bor Pen Nyang is very busy, with the music of popular Western music and 2 pool tables that are constantly full. Draft Beer Lao is served in pints, pitchers, and beer towers. Laos nightlife is off the roof here.

Bor Pen Nyang is a 4-storey bar and restaurant on the Mekong River 

2. Vientiane Night Market

For Laos nightlife, Vientiane offers great places to loosen up. When travelers are in Vientiane, the Mekong River is a “must-go” place where we can find different kinds of Laos nightlife, and one of those is their Vientiane night market, also called night bazaar, which can be found in the newly renovated riverside promenade at Mekong river and next to Chao Anouvong Park.

This red-roofed market is a place for those looking for food to eat with their food stalls, souvenirs for their loved ones, a place to chill out, and a drink to share with others. Vientiane Night Market is operational from 6:00 in the evening until midnight. Since its opening for Laos nightlife, many locals and travelers have spent the night in this place, and because this is an open area, working girls are also found here, which isn’t avoidable in Vientiane. The Vientiane Night Market is the best places to visit in Vientiane. 

Vientiane Night Market is operational from 6:00 in the evening until midnight  

3. Icon Klub, Luang Prabang

Tourists highly praise the Night Club Luang Prabang as one of the premier destinations for a fantastic time in Laos. Skilled bartenders concoct a diverse range of cocktails to ensure that both you and the atmosphere at the nightclub Luang Prabang are infused with a joyful spirit. The lively music played to entertain the guests will have you irresistibly tapping your feet. This venue exudes sophistication, attracting only an elite crowd to its stylish ambiance. If you are in the mood, don't miss the opportunity to explore the upstairs art gallery.

4. Viva Pub, Vang Vieng

In Vang Vieng, Laos, the nightlife is more tasteful and respectable. Viva Pub stands out as one of the limited establishments in Laos that remains open late into the night, characterized by a vibrant atmosphere featuring UV glitter and paint. Viva Pub is the go-to destination for those seeking to prolong the festivities even after other venues have closed their doors. The pub presents enticing late-night offers for patrons, and while the bar menu is somewhat restricted, the affordability of the drinks compensates for it. Viva Pub easily rivals Sakura Bar in Vang Vieng, offering a nightlife experience in Laos that is truly unparalleled.

5. Lalaland Bar, Vang Vieng

Lalaland Bar is renowned for its laid-back hippie ambiance, creating an ideal setting for those seeking a relaxed experience in Laos nightlife. The popular Laos night bar is always packed with people and it is hard not to step on someone’s feet. The amiable owner ensures a pleasant atmosphere, keeping guests happy and entertained throughout their visit. The live band, known for their fantastic music, is sure to lift your spirits, and if you're feeling particularly musical after a few drinks, the open mic is at your disposal. As the night progresses, you'll likely forge connections with fellow patrons facilitated by the welcoming atmosphere. For those looking for a more active diversion, the bar even features a ping-pong table—perhaps a round for Beer-pong is for those in the mood?

Exciting Activities During Laos Nightlife For Visitors

1. Lao Bowling Center

The Lao Bowling Centre features 16 lanes and has state-of-the-art equipment and scoring systems. It is open to bowlers of all skill levels and is a popular destination for families, friends, and corporate events. In addition, the Lao Bowling Centre is known for its fun and lively atmosphere, with music playing throughout the venue. So if you want to relax at night, just go to the Lao Bowling; it is open daily late at night.

Lao Bowling Centre is known for its fun and lively atmosphere 

2. Major Platinum Cineplex Vientiane Center

Situated in the heart of Vientiane Center on Khouvieng Road, Laos's most modern cinema complex, affiliated with the Platinum Cineplex group, offers a convenient and entertaining experience. Located near iconic landmarks like the Victory Gate and the prime minister's house, accessibility is straightforward with nearby bus stops and on-site parking. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed MBK center in Bangkok, this cinema provides an exceptional experience at fair prices. Boasting a 3D screen with high resolution and state-of-the-art sound equipment, the cinema guarantees a fantastic and electric movie night for everyone to enjoy.

3. Vangthong Food Market

Running parallel to Khounboulom Boulevard, Vangthong Food Market opens its doors just before sunset, offering patrons the chance to indulge in the finest everyday Laotian culinary delights. Despite some tourists expressing concerns about the hygiene practices in food preparation, the market remains a favored dining destination that consistently satisfies the demands of a diverse visitor base. Notably, the market ensures that its raw materials are consistently fresh, alleviating any apprehensions about the quality of the food.

Street food in Vangthong Food Market 

4. Utopia

Utopia, located a brief 5-minute stroll from the city center, is a riverside establishment that seamlessly combines the elements of a bohemian-style restaurant, café, and bar. Its appeal extends beyond the local community, including backpackers seeking a unique experience. On regular evenings without special events, the ambiance is laid-back and comfortable, accompanied by background music, often in the form of relaxed genres like reggae. Guests typically unwind on mattresses, engaging in activities such as playing games or enjoying shisha. Additionally, Utopia sporadically hosts diverse events, ranging from movie screenings and live concerts to volleyball competitions.

As Laos has transformed from a modest town into a vibrant city, it has become a hub of enjoyment, showcasing its modern and trendy atmosphere. In the current development phase, many of us would enjoy exploring this beautiful city, particularly its lively bars and pubs. 

Ready to explore all the nightlife in Laos? Let’s apply for an e-visa to make your travel dream come true. You must first check eligibility to know whether you have enough conditions to apply for a Laos e-visa. If you have any queries, please contact us anytime if you need help with the visa process.