10 Best Nightlife in Laos

Perched above an unassuming liquor shop and cafe is one of the city's best speakeasy bars. It's a stylish yet welcoming place that serves cocktails as creative as they are delicious, with jazz playing at a comfortable volume and local art adorning the walls. You can rub shoulders with Vientiane's jet set until after midnight.

This laid-back, bohemian-style hangout in a tiny, eclectically decorated white house is a good spot for a well-mixed whisky sour or mojito and a perhaps a chat about life in Luang Prabang with the crowd of expats who hang out here. There are even theme nights with swing music or book discussions to keep things stimulating.

This British-owned speakeasy has a delightful outdoor patio and sleek minimal-chic interior design with excellent black-and-white photography from Southeast Asia on the walls. Cocktails are strong and well mixed, and there's an eclectic menu of tapas, ranging from Mexican empanadas to lemon meringue tartlets. The lively mixed crowd of locals and expats makes this an enjoyable spot for a night out.

This popular bar and restaurant occupies a prime spot on the Mekong, with great views from the rooftop setting for sunsets as the night market starts up down below. On most nights it's packed with locals and travelers—often an assortment of ladyboys and bar girls—but the views, music, and camaraderie are good enough to prevent it from becoming too seedy. It's open from 10 am to midnight.

With an interesting Tintin-inspired decor and beers imported from Belgium (14 on tap and much more bottled), it's no wonder this casual bar is as popular as it is, albeit a little expensive for Vientiane. Dishes like the excellent mussels in garlic butter sauce greatly exceed pub-grub expectations.

This classy speakeasy behind a nondescript exterior is tiny---15 people would be a full house---and it can be tricky to locate, but well worth it if you can get a place to sit. The cocktail menu includes classics as well as a selection of in-house creations. 

Luang Prabang's young nouveau riche strut their stuff at Dao Fa. The action doesn't heat up until after 10, and the party's over at midnight due to curfew, but for those who like thumping beats, this is the only real nightclub in town. Because it's out by the southern bus station, you won't see many foreign faces here.

The bowling alley around the corner from Settha Palace serves food and drink to a rowdy mix of locals and expats.

On a side street just off the Mekong this charming bar stocks a selection of spirits and beers, and mixes excellent artisanal gin and tonics, as well as tasty Western and Asian food. There's seating inside the lovingly restored old Lao house, but the enchanting tiki garden is also a draw.