Nightclubs and bars in Laos

This place is...interesting! It seems that this is where the young Lao people go to get drunk and dance! It's all very cheesy! Be extra careful, we heard lots of stories of pickpocketing.

Dress Code: No dress code

This isn't a recommendation spot for nightlife rather just a tip about the lack of it. Both Vientiane and Luang Prabang shut up shop early. Most restaurants have finished by 9pm. There is the odd bar - usually run by foreigners that you can get a drink but neither place is exactly a party town!

You certainly won't want to get a brew like this - locally made snake, scorpion and god knows what in the rice wine.

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Lao food is rather light, and you may feel a bit hungry before bedtime.

You're not alone: go to some night market and join the crowds.

Remember, if you've seen it grill, it's probably safe for your genteel Western stomach.

I remember burning my mouth on deep fried balls of sweet dough, in almost pitch darkness, among laughing children.

The Lao capital, Vientiane, of course offers the most nightlife as compared to other towns in Laos. Some of the more interesting stuffs which you could possibly do, besides drinking are perhaps, getting to Putaxai and Phat That Luang to catch the night time view. The more busy night time places center around the Nam Phu area. More internet places open till midnight and hence, clearing your emails at night may be a good idea.

You may have guessed that Vang Vieng, like the other small towns, has nothing much to offer after the sun sets. Well, yes, other than sleeping early, enjoying a BeerLao at one of the restaurants by the Nam Song River, chatting and sharing interesting stories with other travelers, there is nothing much to do.

Where there are more tourists, there is more nightlife. In Luang Prabang, you will find the place more bustling with activities after dark. Some night time activities are :

- Night market every night along the street where the Royal Palace is
- Few pubs at the town centre
- Drinking at the restaurants along the main street of the Mekong River
- Enjoy strolling at night
- Get to an internet café and surf the web dry or send your emails

Similarly to Muang Khua, Nong Khiaw is a tiny little town without any town-like nightlife activities. Personally, I enjoyed the 1 evening in Nong Khiaw when I was there. I was having my dinner at Sunset Guesthouse, talking to the locals working with the guesthouse. In particular, there was 1 young man I was talking with and he provided much insight on the life there. Well, he was keen to practice communicating in English with me. He told me about his family and how he ended up working for the Guesthouse. It was an interesting conversation.

Star gazing from the veranda is cool.

Enjoy dreaming away…

In Muang Khua, there is absolutely no nightlife. All you could do is perhaps drinking at the Nam Ou Guesthouse Restaurant which is by the Nam Ou River as you plan for your onward trip or write your travel journal. If not, just enjoy the quietness or sleep early.