In Laos, when day turns to nightfall, the nation changes into an inviting and mystical spot. The nightlife in this nation is not just about loud and big parties and flashy clubs, but it’s also a site where you can feel calm, absorb the serene setting. You can also walk right through the glowing and quiet streets, where you will find the moonlight dancing on the river and the gentle sounds of the night filling the atmosphere. The Laos nightlife promises to offer you something incredible, from soothing music and vibrant markets to sipping a drink while sitting by the quiet river.
10 Places To Experience Laos Nightlife
The Laos nightlife is filled with open-aired bars, magical rhythms of live music and a variety of other things. It will surely give you the best time of your life and make unique memories.
1. Lao Bowling Center, Vientiane
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At the Lao Bowling Centre, you will surely get to feel the thrill when the balls roll right down the bowling lane and then slam right into the pins. This place is not just a bowling alley, but it’s also a touch of local culture. The spot carries a rustic design, instructions in Spanish and bowling balls, and the laid-back setting is something you cannot ignore. All the tourists and even the locals come to Lao Bowling Centre for warm smiles, cold beers and friendly games that create a homely setting and give tourists the opportunities to mingle with locals. You will also find the flickery scoreboard that adds a retro feel to the place.
Location: Vientiane, Laos
How To Reach: Walking or take a Tuk-Tuk downtown Vientiane
2. Sakura Bar, Vang Vieng
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Located in Vang Vieng, the Sakura Bar is a place that is worth visiting as it’s the best party site. This place will let you uniquely experience Laos nightlife, as it’s always filled with excitement and energy. As the neon lights begin to flash, the DJs of this place start spinning all the coolest tracks, which creates an electric vibe. You will also get to witness Fire performance, which lights up the entire and it will surely make you roar with zeal. There are walls filled with messages from various visitors and even graffiti that makes the whole spot more unique and special.
Location: Vang Vieng
How To Reach: By Tuk-Tuk or via foot
3. The Luang Prabang Night Market, Luang Prabang
Photo: Ekrem Canli / Wikimedia Commons
Filled with lanterns and countless stalls, the night market at Luang Prabang is an experience in itself. There are many handmade textiles, multi-coloured artworks and even elaborate silver ornaments for you to shop from. The Luang Prabang Night Market is also well-known among many sightseers for its grilled skewers and even various local delicacies, which will surely make you stop and grab a bite. Make sure to try the sticky rice with sweet mango and some spicy leaps while relishing the vibrant and friendly setting of the market.
Location: Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
How To Reach: Take the Tuk-Tuk or just go on foot
4. Moonlight Lounge, Vientiane
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Hyped for all the right reasons, Moonlight Lounge mixes both vibrancy and sophistication. The Moonlight Lounge will make your Laos nightlife experience incredible by offering you its top-tier drink menu, which includes mixed cocktails and rare bourbons. Its cosy lighting, jazzy beats, and plush seating will let you relax and enjoy your time here. As the evening begins to progress, the music then changes to hip-hop, and the dance floor starts to fill up.
Location: Near Presidential Palace, Vientiane
How To Reach: Go via Tuk-Tuk or taxi from the city centre
5. Blue Lagoon, Vang Vieng
Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons
Once the night begins to fall, Blue Lagoon changes into a peaceful retreat. This magical spot in Laos will let you experience “peace” like nowhere else. Just imagine yourself sitting by the water under the astral sky and the faint humming of the cicadas mixing perfectly with the rustling of the trees nearby. The place is also ideal for bonfires that make people sit down together and share tales and some laughter. This calm place is where you will witness nature and silence creating a nightlife that will make you relaxed and also reflect.
Location: 7 KM from the City Centre, Near Vang Vieng
How To Reach: Take a bike or Tuk-Tuk
6. Vangthong Evening Food Market, Vientiane
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The Vangthong Evening Food Market is filled with vibrant energy. Once you reach the place, you will be instantly hit by the scent of sizzling grills. When the vendors start setting up their stalls, the market comes to life with all the smells of local delicacies, lively sounds and even sights. Here, at this food market, you will surely get to try Laos sausages, roasted duck and even skewered perfectly grilled fish. The clattering of the works and the laughter of the local vendors turn the place into a buzzing and joyful setting. Visiting the Vangthong Evening Food Market means getting to see the soul and heart of Lao food culture.
Location: Vientiane
How To Reach: Via foot or Tuk-Tuk
7. Jazz Brick Bar, Vientiane
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Another cool way to enjoy the Laos nightlife is by checking out the Jazzy Brick Bar in Vientiane. This place is perfect for all music fans, and its blues performances, live jazz, cosy lighting, and exposed brick walls will certainly touch your soul. You can relax at this pub with a handmade cocktail or with a glass of wine while the air gets filled by the smooth notes of the saxophone. Jazzy Brick Bar offers an intimate ambience that makes it an ideal spot to de-stress and let the music take you to a different world.
Location: Near the Vientiane’s City Centre
How To Reach: Walk by foot or take a Tuk-Tuk
8. 525 Cocktails & Tapas, Luang Prabang
Photo: Yuanbin Du / Wikimedia Commons
All visitors visiting the 525 Cocktails & Tapas will get to experience something unique once the day changes to night. This elegant venue is filled with an inviting and warm ambience and soft lighting. You should begin your night out here with the cocktail, “Tamarind Sour”, along with some crispy spring rolls or other delicious tapas. As you feel relaxed, the faint hum of the music and conversation will create a soothing beat. You can either soak into the calmness of the place or share tales with friends, make new friends, or gel up with the locals.
Location: Luang Prabang
How To Reach: Via Tuk-Tuk
9. Bowling Alleys, Luang Prabang
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Sometimes, the Laos nightlife will take you on unexpected adventures, and Luang Prabang’s bowling alleys deliver just that. Under flickering fluorescent lights, the air buzzes with friendly rivalry and bursts of laughter. This isn’t about perfect scores but about bonding over shared moments. Grab a drink, lace up your shoes, and let the night take its course. Strikes are celebrated with cheers, while gutter balls spark teasing and giggle.
Location: Outskirts of Luang Prabang
How To Reach: Via taxi or Tuk-Tuk
10. Mekong River Cruises
Photo: Pierre André / Wikimedia Commons
Close your eyes and enjoy the Mekong at night with lanterns casting a golden glow, the water mirroring the stars, and the gentle strumming of traditional Lao music in the background. A nighttime Mekong River cruise is nothing short of enchanting. As the boat drifts through calm waters, temples and stilted houses gleam like jewels in the distance. You’re cocooned in the serenity of the moment, with the river’s soft lullaby in your ears. Sip on a glass of wine, let the breeze kiss your cheeks, and lose yourself in the romance of it all.
Location: Mekong River, which can be accessed via Vientiane or Luang Prabang
How To Reach: Should be booked by hotels or local operators.
Laos nightlife isn’t loud or flashy, but it’s a symphony of peace, chuckle, and discovery. Whether it’s the warmth of a riverside pub, the excitement of a lively market, or the serenity of a starry sky, Laos offers a nightlife adventure that will abide with you long even after the night comes to an end. Plan a perfect itinerary covering everything about Laos with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons