Entertainment in Vientiane
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Sala Sunset Khounta
At the west end of the dirt road along the riverfront, the ‘Sunset Bar’ is a Vientiane institution. The rustic wooden platform made of old boat timbers has been serving Beerlao at sunset for years, and was the only such bar to survive the government’s riverfront-bar demolition a few years ago. The friendly and enterprising proprietors also offer local food and interesting snacks.
reviewed
-
B
Jazzy Brick
Run by a Lao who studied in Australia, the Jazzy Brick is a cut above most of its competitors on the style front. It’s ostensibly a cocktail bar, and the cocktails are well mixed, but the prices (US$4 to US$5, or US$2.50 for a small Beerlao) are difficult to justify in a town as cheap as Vientiane. It’s often open later than midnight.
reviewed
-
C
Bor Pen Nyang
The rooftop bar in this four-storey building was the place to be when we were researching. And it was easy to see why. With expansive views over the Mekong, a reliable range of music (if a little Aussie-centric), decent food and a generally ‘up’ atmosphere, it was a lot of fun. If you want to avoid backpackers, however, go elsewhere.
reviewed
-
D
Lunar 36
This was the hottest nightclub in town when we passed, partly because two nearby clubs that had been popular were mysteriously forced to close after the Don Chan Palace Hotel opened. In fairness, it is fun, though only on the prescribed nights – at other times it’s just karaoke in private rooms.
reviewed
-
E
Vins de France
Vins de France is one of the best French wine cellars in Southeast Asia. Even if you don’t like wine, it’s worth popping in for a look at a place so completely out of character with its surrounds. If you do like wine, the US$6.90 degustation might be a wise investment.
reviewed
-
F
Music House
This tiny venue was On The Rock until the owners, and the house band, had a dose of ‘artistic differences’. It’s still worth a look, though, with the band crammed into the corner and the mainly Lao patrons inches away, it’s good fun.
reviewed
-
G
Wind West
A Western-US–style bar and restaurant, Wind West (yes, Wind, that’s not a typo) has live Lao and Western rock music most nights – the music usually starts about 10pm. Depending on the night it can be heaving, or completely dead.
reviewed
-
H
On The Rock Pub
Down a lane off Th Luang Prabang, On The Rock isn’t quite what is was in its intimate old location, but has still been known to put on a good show. The live music is usually rock, or some variation of it. Well worth a look.
reviewed
-
I
National Circus
The old ‘Russian Circus’ established in the 1980s is now known as Hong Kanyasin. It performs from time to time in the National Circus venue, in the north of town. Check for dates in the Vientiane Times.
reviewed
-
J
Laos Traditional Show
The Lao National Theatre has a performance of traditional music and dancing aimed directly at the tourist market, and it’s quite good. It plays nightly, though only during the tourist season (from November to March).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Chicago Bar
The Chicago Bar is a sort of cocktail-cum-lounge bar with a leaning towards jazz and blues. It’s fun, especially as it tends to stay open later than most Vientiane bars. Tip though: avoid the mojitos.
reviewed
-
L
Future Nightclub
Future Nightclub is on the way to the airport and is not far past the Novotel. The music here can make stepping into the Future seem more like leaping into the past. Fun though.
reviewed
-
M
Blue Sky
Blue Sky is a four-storey backpacker bar with the seemingly obligatory Hollywood movies on screen. Better is the rooftop bar, which is ideal for sundowners – when it’s open.
reviewed
-
N
Anou Cabaret
On the ground floor of the Anou Hotel, the cabaret has been swinging along for years. It’s a funny place, with booths and old crooners that feel very 1960s.
reviewed
-
O
Spirit House
Popular with expats, this classy place in a quiet position opposite the river specialises in cocktails, but also serves tasty tapas and burgers.
reviewed
-
P
Marina
Marina is quite big and ostentatious. If you get sick of dancing you can bowl instead!
reviewed
-
Lao ITECC
This centre includes a cinema that shows a mix of cinematic fare at hard-to-pin-down times.
reviewed
-
Q
D*Tech
At the Novotel, this place often has a Philippine cover-band sharing space with its DJ.
reviewed
-
R
-
S
Advertisement
