Nubra Valley
Nubra's only drinking hole is an unmarked collection of cabanas hidden discreetly behind unmarked metal gates, next door to the Sten-Del Hotel access lane…
Must-see nightlife in Asia
Bandung
Locally known as the 'naughty bar'. The beer flows late at this pub-style expat and bar-girl hangout. It's actually not that sleazy, and there’s a popular…
Ubon Ratchathani
A little oasis of cool on a hot day, with iced coffee, chocolate cake and smoothies on hand. It's in the heart of the old town; look for the sign in…
Downtown Kyoto
At the northern end of Kiyamachi-dōri, this little reggae bar is a decent place for a drink on weekdays, but on Friday and Saturday nights you’ll have no…
Khon Kaen
The exuberant anchor of the less salubrious side of Khon Kaen's nightlife, this is a multifaceted place with live music, DJs, karaoke, a wine bar and …
Ko Samui
Sitting in the heart of the Chaweng action, there is always live music at the back of this overblown branch of Hard Rock Cafe, which is rarely full and so…
Darjeeling
It may be heresy to drink coffee in Darjeeling but if you need a hit, this reliable chain has a useful location at Chowrasta. The sunny terrace offers…
Quy Nhon
This was a Quy Nhon institution for years, but times have changed. The Western food is forgettable but it's still an option for an evening beer (15,000d),…
Sichuan
A 2nd-floor teahouse overlooking the river with a hard-drinking, chain-smoking clientele. It's the first building on the left just across the bridge to…
Ho Chi Minh City
An unexpected find in the backstreets of HCMC, this Czech restaurant brews up fresh pilsner and dark beer daily. The entrance is down a lane off Ɖ Nguyen…
Himeji
Bright and modern – and across from JR Himeji Station (north side) – this cafe does a good 'morning set' (until 11am) of coffee and different kinds of…
Odaiba & Tokyo Bay
On the ground floor of an office building, this contemporary design cafe serves up coffee and lunch specials (from ¥900) in a colourful, relaxed setting.
Pulau Langkawi
Located at the Langkawi Yacht Club Hotel, this is a friendly, unpretentious place that functions equally well as a bar or restaurant (mains RM26 to RM48).
George Town
This place starts rocking out early with cheesy '80s hits and a Chinese clientele noshing bangers and mash and swilling pints with a handful of expats.
Kochi (Cochin)
The most casual and salubrious of Fort Cochin's beer parlours, the upstairs bar at XL attracts locals and travellers looking for a cold Kingfisher.
Kaohsiung
A loud and popular sports bar in the Zuoying District, with good service, live broadcasts and a wide selection of beer and liquor.
Danang
Danang's go-to spot for live music and draught beer, and a good place to meet younger residents with a decent grasp of English.
Uttarakhand
A popular modern cafe with a coffee machine and an excellent bookshop in the back.
Tainan
This American franchise offers live sports coverage, draught beer, cheap pizza, dart boards and a pool table.
Lucknow
Inside, this is a typical hotel bar, but it has the added attraction of a beer garden on a well-tended lawn.
Jeonju
A quaint coffeehouse that offers coffees, espresso and tea along with chocolate cake and other sweet treats.
Ho Chi Minh City
One of the PNL originals, this French-run bar has looooong hours and occasionally hosts live bands.
Savannakhet
Located about 200m north of the old stadium, Chill is a pretty standard Lao karaoke joint.
Pyongyang
Inside the Haemaji Shopping Centre you'll find this German-run venture where beer is served up to a mixture of locals and visitors in the capital. Brews…
Pyongyang
This bar near the Juche Tower has seven different types of beer on tap, plus cocktails and meals. It's a good chance to see how the local middle classes…
Pyongyang
The Diplomatic Club is a complex full of bars, karaoke rooms and restaurants and it boasts an excellent pool aimed at international residents, although…
Ashgabat
Though looking nothing like one, a ‘real British pub’ has found its way to Central Asia. It's often empty though, with televisions providing the only…
Jiuzhaigou National Park
A chill hang-out, Star Cafe has a decent selection of fresh coffee (from ¥25) and cold beer (from ¥15) and wine, plus a range of international dishes (¥20…
Ashgabat
In a courtyard behind the Hotel Daýhan, this place serves up the cheapest beer in town and does tasty kebabs, with outdoor tables and a friendly…
Everest Base Camp Trek
The liveliest nightspot in Namche. The kitchen cooks up a tasty steak sizzler, the drinks menu (small/big cans of beer Rs
Ashgabat
This tranquil beer garden, located behind the circus, serves up frothy pints of local beer and sticks of shashlyk. It's known locally as Berk Bar, named…
