Yogyakarta
Nightly traditional dance performances of the Ramayana at 8pm, which go on for around 1½ hours. You can dine here and watch the show (600,000Rp). To watch…
Must-see entertainment in Southeast Asia
Thanon Sukhumvit
Many come to this cheesy ‘ice bar’ for the chill, the skimpily dressed waitresses and the flavoured vodka, but some discerning others come for Unicorn,…
Phuket Town
Under the watch of one of the island's favourite musicians, Boy Navio, red-walled Bebop is the place in town for quality live jazz, and gets busy with…
Seminyak
State-of-the-art screenings of new, classic, art-house and unusual movies in a comfy and small cinema. Admission is free with any food purchase from the…
Chiang Mai
The most professional of Chiang Mai's Thai boxing stadiums, with slightly higher admission fees and higher-profile fights anticipated by tourists and…
Danau Toba
The best nights out on Pulau Samosir are the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday live-music nights (normally with local rock bands) at Roy's, a graffiti…
East Java
Sumenep is a centre for champion bull breeding, and on most Saturday mornings bull races can be seen at the Giling stadium.
Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar
Live jazz lovers speak highly of this intimate performance space. Resident and guest artists usually take to the stage around 9pm. There's no cover charge…
Balikpapan
Of all the waterfront restaurants on Ruko Bandar, War House is the place for live music, with a house band playing from 7pm nightly. There's plenty of…
Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas
The events space in the Zhongshan Building hosts live performances including sets by local DJs and musicians. Check out the Facebook or Instagram streams…
Vientiane
Bouts of Lao boxing are held every Saturday at 7pm at Houayhong Boxing Stadium, located northwest of the city centre. It's free, and unlike the matches in…
Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
Based at the KC Arts Centre but also performing at other venues, the SRT produces international repertory standards as well as modern Singaporean plays…
Banglamphu
Located in a cavernous shophouse is this long-standing live-music staple. The music, which spans from funk to jazz, starts at 8pm most nights and, on…
Siem Reap
The setting for this Cambodian classical-dance show is a striking wooden pavilion finished in the style of a wat. The price includes dinner. It tends to…
Yangon
This ageing 40,000-seat stadium, opposite Yangon Central Train Station, is the home ground for Yangon United FC and used for football matches in the…
Ubud
A simple setting backed by a large carved wall where excellent performances of Legong and the Kecak fire dance are staged. A free shuttle leaves the Ubud…
Jakarta
Housed in a historic theatre (the oldest in Jakarta), this plush cinema with gold trim is worth a visit. It shows Western movies in English. There's a…
Chiang Mai
A popular Thai boxing stadium surrounded by seedy bars in Chiang Mai's Red Light District. Detailed fliers often circulate online and in the streets on…
Phnom Penh
The smartest cinema in town, with seven screens, including a business-class-like VIP screen and a 4DX screen for interactive viewing (complete with moving…
Vientiane
Dance, art exhibitions, films, literary discussions and live music all take place in this Gallic hive of cultural activity. The centre also offers French…
Ko Phi-Phi
There's live music nightly at this popular place that draws Thais and fa·ràng (Westerners). The talented band plays everything from classic covers to…
Northern Bangkok
Bangkok’s first and biggest art-house cinema, House shows lots of foreign flicks of the non-Hollywood type. For updated screening information, check the…
Hanoi
Evening performances of classical music, opera and ballet are periodically held at the grand Hanoi Opera House. Check the website for details of upcoming…
Phnom Penh
Flicks shows at least three movies a day (more on weekends) in an uber-comfortable, air-conditioned screening room. As a bonus, you can watch all films on…
Mandalay
Hidden on the 5th floor of this big shopping centre are a three-screen cinema, several fast-food eateries and a concert hall with occasional Myanmar rap…
Vientiane
On the ground floor of the Anou Paradise Hotel, the cabaret has been swinging along here for years. It's a funny place, with old crooners and a palpable…
Manila
In the space of the old Penguin Cafe, once Malate’s prime boho magnet, the Minokaua puts exceptional musical talent on stage, especially on Fridays and…
Ubud
Hosts some of the best troupes performing Barong and Legong dance. On nights when there is a new or full moon, the Cak Rina trance and fire dance is held…
Yogyakarta
Popular two-hour performances held most nights; the first half-hour involves the reading of the story in Javanese, so most travellers skip this and arrive…
Kuala Lumpur
A boon to KL’s live-music scene, this spacious venue packs in rock and pop fans with a decent line-up of international and local big-name artists and DJs.
Cherating
Live music is played most nights from 10pm at this rather brash two-level bar and restaurant which occupies a prime location as you come into the village.
Manila
Professional group that performs plays in English for both children and adults at the OnStage Theatre. Shows may be targeted at children, adults or both.
Boracay
OM is the smallest, most down-to-earth and most gay-friendly of the central beach discos. You'll hear the thumping beats long before you reach the door.
Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar
Classical Indian dance and music shows take place here throughout the year. The centre also runs performing-arts courses; see the website for schedules.
Manila
A wonderfully decrepit dive bar with a jam-packed roster of indie, punk and new-wave bands that kick off at 10.30pm. Check Facebook for the schedule.
Ho Chi Minh City
This live-music venue hosts anything from funk rock to metal, acoustic to indie, kicking off at around 9pm nightly. Check Facebook for what's on.
Mandalay
Large stadium seating more than 31,000 people that's home to Mandalay's Yadarbon FC. It's south of downtown, out near the old airport.
Hat Patong
This stadium has a packed line-up of competitive moo·ay tai (Thai boxing) bouts featuring Thai and foreign fighters.
Nyaungshwe
Aung Myanmar Puppet Show has two nightly, 30-minute shows of traditional Myanmar puppetry. It's behind the Nandawunn Hotel.
Northern Bangkok
The other of Bangkok's two premier Thai boxing rings is located in a modern venue far north of town.
