Kuala Lumpur
At weekends this bistro becomes one of the city's top venues for live jazz. Shows begin at 10pm.
Must-see entertainment in Southeast Asia
Ho Chi Minh City
The landmark French-era Opera House is home to the HCMC Ballet and the Ballet & Symphony Orchestra (www.hbso.org.vn), and hosts performances by visiting…
Vietnam National Tuong Theatre
Hanoi
Hat tuong is a uniquely Vietnamese variation of Chinese opera that enjoyed its greatest popularity under the Nguyen dynasty in the 19th century…
Chinatown & the CBD
If your idea of a good night involves sinking into a sofa and watching classic flicks, make some time for Screening Room. Expect anything from Mamma Mia…
Malaysia
Founded in the 19th century, Selangor Turf Club has a programme of 30 race days spread throughout the year – see the website for the schedule. The best…
Luang Prabang
The misleadingly named Royal Lao Ballet puts on slow-moving traditional dances accompanied by a 10-piece Lao 'orchestra'. Performances last about 1¼ hours…
Ko Ratanakosin & Thonburi
The National Theatre holds performances of kŏhn (masked dance-drama based on stories from the Ramakian) at 2pm on the first and second Sundays of the…
Bangkok
Once billed as the world's most notorious red-light district, Patpong is now a much watered-down version of its former self. These days, a flea market…
Performing Arts Centre of Penang
George Town
Check the website to see what shows are on at this modern performing-arts centre, in the shopping plaza Straits Quay between George Town and Batu…
Siam Square, Pratunam, Phloen Chit & Ratchathewi
Named for its location in the middle of the embassy district, this is one of the few hotel lounges that locals make a point of visiting. Choose from an…
Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
Anywhere that bills itself as 'crazy' should set the alarm bells ringing, but you won't hear them once you're inside. This touristy, graffiti-pimped rock…
South Jakarta
Inside the swanky Fairmont hotel, this dark and cavernous venue hosts live jazz, pop, funk, world music, classical and more on a regular basis. You can…
Melaka City
This 70-minute performance is given in a theatre inconveniently located approximately 7km from the city centre and has clearly been designed with a…
Hanoi
This intimate cafe and bar shows off its style with vintage-music paraphernalia. It's best with a cocktail in hand in the evening, when vocalists croon in…
George Town
This performing-arts space occupies what, when it opened in 1926, was the first 'talkies' picture palace in northern Malaya. The space has been…
Ko Samui
One of Chaweng's most popular and visible ladyboy cabaret shows, right in the pulsating heart of the district, with singers going through big hits. There…
West & Southwest Singapore
Next door to the Science Centre and Snow City, this Imax cinema is home to Asia's largest seamless dome screen (23m diameter) and shows stunning 45-minute…
West & Southwest Singapore
Although not quite as manic as the Hong Kong races, a trip to Singapore Turf Club is a hugely popular day out. Race times vary but usually run on Friday…
Manila
In the heart of the Cultural Centre of the Philippines (CCP), the Manila Film Center building stages performances of the Amazing Show. The one-hour revue…
Hanoi
Hanoi Rock City is tucked away down a residential lane about 7km north of the city near Tay Ho, but it’s a journey well worth taking for reggae, Hanoi…
Phuket Town
This intimate Old Town bar is rammed with biker paraphernalia and framed LPs, and gets loud when Patrick, the Singaporean-born owner, jams with his house…
Luang Prabang
The latest films are shown at the Ock Pop Tok centre on selected Fridays at 7pm, screened after a 6.30pm dinner. Tuk-tuk transport is included; pickup is…
Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar
This branch of the GSC multiplex cinema chain includes a 277-seater screening room.
Semarang
For traditional entertainment, this leafy park (a former zoo) holds wayang orang theatre performances every Saturday from 7pm to midnight, and wayang…
Jakarta
A huge and grand concert hall in a slightly removed location, this private facility is the work of Stephen Tong, a Chinese-American evangelist. The venue…
Yangon
Opened in 1991, the National Theatre is a boxy modern structure, which little reflects traditional Burmese architecture. The venue is occasionally used…
Luang Prabang
Order a drink and a bite to eat and then get comfy on a lounging cushion to watch the latest blockbuster and indie films shown nightly at 7pm. If it's…
Mandalay
A small stage in the garden of this recently renovated and spacious beer station provides live music from local bands, usually featuring covers of Burmese…
Golden Screen Cinemas Pavilion KL
Kuala Lumpur
Expect to queue to see a movie at this 13-screen multiplex in the popular Pavilion KL mall. This is one of the few multiplexes in the GSC chain that has…
Bandung
Hosts enjoyable, if not entirely authentic, angklung (bamboo musical instrument) performances daily in a Sundanese cultural centre that also features…
Chinatown
One of the only non-karaoke-based places of entertainment on Chinatown's main drag is this cosy Chinatown-themed lounge in the Shanghai Mansion hotel…
Kuala Lumpur
The redevelopment of Jln Doraisamy's row of old shophouses into the contemporary dining and shopping destination the Row includes this events space where…
Centre Culturel Français de Hanoi
Hanoi
Set in the sublime L’Espace building near the Hanoi Opera House, the Centre Culturel offers a regular program of French films. Musical events are also…
Pontianak
Warm Bintang (with ice) is served discreetly, and loud live music of the keyboard-and-singing variety emanates from the stage. Depending on the night it…
Ho Chi Minh City
This bar sees some great acts for the roof-lifting live music that takes to the floor nightly at 9.30pm. Seats are out the front for people-watching along…
Bangkok
Located in Asiatique market, Calypso is a popular destination for gà·teu·i (also spelt kàthoey) cabaret, which features cross-dressers or transgender…
Phnom Penh
An old-school Phnom Penh hangout, long famous for billiards and babes, Sharky’s has done a good job of redirecting its focus towards quality live music…
