Not too long ago the nightclub scene in Vientiane was pretty lackluster, and the situation still isn’t comparable to popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia like the Philippines, Thailand, or Vietnam. However, in recent years, things have steadily improved, resulting in a vibrant energy pulsing through the capital. There are even some decent nightclubs you can spend a night out at.
Types of nightclubs in Vientiane
The mainstream nightclubs are to some degree comparable to what you might find in the west. The adult-oriented ones are – as you may already suspect – a bit different and cater to a specific type of visitors. From the outside it’s often hard to tell which category a club falls into, so it’s worth doing a little research beforehand if you have specific preferences.
Mainstream nightclubs
As mentioned already, the mainstream nightclubs in Vientiane share many similarities to what you might be used to. There are one or several bars with drinks, dancefloors and seating areas for people to socialize. One of the big differences are the tables. Tables, that can be reserved or purchased onsite for a certain amount of money, are very common in asian countries. It‘s very common for groups of friends to pool their money for a bottle and secure a table for the night. The purchase of a bottle is usually the minimum spend required to reserve a table. What brands are available and how much they cost, totally depends on the specific nightclub.
Adult-oriented nightclubs
The adult-oriented nightclubs in Vientiane come in many forms. Some are pretty similar to regular clubs, with the main difference that there are hostesses mingling with guests or offering companionship. The difference between those adult-oriented nightclubs and the others is the fact that, at the end of the day, you decide whether the night ends with just drinks and dancing or something more. Another popular type of adult-oriented nightclub in Vientiane are establishments, where you sit in a private room with a hostess of your choice. She shares drinks with you and keeps you company while you chat the night away. Usually the hostesses are not open for other forms of entertainment. It’s really just about an enjoyable, relaxed, and lighthearted experience.
Most popular nightclubs in Vientiane
To give you a better overview of your options, we’ve created a table with the most popular nightclubs in Vientiane. It consists of both – mainstream and adult-oriented venues. Like this, you should get enough inspiration to better decide where to spend your night out.
Name | Opening Times | Type | Highlights | Price Range | Location |
Anou Zab Night Club | n/a | adult-oriented | karaoke, live music, part of a hotel | rather expensive | |
Phoenix Night Club | 22:00 - 02:00 daily | mainstream | affordable drinks, central location, vibrant atmosphere | average-priced | |
Marina Night Club | 21:00 - 03:00 daily | mainstream | spacious dance floor, stylish seating area, outdoor terrace | rather expensive | |
CCC Bar & Club Vientiane | 20:00 - 04:00 daily (+30 minutes on Fridays and Saturdays) | mainstream | LGBTQ+ friendly, cabaret shows, outdoor terrace | average-priced | |
Dr. Oscar Night Club Laos | 20:30 - 03:00 daily | mainstream | diverse crowd, modern lighting, cozy interior | average-priced |
Anou Zab Night Club
The Anou Zab Night Club is part of the Anou Paradise Hotel complex. That makes it a great option if you‘re still looking for a place or already booked a room there. While the outcome of a visit depends on you and you’re not obligated to pay for company, the Anou Zab Nightclub is an adult-oriented venue known for its discreet nightlife. Just don’t expect a huge crowd, since it’s a rather small, but upscale nightclub with a good selection of drinks, live music, and an intimate atmosphere. The main clientele are older people like veterans seeking a more relaxed and private atmosphere.
Phoenix Night Club
From all the nightclubs in Vientiane, the Phoenix Night Club is one of the few that closes relatively early – around 02:00 AM. That’s still plenty of time to enjoy the affordable drinks, energetic atmosphere, and friendly crowd. The Phoenix Night Club is a typical Asian mainstream nightclub. If you want the best possible experience, we recommend visiting them on themed nights when the crowd is at their peak. It might get a bit crowded, but if that’s your vibe, you’re in for a great time.
Marina Night Club
It’s one of the typical Asian nightclubs, where you reserve a table with friends and relax at a stylish seating area. The variety of drinks is really good. Even if you’re looking for something premium like a fine champagne, aged cognac, or single malt whisky, you’re going to find it. The Marina Night Club, with its flashy inside, is one of the most popular nightlife spots among the local youth. Sometimes international DJs perform here, contributing to an energetic atmosphere.
CCC Bar & Club Vientiane
From all nightclubs in the capital, the CCC Bar & Club Vientiane is by far the most diverse. It’s an open-minded, LGBTQ+ friendly venue, where a lot of locals, expats, and travelers come together. There are even occasional cabaret shows featuring drag performances. Another big plus of the location is the huge outdoor terrace that’s perfect for socializing or relaxing with a drink. From all nightclubs in Vientiane this one is, as far as we know, the one with the latest opening times. On Fridays and Saturdays it’s even open until 04:30 in the morning.
Dr. Oscar Night Club Laos
One of the big advantages of the Dr. Oscar Night Club in Laos is the diverse crowd. You’re not just going to find locals here, but also plenty of expats and tourists. Combined with the friendly staff, it creates a welcoming and lively atmosphere. Another great aspect is the interior: The setting is modern, the lighting dazzling, and the sound system top-notch. There‘s also plenty of space to dance the night away.
What to expect in terms of prices at Vientiane nightclubs
If you’re going to spend your night at a bar, it’s usually cheaper than a nightclub. At a club, you’ll not just have to pay for the entry, but also for drinks and most likely a table. That adds up very fast – especially if you’re alone. Does that mean that you necessarily have to spend a lot for the nightclub experience in Vientiane? If you stick to the more casual spots, don’t drink much, and avoid special services, not necessarily. Just don’t expect to pay less than 50 USD for a night. If you want to have the full experience, be prepared to spend significantly more. Around 100 to 200 dollars should be enough for an unforgettable time.
Insider tips for a memorable experience
While expats are usually familiar with the situation in Vientiane, tourists often have no idea how to navigate the nightlife scene. We’re totally aware of that and want to give you some tips to help you make the most of your clubbing experience. Just follow these recommendations:
- Always watch your drinks
- Avoid any confrontations
- Bring enough cash
- Know your limits
- Stick to reputable venus
- Treat everyone respectfully
As long as you stick to these insider tips, nothing stands between you and an unforgettable night. Enjoy!