Over the years, the nightlife in Vientiane steadily improved. When we first came here, there weren’t many options and almost everything closed very early. Nowadays, it’s very different and there are plenty of bars, clubs, and lounges to spend a fun night out. Of course, you won’t find a club scene like in Bangkok or a similar party hub, but overall the vibe is definitely worth checking out.
What to expect from the nightlife in Vientiane
The nightlife in Vientiane has some nice surprises, that makes it more exciting than many expect. If you’re into partying, open-minded, and like to spend time with locals and travelers alike, you’re going to have a lot of fun. Here are some of the things you can look forward to:
- Diverse entertainment options
- For every budget
- Lots of themed parties
- No strict dress policy
- People from all over the world
- Safe and sociable
As you can see, there are definitely some reasons to give the nightlife in Vientiane a try – at least if you’re a person who enjoys casual nights out with good company. You’ll just have to find a place that suits your taste, but no worries, there’s something here for everyone.
Bars
There are plenty of bar types in Vientiane, including cocktail bars, karaoke bars, and wine bars. Not to mention differences in clientele. While many locations almost exclusively attract locals, others are more geared towards foreigners, and some have a mixed crowd. The prices also vary, but as long as you stick to cheap drinks like beer, you won’t have to spend too much.
Clubs
In addition to adult-oriented clubs with working girls, there are also plenty – if not even more – mainstream clubs with dance floors, loud music, and tasty drinks. Those mainstream clubs don’t differ a lot from those in the west. The main difference is the reserved tables. It’s very common to book a table in advance or onsite. In some establishments you just have to buy a bottle to secure one. In others you’ll have to pay for both the table and the bottle.
Lounges
Lounges are great for people that don’t want to go out to crowded places or to party all night. They are usually in hotels or similar establishments, offer a great view and are known for attentive service. You can also expect a variety of drink and food options. All in a cozy atmosphere.
Best nightlife establishments in Vientiane
If you’re looking for a good nightlife establishment to spend your night, we got you covered. We didn‘t just make a comparison of the best bars in Vientiane, but also the most popular clubs in Vientiane. Just check them out, if you want to know more about opening times, price ranges and specific highlights.
What you'll have to pay for a night out
In Vientiane, you might spend as little as 20 to 30 US dollars or as much as 200 to 300 US dollars for a night out. It all depends on your preferences and where you choose to go. If you simply visit a bar and have a few beers with some snacks, it won’t get too expensive. If you head to a club, book a table, order several bottles for you and your friends, or even pay for company, the situation is quite different.
When to experience the nightlife in Vientiane
As in many other cities, the busiest days are Fridays and Saturdays, because that’s when most people are free to go out. The opening times vary greatly between bars and clubs. Technically you can start enjoying the bars in the late afternoon, but the clubs won’t open until around 09:00 or 10:00 PM. In terms of opening times there’s nothing to worry about. Unlike before, nowadays you can party until the early hours of the morning. Many nightclubs just close around 03:00 or 04:00 am.