Travel Guide

Vientiane is not really well known for night life in the eyes of many western tourists and some people who have visited this capital city think that it was a quiet and boring city.

 

Vientiane has evolved from a quiet little town to a fun city with modern, trendy and eclectic choices of places to enjoy after dinner.  

 

It's not a party town and there is a limited number of nightspots. If you're looking for a party, Laos might not be your dream destination, but in many other respects, it delivers in spades. 

 

When the sun sets over the Mekong and the merchants pack up and away, Laos' night workers take to the streets. 

 

 Sunset on Mekong River

 

Vangthong Food Market is the place to come from sunset onwards to sample the best of everyday Laotian food that is authentic, delicious and amazing value. Some tourists may worry that the food preparation is less than sanitary but it is such a popular eating spot that demand is high and the ingredients are always fresh. The market opens just before sunset, and runs parallel to Boulevard Khounboulom.

 

Vangthong Evening Food Market

 

After dinner, take a stroll down the river to immerse yourself with local crowds. Vientiane’s night life is lively but limited in scope. There is no raunchy live show or titillating 'cabaret' like in neighboring Thailand or the Philippines. But, if you're prepared for a night out, this small capital city has a surprising number of bars and clubs. Vientiane Nightlife has a number of many open-air beer bars on the riverside, are good for relaxing and watching the sunset over Mekong River. The ever-growing collection of friendly bars and pubs are great places to spark up a conversation with a chatty stranger, or exchange travel tips with a backpacker on the same path as you. By law, all entertainment places are supposed to close by 23:30.

 

Local people stroll along river banks

 

Most of the nightlife revolves around the majestic river at this city's heart. Vientiane Riverside Night Market and Nam Phou Fountain Square are the most crowded at night in the quiet city of Vientiane.

 

Nam Phou Fountain Square

 

Along Mekong River’s banks, Vientiane's night market comes to life. Vientiane Riverside Night Market is open every night along the banks of Mekong River in the vicinity of the park Chao Anouvong, one of the most crowded places of the city of Vientiane. The iconic red-roofed market is worth a wonder if you are looking for a souvenir of some kind.

 

Vientiane Night Market

 

The Night Market is the most ascetically pleasing shopping experience to be found in Vientiane and the best place to find some interesting clothes or gifts without breaking the bank. All life seems to gravitate towards the market anyway, so it’s probable that even short-stay visitors will spend some time here. Although the night market of Vientiane is a place aimed mostly at tourists, a large part of the local population walks through the night market, whether to approach the bank of Mekong River or to dine or drink in many of the restaurants and surrounding venues. The only thing not sold in night market is food, but do not need to worry since there are lots of restaurants and shops on the other side of the street.

 

Vientiane Riverside Night Market - the iconic red-roofed market.

 

The Lao Bowling Center in Vientiane is a great entertainment option for families and those looking for a fun, alternative night out. In the daytime, locals and tourists of all ages come to enjoy the discounted rates and pleasant cool environment – a welcome break from Vientiane’s often blistering heat.

 

Lao Bowling Center

 

Set against the Mekong River, Vientiane is a wonderful mix of East and West, the remnants of once being a French colony clear for even the briefest visitor. The Asians bring friendliness, a ready smile and low prices to the mix while the French refuse to be outdone, contributing beautiful wide boulevards, colonial architecture and the best of French gastronomy with French wines, cheeses, pates and one of the world's most wonderful cuisines very well represented in the Lao capital.