5 Best Bars in Vientiane, Laos

Perched above an unassuming liquor shop and cafe is one of the city's best speakeasy bars. It's a stylish yet welcoming place that serves cocktails as creative as they are delicious, with jazz playing at a comfortable volume and local art adorning the walls. You can rub shoulders with Vientiane's jet set until after midnight.

This popular bar and restaurant occupies a prime spot on the Mekong, with great views from the rooftop setting for sunsets as the night market starts up down below. On most nights it's packed with locals and travelers—often an assortment of ladyboys and bar girls—but the views, music, and camaraderie are good enough to prevent it from becoming too seedy. It's open from 10 am to midnight.

With an interesting Tintin-inspired decor and beers imported from Belgium (14 on tap and much more bottled), it's no wonder this casual bar is as popular as it is, albeit a little expensive for Vientiane. Dishes like the excellent mussels in garlic butter sauce greatly exceed pub-grub expectations.

This classy speakeasy behind a nondescript exterior is tiny---15 people would be a full house---and it can be tricky to locate, but well worth it if you can get a place to sit. The cocktail menu includes classics as well as a selection of in-house creations. 

The bowling alley around the corner from Settha Palace serves food and drink to a rowdy mix of locals and expats.