5 Best Bars in Vientiane, Laos

Perched above an unassuming liquor shop and café 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.

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.

An establishment for live music in Vientiane, this malapropist Wild West honky-tonk has been going strong for over 30 years. Its cowboy vibe fills the venue, from swinging saloon doors to barrel tables. The bands usually play good Thai/Lao/Western pop covers and sometimes Wind West holds heavy metal events.