Regardless of where you end up at the end of the day here, you’re probably going to do it with a BeerLao in your hand. So, we’ve rounded up the very best bars in Luang Prabang
While there’s not exactly wild nightclubs that stay open until the early hours (curfews mean that most bars in Laos shut at midnight), this peaceful town does have some beautiful drinking spots.
Surely the most iconic Luang Prabang bar of all — Utopia — which is tucked through back alleyways, and rests along the edge of the river.
The music bumps; the crowd is filled with travellers from around the world, eager to meet and mingle. They’re waiting for you.
2. The Bowling Alley
Ask any traveller where to go for late night drinks in Luang Prabang and they’ll direct you into tuk-tuk to the only place that remains open till 3 am – the bowling alley. This is one of the most popular bars in the area and fills up with backpackers after 10pm. There’s loud music, cheap drinks, outdoor archery and bowling lanes.
1861 at The Luang Say Residence feels like a traditional colonial cafe. This is one of the classiest bars you’ll find. There’s cosy leather armchairs, a library and a marble fireplace in the cooler months, with a pretty terrace for summer evenings.
Drinks include signature cocktails and a great selection of wine from around the world.
RedBul Bar is a lively spot that serves up some of the best lao lao mojitos (with local rice whiskey!). It’s also one of the few bars in Luang Prabang where many locals regularly attend, so it’s a great place to meet new people. As well as a friendly atmosphere, the bar has one of the few pool tables in town.
Icon Klub is well known for having some of the best cocktails in Luang Prabang, with sinfully good Bloody Marys and Absinthe Martinis. You might stumble across live music with guitars or a poetry reading – there’s always something interesting happening here.
Despite the name, it’s definitely not a club: more of a laid-back, boudoir-style bar.
For a romantic night out on the town, kick things off at Chez Matt for some atmospheric candlelight and cocktails. There’s lush European wines and whiskey, too, with nice artwork from local and Cambodian artists. If you want a snack to go with your drink, dig into cheese and charcuterie platters with products imported directly from France.
525 Cocktails & Tapas is funky bar and restaurant in Luang Prabang serving well crafted and inventive cocktails, delicious Laos and comfort food, all made using the fresh produce on their doorstep. Their signature cocktail is a must order: the Sabaidee Laos.
It’s a zesty sip of kaffir lime-infused gin, ginger, lemongrass, lime, forrest honey, pineapple and pepperwood.
Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York. Contact [email protected]
