6 Best Nightlife Experiences in Luang Prabang

1861 Bar is a French colonial café and bar within The Luang Say Residence. Evoking a feel of old-school sophistication, it features studded leather sofas, marble tables, and traditional bistro chairs on the terrace.

There's a small library at the corner of the café, which attracts those looking to unwind with a book. A marble fireplace provides warmth during cooler months, while the bar offers imported wines, liquors, and cocktails year-round. 

Luang Prabang Bowling Alley, located 3 km southwest of the town centre, is one of the few places that stay open until late. The venue caters mostly to a backpacker crowd by serving Beerlao and whisky well into the early hours of the morning – it usually gets crowded after 10pm. 

Luang Prabang Bowling Alley is worth a visit if you’re looking to enjoy a round of bowling in the evening. A game starts from 15,000 kip per person. After midnight, the rate goes up to 20,000 kip. 

Lao Lao Beergarden is a long-time favourite among backpackers. This open-air beer garden has cosy setup – bonfire, candles, fairy lights, lots of open spaces and trees – that invites hours of lounging with Beerlao, cocktails, and imported wines. 

Lao Lao Beergarden’s all-day menu covers international and local cuisine, including burgers, salads, and Lao-style barbecue. Visit during happy hours to enjoy 2 cocktails for 20,000 kip. 

Luang Prabang Night Market takes place at the corner of Settathilat and Sisavangvong Roads in the town centre. From 5pm onwards, dozens of food vendors sell Laotian street food at affordable prices.

You’ll find grilled meat, Lao noodle soup, pho, meat-filled baguette, and ready-to-eat meals for takeaways. Some of the bigger stalls have long wooden tables and benches, though these seats tend to fill up fast. 

The Royal Ballet Theatre in Luang Prabang showcases traditional Lao culture and art, with live shows taking place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Its resident dance troupe performs Phralak Phralam, a khon (mask) and classical dance based on the Lao version of the Ramayana. 

The 2-hour-long performances start at 6pm from October to March, and 6.30pm from late-March through September.

Utopia Bar and Restaurant is a rustic-style venue on the Nam Khan riverbank. You can relax in their tropical gardens or at the bamboo river decks, both of which offer views of the upcountry Utopia hosts beach volleyball and yoga during the day, and live music, board games, and movies in the evening.