Not surprisingly, Vang Vieng has plenty of places to find a cold beer or something stronger. There are local spots on route 13, party rooms, karaoke bars, pubs, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. In fact, if you can’t find a Beerlao in Vang Vieng you must be spending all your waking hours in the many caves or climbing mountains.
This article will be updated as we try out some newer places that have opened like Red Fox and some rooftop bars we haven’t got round to yet. But, for now, here are some of the better places to grab a drink after a day on the river, or trekking in Vang Vieng.
You may have noticed that this bar features fairly often on Discover Vang Vieng. To some this might signify a lack of options in town, or some kind of favouritism. The list here shows that there are plenty of options for drinking in town, and others will be added over time.
Almost directly opposite Gary’s Irish Bar is Sakura. This spot is popular with locals and tourists who want to drink and dance until midnight.
For a complete change of scene from Sakura and the Irish Bar, pop into Indy Mini Bar. This small but well designed little bar is easy to miss. It is sandwiched between Gary’s Irish Bar and A Taste of India.
It is chilled, friendly, has air-con and is non-smoking. Perfect for a relaxed drink, or one for the road. The layout leads itself to making new friends as no way to avoid other patrons.
This restaurant is popular with various nationalities but expect to find at least one or two French customers enjoying Pastis. The White Russian (see photo) is also worth a try. At the rear of the restaurant there is a free pool table and darts for customers.
Aside from the usual Beerlao, La Cigale has imported Belgian Beers, cider, cocktails, and wine. Open daily all day from breakfast time to midnight. Find La Cigale on the same road as Jaidee’s and Full Moon.
This bar and restaurant has a laid back vibe in the daytime and many like to chill out at the back with the view of the island and karst mountains. Similar to Jaidee’s, Full Moon comes more alive at night time.
There are plenty of drink options including buckets, cocktails, bottled beers, and cider, plus a full menu of snacks and meals. The staff are happy to take music requests, and there are three pool tables and darts for customers.
As featured in our nightlife in Vang Vieng article, Jaidee has been entertaining the masses for years. This bar is ever popular and attracts people to its chilled atmosphere in the daytime, before it livens up at night. Expect to find it packed around midnight when Sakura and Gary’s close up.
A very chilled spot that has an upstairs and downstairs bar. Lime Lounge attracts tourists and expats alike and is run by the Swiss owner and friendly Lao staff. Play pool, try out the tasty menu, or just enjoy a beer while chatting to fellow patrons or the engaging staff. You can find Lime Lounge here.
Not far from Luang Prabang Bakery on the other side of the road, is Bon Appetit. This French bar and restaurant serves platters of cold cuts, imported cheeses, and pate, along with a full menu.
But, you came here for the drinks didn’t you? Bon Appetit has a smallish bar indoors and another seating area outside for those who like to drink al fresco. Wine, local beer, cider, spirits, and imported beers are all available here.
A fairly new spot in Vang Vieng on the same street as YoYo and Lime Lounge, Beats and Bites has a chilled vibe with seating indoors and outside for those warm evenings which Vang Vieng has plenty of.
Beats and Bites is a relaxed place to go for a glass of wine, a cocktail, a bite to eat, or just the regular cold Beerlao.
Run by an English guy, YoYo offers something different. Often open very late, the owner Nick welcomes all comers. He has an in-depth knowledge of music and Vang Vieng and will happily entertain you and swap stories while you enjoy a cold beer.
And, if you’re missing some home comforts from the UK and other spots around the world, you can do worse than check out his stock of Walkers crisps, Doritos, and numerous other snacks and hard-to-find gems.
YoYo is next to Wat Kang temple, and around just off the main street near Viva Pub.
For something a little more up market, head across the old CIA airport and go to S Vang Vieng Boutique hotel. The elevator in the lobby will take you to the restaurant and then one more short flight of stairs will get you to Sip & Chill.
This rooftop spot has a small bar, snacks, food, cocktails, and draft and bottled beers. Fruit shakes and soft drinks are also available.
Sometimes the hot air balloons fly directly over the bar and it’s a great spot for taking photos of Vang Vieng’s scenery, and chilling at the end of the day. Opens at 5.30pm.
If you would like to be near the river then you have plenty of options from hotel bars and restaurants to floating huts on the other side of the Nam Song.
Try Elephant Crossing, Phubarn Inn, and Inthira. All of which are good for a cold drink near the river while the sun sets over the mountains.
If you want to be closer to the Nam Song while you enjoy your Beerlao then cross the river to the aptly named Otherside Bungalows or Banana Bungalows.
Lively cafe atmosphere with outside seating and views of Vang Vieng's mountains. Cold beers, fruit shakes, and a range of coffee options for those avoiding or getting over a hangover. Popular in the daytime but closes early evening.
Not necessarily a drinking spot as such, but if you want to play on 8 or 9 ball pool or snooker, then KTV Pool Room will suit you. A new establishment with several quality tables to rent by the hour in a non-smoking, air-conditioned hall. Drinks are priced competitively, but the pool tables have to be paid for.
At the top of M&M hotel is a rooftop bar and restaurant. Perfect for sundowners or evening drinks. From the restaurant you will get views across town and can watch the hot air balloons and paramotors as they take guests on sunset flights.
To get to the bar simply enter the hotel lobby and take the elevator to the top followed by a short flight of stairs. The hotel has underground parking if you happen to come by scooter or car.
Late night spots for drinks, dancing, and more, include Viva, Jaidee’s, Room 101, Heartbeat, and a few hidden places around town. For more information visit our nightlife in Vang Vieng article.
© Discover Vang Vieng. All Rights Reserved. Design by Vang Vieng Design.
