Most tourists on a Laos tour package do not expect to find night clubs open until the small hours. There is too much to enjoy by day on a Laos holiday to worry about too many late nights. In Luang Prabang, you will not find a late-night scene but there are several busy bars within a fairly small area between Mount Phousi and the Nam Khong although all will close before midnight. You can relax by the riverside in the evening if you wish and here are a few ideas of places where you can spend some time at night.
• Books and Tea L'Etranger is a book shop/swap and an upstairs bar which serves drinks and cake in a room covered with cushions where you can relax and read. There is also a film every evening.
• The Bowling Alley is just out of town and a great place if you are on a Laos vacation with kids. There is beer and whisky for saleand it can stay open late because it is out of the city centre. It will fill up as all the bars in the centre close so if you want a quiet game, go fairly early and head home before the late arrivals.
• Hive Bar on Phousi Road is a popular watering hole in the middle of Bar Street. It is a traditional Lao house with a dance floor, front terrace and large back garden. There is large drinks menu including cocktails that are 2 for 1 everyday. Cold draught BeerLao is served in mugs, jugs or towers.
• Icon Klub is a bohemian bar serving classic and creative cocktails as you listen to a great playlist. There is both indoor and outdoor seating with regular chess and guitar nights and the occasional poetry night.
• Lao Garden and Lao Lao Bar on Phousi Road has a reputation of being a place where you can "drink like a fish for the price of water". Not surprising it is fairly popular as a result.
• Mekong Sunset Beach Bar is the place to go to watch the sun go down. It is at the mouth of Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers and you need to cross the bamboo bridge behind Wat Xieng Thong to get there. Beware, it can flood during the wet season.
• Utopia, by the Nam Khan river is a relaxing garden by day and tropical jungle lounge by night. Facilities include board games, cushions, a giant Jenga and volleyball court.
• RedBul Bar/Restaurant is in the heart of bar district and if you only have time for one bar during your visit, this is it. It has a great atmosphere, cheap drinks, excellent music and good food.
The bar district will be busy from early evening until closing time which is strictly adhered to; you may call it a curfew. It does offer an alternative from staying in your hotel in the evening but if you want a quiet night, then perhaps you should do just that?