Must-see nightlife in Asia

  • Soho

    Panaji

    Take the side entrance (behind the music shop) and climb the stairs to the top floor for this sophisticated little bar and music venue where, let's face…

  • Natural High Cafe

    Ko Tao

    With a fine elevated open-air terrace and panoramic views over the island's jungle greenery, hammocks for lounging around in, ambient chill-out sounds and…

  • Seventh Street

    Balikpapan

    We're pretty sure this is Kalimantan's only Irish pub and it works hard at authenticity with snug booths, pool tables and beer taps – no Guinness on tap…

  • Park Society

    Bangkok

    Gazing down at the green expanse of Lumphini Park, abruptly bordered by tall buildings on most sides, you can be excused for thinking that Bangkok almost,…

  • Duplex

    Phnom Penh

    A self-styled Belgian taverne with an extensive beer selection, Duplex is also a cool contemporary space that hosts regular salsa and bachata evenings…

  • Chun Shui Tang Teahouse

    Taichung

    Taiwan bubble tea has taken the world by storm, and this modern outlet of the multibranch Chun Shui Tang is supposed to have started it all. The bubble…

  • D.d / h.z

    Ulaanbaatar

    Ulaanbaatar's main hang-out for the local LGBT community, this relaxed neighbourhood pub has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Its owner Zorig Alima…

  • Cher Coffee and Treats

    Surat Thani

    Sit in the shade of a banana tree or pull up a stool at the hipster coffee bar of this charming roadside coffee spot, where the open-plan hut is decked…

  • Tantra

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Kolkata’s best-established nightclub has contemporary sounds throbbing through the single small dance floor and a somewhat cramped chill-out zone,…

  • Yushu Spinal Cord Injury Organisation

    Qinghai

    This lovely cafe also sells a very appealing collection of bags, shoes, jewellery, cushions, socks, slippers and clothes, made by local people afflicted…

  • Bluebird's Nest

    Hanoi

    Truly a satisfying two-floor haven of peace in a bustling city, this cute, book-stuffed cafe feels like a quiet library; it's a superb choice for some…

  • Pijiu Bar

    Chinatown

    Old West meets old Shanghai at this classic retro bar. The emphasis here is on beer ('pijiu' is Chinese for beer), with four revolving craft brews on tap,…

  • Fuku Eatery & Desserts

    George Town

    This airy, Japanese-leaning cafe does light meals, refined desserts and excellent coffee drinks; an espresso and a slice of the rich galaxy mirror glaze…

  • Tight

    Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa

    Teeny-tiny Tight is always a good bet in Nonbei-yokochō, the narrow nightlife strip along the elevated JR tracks. Like the name suggests, it's a tight fit…

  • Coffee Deja Brew

    Yangon

    The signature iced coffee flavoured with a twist of lime is a refreshing option at this pleasant, modern cafe and art space, where benches and tabletops…

  • Harbour Bar

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    With unmatched views of the Gateway of India and harbour, this timeless bar inside the Taj Mahal Palace is an essential visit. Drinks aren’t uberexpensive…

  • Sky Lounge

    Sumatra

    Jambi's finest spot for a drink is this rooftop bar atop the Aston Jambi Hotel. Enjoy fantastic city views while sipping on cocktails, beer or wine, or…

  • Bubba's Coffee Bar

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Bubba's serves its famous, locally sourced and roasted coffee alongside an excellent breakfast menu at this sibling of Bubba's Roastery. The atmosphere is…

  • Rory's Bar

    Phu Quoc Island

    Recently relocated to the remote east side of the island, this huge beach bar is taking a big gamble on drawing day-tripping motorbikers and pulling in…

  • East West Brewing

    Ho Chi Minh City

    All beers are brewed on-site at this impressive microbrewery (or should that be mega-microbrewery) near Ben Thanh Market. Ales include a Far East IPA with…

  • Bor Pen Yang

    Vientiane

    Overlooking mother Mekong, a cast of locals, expats, bar girls and travellers assembles at this tin-roofed, wood-raftered watering hole to gaze at the…

  • Polilya

    Manila

    Engkanto brews some of the best – and most affordable – craft beer in town, and their brand-new taproom, downstairs from red-hot Pura Vida bar, is an…

  • Nomad's Valley

    Kyrgyzstan

    Stop by for a chat with affable owner Marsbek and try his international quality espresso and quite respectable ashlyanfu, served in a tiny cafe in the…

  • Lantern

    Beijing

    The best all-round underground club in Beijing, Lantern boasts an incredible sound system and an eclectic roster of DJs from China and abroad spinning…

  • Blue Sky Coffee

    Tokyo

    This coffee counter looks like it could be the work of Studio Ghibli: a wooden cottage secreted in the woodsy fringes of Inokashira-kōen concealing a…

  • De Kock Cafe

    West Sumatra

    De Kock has a smoky salon atmosphere that's popular with both locals and tourists who come here for beers and a mixture of Western pub food (pizzas, steak…

  • Tropical Murphy’s Irish

    Ko Samui

    Come night-time, the live music kicks on and this place turns into the most popular Irish bar on Ko Samui (yes, there are quite a few), but it's a great…

  • Honey & Malt

    Chengdu

    A wide selection of craft beers will have hop heads coming back night after night. Stock runs low at times, but pull up to the bar and check out the high…

  • Smiling Buffalo

    Pulau Langkawi

    A soft sand floor, overhanging palm trees, great coffee and a fine breakfast menu (including spectacular waffles with mango and coconut cream) make this…

  • Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery

    Udaipur

    This small but slick cafe by the water’s edge is on the ground floor of Jheel Palace Guest House. Large windows and a waterside sit-out afford good lake…

  • Ba Hao

    Chinatown

    There's little original about this retro Chinese-themed refurbished shophouse on Soi Nana, but a good selection of craft beer, inventive cocktails and…

  • Benez Bar

    Thimphu

    Gazing out over the city from the top floor of a modern block, Benez is popular with a grown-up crowd, who come for the views, the globe-trotting food…

  • Stereo Coffee

    Fukuoka

    This artful, art-filled cafe draws a hip, creative crowd for tasty espresso drinks, hot sandwiches and seasonal special drinks such as floats for summer…

  • Gandan Café

    Tainan

    The owner here has built a lush cafe from a rubbish heap by filling it only with recycled materials. The hip spot is wedged into an old building facing…

  • Orphic

    Phnom Penh

    Suspendered bartenders whip up craft cocktails and deliver them to guests seated at plush leather couches in this slick riverfront bar, which hides behind…

  • Shimabara Mizuyashiki

    Kyūshū

    Off Shimabara's central arcade, this delightful Meiji-era teahouse features a lovely garden, a spring-fed pond and an obsessive collection of maneki-neko …

  • Ming Khouan

    Northern Laos

    This is where it's at in Udomxai; a lively wooden and bamboo beer garden that draws a young crowd to quaff Beerlao by the crate. A decent selection of Lao…

  • Cafe More

    Gangnam & Southern Seoul

    Part coffee shop and part Braille library, this bright and spacious cafe caters to the sight-impaired community. The library consists of hundreds of…

  • Bar Stories

    Little India & Kampong Glam

    This upstairs cocktail den is as small as it is hugely popular, so call ahead if heading in later in the week. If you're lucky you'll be sitting at the…

  • Tap House

    Hoi An

    Craft beers from around Vietnam are the attraction at this new Hoi An bar, but don't be surprised if you linger for the tasty charcuterie and cheeseboards…

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