Must-see nightlife in Southeast Asia

  • In Love

    Bangkok

    For a cheap but enjoyable riverside evening out, In Love charms with great views of the Rama VIII bridge and approachable prices for bottled beers (from…

  • Ibiza

    Ko Phi-Phi

    This is one of Dalam's beach dens of inebriation and iniquity (but, you know, in a good way). Relax on beachside cushions and marvel at expert fire…

  • Le Pub

    Ho Chi Minh City

    The name says it all – British pub meets French cafe-bar – and the pomegranate-coloured result, ranging over three floors, is a hit. An extensive beer…

  • Sathorn 11 Art Space

    Bangkok

    This contemporary gallery changes its exhibitions monthly, showcasing street art and local artists from its front showroom, while in the rear a ‘secret’…

  • Hive Bar

    Nong Khiaw

    Located 1km out of town (heading towards Pak Mong), Hive Bar is run by a friendly Lao, has a downstairs disco and karaoke for those inclined, plus a…

  • No 5

    Singapore

    Not much imagination went into naming this long-running boozer, set in a 1910 Peranakan shophouse complete with hanging red Chinese lanterns. Sure, it’s…

  • Viewpoint Cafe

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    If you're heading back from Hat Rin to Thong Sala or Ban Tai, park your scooter and head into this cafe at the Viewpoint Hotel. It serves fruit smoothies,…

  • Aussie Bar

    Hat Patong

    Does what it says on the tin: Aussie sport on the many screens, Aussie food on the menu and lots of visiting Australians clutching beers. It also has pool…

  • Mods Cafe

    Melaka City

    Not strictly mod and more a 1960s-decorated cafe with 1970s ingredients, though concessions are made with mod roundels on the tables and a Quadrophenia…

  • Air 360 Sky Lounge

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Happy hour runs from 5pm to 8pm at this modern sky bar – perfect to make the most of sunset and secure a good discount on the pricey drinks menu. Pâtés,…

  • Kong View

    Vientiane

    The stylish balcony here, suspended over a quiet section of the Mekong, functions equally well as a beer garden or dinner destination (dishes 25,000K to…

  • Maggie's Wine Garden

    Prachuap Khiri Khan

    Maggie's bar is the one with the twinkly lights, and it's known for its cosy atmosphere, big liquor list and a little food. The slushy margaritas and…

  • Scorpion Wings

    Vientiane

    A self-proclaimed dive bar run by a long-term American resident, this is the place for cheap drinks far from the madding crowd. Craft beers are available,…

  • Circle Coffee Boutique

    Phuket Town

    Overlooking the Clock Tower Circle, this elegant coffee lounge is a locally loved stop for its excellent espresso (50B) and delectable homebaked cakes,…

  • Coffee Addict

    George Town

    Enter from the back alley off Jln Nagor to find this attractive space, decorated with a world map chipped out of the plaster wall and an Ernest Zacharevic…

  • Prohibition

    Phuket Town

    Plastered with the handprints of former guests, this casual, expat-owned speakeasy-style bar swings it back to the 1920s with its Prohibition-inspired…

  • Shelter Bay

    Padangbai

    Opposite the port, this bar tries to mask its lack of atmosphere with the loudest music in town – it's definitely not the place for a quiet tipple. That…

  • Bar Betta

    Hanoi

    Retro decor and a jazz-age vibe combine with good cocktails, coffee and cool music in this breezy French-colonial villa. Two-for-one beers are available…

  • Cafe Tre Nga

    Hue

    Families, courting couples and card players all hang out at this hidden bamboo-shrouded riverside haven that's our favourite place in Hue for a caphe sua…

  • Farquhar’s Bar

    George Town

    A colonial British–style bar, named after Penang's one-time Lieutenant-Governor, in the E&O Hotel. It serves beer, traditional pub food and cocktails,…

  • Surfer's Bar

    South Lombok

    'No Shirt, No Shoes, No Worries!' That's the motto of this beachside bar known for its laid-back party vibe. Coconut thatch and palms shade tables wedged…

  • Sky 36

    Danang

    This stylish and slick rooftop bar serves excellent cocktails and innovative bar snacks as well as the best after-dark views of Danang's river and neon…

  • The Dog House

    Kanchanaburi Province

    Volunteers, travellers and locals gather at this low-key watering hole. Between beers or games of pool (free on Sundays), have a look at the dogs on the…

  • BiaCraft

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Excellent craft-beer bar across the river in District 2. Expect locally brewed beers with irreverent names, plus the best of hoppy, distinctive imported…

  • Sid's Pub @ Jonkers

    Melaka City

    Sid's has been a fixture on the Kuala Lumpur bar scene for years. He's now set up a branch of his English-style pub chain in Melaka City, bagging a…

  • Workroom Coffee

    Jakarta

    Workroom Coffee has Scandi-like modern interiors set up for co-working; there are plenty of single spaces for those wanting to use their laptop. The food…

  • Wall

    Phnom Penh

    A newer bar from Phnom Penh stalwart Howie, this is more open-plan and inviting than the original Howies Bar around the corner. Friendly, fun and…

  • Oasis Bar

    Cat Ba Island

    A free-use pool table, smiley staff and tables spilling out onto the pavement slap in the centre of the seafront strip make Oasis one of the most popular…

  • Black Bulls

    Sumatra

    One of Palembang's few options for a drink is this fairly uninspired Hard Rock Cafe–style bar in the north of town. It has a stage for live music and long…

  • Buddha Bar & Grill

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Popular expat bar across in District 2 that offers live music most Friday nights from 9pm. Check Buddha Bar's Facebook page to see what's on. Live sports…

  • Hon Chong Cafe

    Nha Trang

    This oceanfront cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee or beer and catch the sea breeze; try a bac xiu nong (Vietnamese-style latte). No food is…

  • Zeppelin Bar

    Phnom Penh

    Who says vinyl is dead? It lives on here, thanks to the owner of this old-school rock bar spinning the turntables every night. The mainstay on the menu is…

  • Sailing Club

    Nha Trang

    This beach club is a mecca for party people with DJs and bands, and draws huge crowds for its legendary Saturday-night events. Expect mainstream-chart…

  • Aroma

    Yangon

    The most contemporary of the cluster of cafes and restaurants at the east end of Kandawgyi Lake – an area you have to pay K300 to enter. Aroma offers…

  • Bravo

    Manila

    Home to the Pivo Praha microwbrewery, which has been producing Czech-style pilsen, dark and wheat beers since 2001. Tastings are available and it also…

  • Cong Caphe

    Danang

    The Danang offshoot of Hanoi's quirky Communist-themed cafes is a top spot for a riverside caffeine fix – try the coffee with yoghurt – or a well-priced…

  • Vesper

    Ho Chi Minh City

    From the sinuous curve of the hardwood bar to the smoothly arranged bottles on the shelves, soft chill-out rhythms, funky caramel leather furniture and…

  • Mixx

    Melaka City

    In a city with few nightclubs, Mixx dominates the scene with Paradox, a laser-lit, warehouse-style venue where international DJs spin techno and…

  • 2 be 1

    Chiang Rai Province

    The pool table has gone to make room for a general store, but this shop/bar has kept its outside seating area and still serves tolerable cocktails, as…

  • Bar Bar Black Sheep

    Singapore

    Swirling fans, dangling lanterns and a mostly 30- and 40-something crowd downing beers in flip-flops. Bar Bar Black Sheep is a curious hybrid, an open-air…

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