17 Cities with Best Nightlife in Southeast Asia: A Complete Guide to Southeast Asian Nightlife

A thousand splendid beaches, secret lagoons, the hot summer blazing sun, a sky full of lanterns, mysterious islands, adventure sports during the day, and crazy parties at night, this is what Southeast Asia is all about. Most of all it is a perfect getaway destination with affordable prices not just for the daytime but an amazing nightlife too! Here is a detailed list of cities with the best nightlife in Southeast Asia.

17 Cities with Best Nightlife in Southeast Asia

1. Koh Phangan, Thailand

 

This is one of those places where you can enjoy the nightlife in Southeast Asia to the fullest. The Island is called “Ibiza of Southeast Asia” according to “Jones around the world” and offers more than just a full moon party.

Koh Phangan is known as the best nightlife city in Asia because of the exuberant variety of parties offered every night by the city. The food in Koh Phangan is usually cheap and affordable with underground music at a few places. You’re never deprived of a booming sound system to rush that adrenaline a bit.

The Merkaba Beach Club, Maya, and The Jungle Experience are the three best places to party in Koh Phangan. There are also really cool Ibiza-style clubs with a pool for an exclusive experience of the city. Get set for this crazy, heart-thumping, beer-spilling ride, where we introduce you to the best nightlife experience in Southeast Asia.

2. Bangkok, Thailand

The city that never sleeps boasts every imaginable type of club for those best nightlife experiences in Southeast Asia that one has read and heard about. Bangkok’s largest nightlife spot is where you get to stay and party; hostel-cum-bar called the Overstay throws the best underground rock gigs and electro-dance parties while certain other bar hosts local and visiting metal and punk bands.

Partying on the Khao San Road is what every backpacker must do. Sukhumvit is another night-out party destination in Bangkok, filled with colors, street food, and boutiques with antique collections, Bangkok is sure to give you an amazing time.

3. Koh Tao, Thailand

The island of a serious party because they seem to take their egos by heart. It’s one of the best places to enjoy the nightlife in Southeast Asia, meet a lot of backpackers and tourists, and a great way to explore the best bars on the island of Koh Tao. Maya Beach Club is the only place that has a midnight DJ.

The Castle is where you go for an excellent party night. The pub crawl always does an excellent job of keeping everyone engaged and entertained. Expect your head to bob with every beat.

4. Pai, Thailand

Pai could be a typical countryside travel destination but it is also one of the best nightlife cities in Asia. It is incredible when you’re traveling around Thailand and notices Pai as yet another chilled-out place to relax, but the god of all gods, did you know? Pai isn’t what you think it is.

Pai Pub is a great spot for mixed beers and drinks. There are after-hour bars like the Sunset and Don’t Cry Reggae bar you can trip on some mushroom shake and moon parties. It’s truly a hippy’s paradise.

5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The capital of Malaysia might not be the city with the best nightlife in Southeast Asia, but it does boast many interesting options. You can have some great party night outs in and around the city of Kuala Lumpur.

Dive into Kuala Lumpur’s music scene. Whether you are there to enjoy your sweet, small vacation or have embarked on a long-term backpacking trip, you are going to fall in love with the nightlife in Malaysia.

Bar 51 is an upscale bar in the heart of the city for the best drinks and dinner. It is the only place where you get delicious mojitos for just $1.25. Heli Lounge has a helipad that gives a 360-degree view of the city where the Reggae Mansion Rooftop Bar is a popular night-out destination among backpackers.

Zouk KL is Kuala Lumpur’s best mega club. There are clubs with underground houses and techno bars which have excellent music and a great crowd.

6. Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia

While this isn’t a nightlife destination, people normally visit Perhentian Kecil for amazing night outs of drinking and frolicking with strangers who became friends. It’s commonly known as the “backpacker island” hence it’s easy to get in touch with fellow backpackers.

This destination has only about three places to drink the Panorama Bar, Monkey Bar, and Pirates of Perhentian. So one would tend to meet the same people over again and maybe make a few friends over travels.

7. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is one of the best places to enjoy the nightlife in Southeast Asia where people from young couples to families visit not just once but repeatedly making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.

What excites visitors about this amazing destination is its surreal and majestic natural beauty. Besides the beautiful beaches, the epic nightclub scene of Bali makes it a mega Southeast Asian nightlife destination. The Sky Garden, Potato Head Beach club, Jenja has the best DJ and rooftop dining experiences.

The best place to stay in Bali is the Kayun Hostel while the best party hostel is the Terrace Ampels Backpackers. With intense music, cheap drinks, and brilliant food, guess what’s the best deal? Everything is affordable.

8. Boracay, Philippines

The most visited island paradise located in the western region of Philippines is the Boracay island. This place is enriched with sandy beaches, blue-green clear waters, and excellent Boracay Resorts. It is also one of the best places to enjoy the nightlife in Southeast Asia.

The vibrant party scene includes pool parties, bars, lounges, etc which offer great food, foot-tapping music, and an interesting mix of people. If you want to hit that party scene, try Epic Summer Place, Boracay Stars, and Exit Bar which are among the most popular destinations for partygoers.

Cocomangas is a place known for its 15-shot challenge after which your name will be engraved on the wall and your score will add up to the score of your country. All the little ways you can make your country proud!

9. Yangon, Myanmar

The former capital of Myanmar is fast-forwarding and there’s no better time to experience the nightlife than now. Yangon’s international trends blend with its gridlocked cultural scene. It’s one of the best nightlife cities in Asia.

The nightlife of Yangon is sure to excite any backpacker with its best local beer called the Myanmar Beer and the delicious Mandalay rum. The best nightclub in and around Myanmar is Tein Gyi Zay Plaza. Bleached mohawks with punk bands and vibrant bars are spread across the streets.

If you’re a budget traveler 20th Street Hostel is the best place to stay in Yangon. Otherwise, go ahead and book a room at Shangri-la or Taw Win Garden Hotel. Yangon will never cease to amaze you.

10. Vang Vieng, Laos

Every nightlife destination has its past. Laos’s notorious reputation for booze, drugs, and sex by irresponsible backpackers should not deter your enthusiasm for seeking good times in the country. But have no fear, this place is still insane.

Tubing in Vang Vieng is a blast, you can move around in a tube floating across from one bar to another. With a glass of beer in hand of course! The vibe here is what one must experience the taste of the best nightlife in Southeast Asia.

You meet, drink and have fun. When you aren’t tubing you are most likely to get into the Sakura Bar with free alcohol every night before 8 pm. The Friday night party is ridiculous, with free alcohol and mushroom shake. They even sell large nitrous oxide balloons, otherwise known as laughing gas. Make sure you check out the jungle party to rush your adrenaline.

11. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

With the nickname “the party island” this place shows you how to enjoy the nightlife in Southeast Asia to the fullest. The beauty that you see during the day is only matched by craziness at night; it’s one of the craziest places to get drunk and lose yourself.

The island has a weekly schedule for bars and clubs to go to, but you’re sure to have fun no matter where. The booze cruise party is too epic for words. You’d find other young backpackers on a beautiful boat ride around the island with amazing music and unlimited booze.

Gili Castle which was formerly known as Gili backpackers must be on your to-visit list. This place throws its version of the half-moon and full-moon parties. Lights and fireflies are worth the experience.

12. Halong Bay Castaway Island, Vietnam

If you’re planning to visit Vietnam for some fun and a 3-day booze party, it’s a must to book A Castaway Island tour. It’s one of the most stunning places to enjoy Southeast Asian nightlife. The price of the tour would probably give you heartache if you’re a budget backpacker. Yes, it’s expensive probably close to 50-100 USD per person.

When it’s with an incredible number of people and tour guides, you’re sure to have fun. The trip is dependent on the people you travel with since most of the time you’d be engaged in conversation and booze of course! It’s a highlight on a Vietnam tour but not everyone gets lucky.

13. Koh Rong, Cambodia

If you wish to relax in this Cambodian paradise, your wish will be granted! Or if you’re a backpacker who loves to enjoy the nightlife and party hard, no worries, that’s possible too. Koh Rong is active and lively for a party scene just the way it is quiet and cozy for a nice time on the beach or bamboo bed penthouses.

For the best nightlife experience in Southeast Asia, one must visit this city in Cambodia. If you want to party, just walk down the street and follow the crowd. Vagabond in Koh Rong is a thrilling place to get a drink or two.

Visit the suns of beaches for a party tucked away in the jungle with amazing underground music. Just swing by and see what else is going on. You won’t find it hard to notice where the parties are at, where there’s a crowd there’s a party!

14. Langkawi, Malaysia

The tax-free island of Malaysia! Yes, here it is. Langkawi makes the price of alcohol look extremely cheap when compared to the rest of Malaysia. Hence, it gives the best nightlife experience in the Southeast Asian region.

During the peak season, this island is bombarded with backpackers and tourists looking for a good time. Langkawi Dormitorio is a cozy place for a night's stay. Pantai beach is a great place for amazing nightlife. Grab a drink or two at the Yellow Cafe, which is one of the popular spots on the island.

You’d be doing the majority of the party at Sunba Retro Bar. Starting with a few cocktails and dinner at the nearby café or bar with some excellent music and a great atmosphere is a good start to your Langkawi island nightlife.

15. Sihanoukville, Cambodia

“Snookville” the main beach area of Cambodia is one crazy, wild and insane party destination. Before it’s nightlife, enjoy an evening breeze with drinks and some dinner at the beachfront restaurant. Later enjoy the sunset with a game or two of snooker and beer.

The two main party spots of Sihanoukville are JJ’s Playground and the Dolphin Shack. They offer their own Booze-cruise. Sihanoukville is one of the best nightlife cities in Southeast Asia. With rocking EDMs and hip hop to groove, the beer cold and cheap, and the awesome backpacker vibe, it is a perfect place to let your hair down.

16. Pham Ngu Lao, Saigon, Vietnam

This is one of the best cities to enjoy the nightlife of Southeast Asia. Vietnam is more of a historical, social, and ecological tourist destination in Southeast Asia but there’s another side to it too. When the lights go out, this place turns into a hot party zone with plenty of open-air stalls on the streets selling local cuisine like Pho noodles.

Just letting your hair down and feeling the vibe of Saigon is what any backpacker would need. The View Rooftop Bar is located on the 9th floor in Bui Vien Street of Duc Vuong Hotel. Apart from the garden setting and colorful neon lights, it gives a wonderful view of Pham Ngu Lao City. Cobalt Restaurant & Bar has innovative tapas and drinks such as spilled homemade lemonades and oxygen foam cocktails.

The Crazy Buffalo nightclub, Seventeen Saloon Saigon, Universal Bar, and Vespa Sofar Bar are the few other bars with the best nightlife in Vietnam. There are many discos and open-air parties you can enjoy in Vietnam.

17. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Cheap drinks, booze parties, and an excellent night atmosphere are what the capital city of Vietnam is all about. The narrow street bazaars with karaoke joints and a mix of backpackers on the sidewalk café make it cozier. Ho Chi Minh City Apocalypse Now is the hottest nightclub in the city. Tequila sunrise, Saigon beer, and San Miguel beer are its highlights.

The Rex Hotel Rooftop Beer Garden has nightly live entertainment that can make your night-outs alive. The posh Caravelle has an open-air terrace on its 9th floor. Away from Pham Ngu Lao, one can exclusively view live bands playing at Ho Chi Minh City center which can give you one of the best nightlife experiences in Southeast Asia.

Summing It Up

Whether you are a backpacker or a tourist looking for a good time, it is a given that you will find a great place to experience the amazing nightlife of Southeast Asia. Though it will be an added advantage if you are traveling with a good bunch of friends, there is always a chance to bump into interesting people.

Since visiting Southeast Asia is pocket-friendly to most, you will find bars, clubs, and any party place full of people of different nationalities. Hence, Southeast Asia has mastered the art of keeping everyone happy, dancing, and drinking.

If we have missed any place to party in Southeast Asia, please let us know in the comments!