This post was originally published on The Culture Trip. To read the original, click here. 

Vang Vieng has started to outgrow its old drug- and alcohol-fuelled party reputation. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great watering holes around town. If you’re looking to kick back, listen to music, play pool or dance the night away, we’ve got you covered. Check out these top bars in Vang Vieng, Laos.

Gary's Irish Bar

Gary’s Irish Bar, also known as The Rising Sun, has live music downstairs and an upstairs porch overlooking the street with a ping pong table. Order some fries and a pint of Guinness and check out a sports match on the TVs.

Full Moon Bar

Full Moon Bar lets patrons choose the music and an English-speaking, fun-loving staff serves up shots, cocktails, and beers. Tie a string bracelet on your wrist, play foosball and relax.

Vang Vieng Jungle Project

If you’re in town on a Friday night, buy a pre-sale ticket to the Jungle Project at Milan Pizza for a discount off the door price to the best dance party in town. DJ sets and music videos set the scene for revellers in body paint to dance under black lights. Hula hooping, fire limbo, and cocktails add to the vibes. One-way tuk tuk transportation is included in your ticket price, but you’ll have to pay to get a ride back into town.

Earth Recycled Bar and Restaurant

Earth Recycled Bar and Restaurant has a decor reminiscent of a child’s playhouse with handmade signs and fixtures constructed from wood, glass, and metal. Check out the sunset from the outdoor fire pit area. The original owner left Vang Vieng to open an Earth bar in the capital Vientiane, so check it out when you’re in town.

Smile Bar

Smile Bar is the end of the line for tubing. Get out of the water and order a whiskey bucket to share on the mini decks over looking the Nam Song. Cabanas with hammocks make for the perfect lazy afternoon hangout session. The bonfire and music kick off after dark.

Viva Vang Vieng

When Sakura’s happy hour ends at 10, Viva picks up the slack. When Sakura does the last call and kicks out its patrons at midnight, they can stumble over to Viva Pub for more dancing, music, and drinking. Quiet during the day, Viva is the life of the party at night.

Sakura

Sakura is where the dance party starts. A big open patio and patio bar out back are great places to take a breather from the bumping music and sweaty bodies dancing to pop music, drinking shots, and inhaling laughing gas balloons at this club.

Jaidee's Bar

Jaidee’s Bar has free pool and foosball you can play with while sipping infused liquors and listening to reggae from the speakers. This dive bar is low-key and has friendly staff ready to wow you with bar tricks and fancy pours.

Space Bar

If you’re looking to feel out of this world, Space Bar is for you. Serving a variety of shakes, teas, and pizzas, it elicits a chill vibe and exudes echoes of Vang Vieng’s past. Come relax, listen to the tunes, and mellow out after a long day of touring.

Bamboo Restaurant

During the dry season a bamboo bridge is erected for pedestrians and motorbikes to cross the Nam Song. Bamboo Restaurant is open from November to May when the river is low. Grab a beer and some grilled meats and watch the boats float by from platforms in the river.