Whether you’re seeking out a full moon party, classy nightlife hotspots, a massive nightclub spanning a huge part of the beach, a fun crowd, the craziest clubs, or just want some cheap drinks in a grimy backpacker haven, we’ve found the place to party for you.
From Bali’s beach clubs to Bangkok’s sky bars and beyond, we’ve visited every real party destination in Southeast Asia, and while many places have a barely passable nightlife scene, others have a nightlife scene comparable to the very best party destinations around the world.
So, check out our top 10 picks of the booming nightlife in Southeast Asia; you won’t be disappointed. We promise. Unless you’re looking for a quiet local bar, then you might want to look elsewhere.
The 10 Best Places To Party In Southeast Asia
Before we begin, we’d like to give a shout-out to our friends at Best Beach Clubs World who carried out the research for this piece and helped us work out where to really let our hair down.
Bali, Indonesia: FINNS Beach Club – The World’s Best Beach Club
Bali is not such a big island that you can’t enjoy huge swathes of it on a single holiday, but if you want to party then the island’s current party capital is Canggu (and neighbouring Seminyak is also pretty popular).
And reigning supreme over the parties of Canggu is the world’s best beach club, FINNS Beach Club; their doors open at 11 a.m., and the DJs are already on the decks with the vocalists soon to arrive.
You can grab a comfortable seat by the pool or in one of their luxurious cabanas (we recommend booking in advance, though; FINNS is so popular it can be impossible for walk-ins to get the best seats) and enjoy amazing food and drink all day long.
Then, take a few moments to enjoy the finest sunset view on the planet from the oceanfront infinity pool before you hit the dance floor and witness the incredible entertainment all around you.
We’ve had some memorable nights in Southeast Asia, but nowhere comes close to FINNS for creating a place that draws in the entire world seeking a good time.
Koh Phangan, Thailand – Haad Rin’s Infamous Full Moon Party
Probably the most famous party in Southeast Asia is Thailand’s Full Moon Party, and while there are a few parties bearing the name, it all began at Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan island.
The party is quite literally on the beach, and there’s much less formal organisation than at some of the other spots on our list, so make sure to stow your valuables somewhere sensible before you go, because if you lose them, you may never find them again here.
You’re allowed to rage all night long, and some of the hardiest souls may still be dancing as the sun rises and bathes the beach in its golden light.
Just be warned, despite the presence of illicit substances here, Thailand has strict laws against those things, and if the police catch you, you could be spending years in a Thai jail contemplating your mistake; it’s not worth it.
Siem Reap, Cambodia – Siem Reap’s Pub Street Is Legendary
Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat, the world’s most important Buddhist Temple and the only building on Earth that appears on a national flag.
It’s also where you will find Pub Street, a collection of clubs, trashy dive bars, and upmarket nightlife spots all rubbing shoulders and vying for your attention.
With beers starting at just $1 a can and cocktails for as little as $2.50, you can have the kind of party here that you simply couldn’t afford elsewhere.
Sure, some of it’s a bit overly touristy, but the truth is that there are plenty of locals rubbing shoulders with visitors at this awesome party zone.
Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – A Surprisingly Good Nightlife Scene
Malaysia is not really famous for partying, and while Penang offers the opportunity for a night out, only Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur offers the kind of density of pubs and clubs for you to really rage.
Where this area was once a bit on the low-class, verging on a full-on red light district, things have improved in recent years, and it’s become a popular spot for expats, tourists and locals alike to drink and dance the night away.
We’d recommend working out where the happy hours are as the alcohol can be a bit pricey here compared to some other parts of Southeast Asia, but you can still have a great time for much less cash than in London, Sydney or New York.
Vang Vieng, Laos – The Notorious Party Destination Transformed
Vang Vieng has toned down a lot in recent years ever since the famous river tubing claimed a lot of lives in a very short period of time.
You can still go out on the river, but it’s recommended you do that before the drinking starts and there are plenty of places in this tourist town for you to go drinking.
Just be aware that methanol poisoning isn’t unknown in Laos, so avoid anything that seems to cheap tto be true, because it might just be lethal rather than fun.
However, every summer tens of thousands of people party here and go home with nothing worse than a hangover, so don’t worry too much.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Bui Vien’s Laidback Red Light District
Bui Vien is a red light district, but it’s also Saigon’s number one backpacker haunt, and the entire street is lined with bars and even some surprisingly good restaurants.
One of the best things about drinking in Vietnam is not just the huge variety of Vietnamese beer available but also how cheap it is.
You can have an amazing night out in the Bui Vien area without coming close to breaking the bank, and if you’re really tight for cash, grab a bowl of Pho or Banh Mi from one of the local street food stands; they’re amazing and often cost less than $2!
Just be a little careful with your stuff as there are pickpockets in this area, but otherwise, it’s a very safe place to spend some time.
Boracay, Philippines – A More Complete Nightlife Experience
Boracay, just a few years ago, was an awful place full of trash and unpleasantness. Now, it’s been completely cleaned up, and you’ll find it’s the best place in the Philippines if you want to seek out clubbing culture.
The nightclubs here are large and great fun. You will be expected to provide ID if you want to go inside, and it’s a good idea to book a table in advance and then order bottle service rather than mess around trying to get served when you’re standing.
Filipinos are among the friendliest and most fun people on the planet, and you’re sure to have a good time on this island getaway.
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia – Caution! Wild Party Ahead
Gili Trawangan, or Gili T as it’s known to those who love it, is a tiny island between Bali and Lombok in the Indonesian archipelago.
It’s so small that it has no permanent police presence and the only thing here is a row of backpacker haunts along the beach where the party never stops.
If you’re looking to make new friends while grooving to reggae and EDM on the sand by the Indian Ocean, you’re going to enjoy Gili T very much, indeed.
Bangkok, Thailand – The Khao San Road For Wild Nights As A Partying Traveller
Bangkok’s Khao San Road isn’t quite what it once was, but it’s still an area that’s associated mainly with backpackers and some of the best nightlife in Thailand.
There are pubs and clubs galore, and beers are cheap and plentiful, though spirits and wine can be a little pricey due to import taxes.
You’ll find that many travellers either start or end their Southeast Asian travel experienceas on the Khao San Road and it’s by far the best place to learn about other parties around the region.
Singapore – Orchard Road Transformed
It’s not so long ago that Orchard Road was a bit of a sleezy spot in Singapore’s otherwise perfectly formed city state.
Those days are over and now you’ll find many of the island’s best bars and clubs in this area. You can have an amazing night out.
But, this is Singapore and this is by far, the most expensive night out that you’re likely to have in Southeast Asia too.
Final Thoughts On Our Top Party Destinations In South East Asia
If you thought there were only a few bars to choose from in this part of the world, think again. The crazy free spirits moved to visit this part of the world can drunk-walk home thankfully, from some of the finest beachside clubs and fancy bars in the world.
Whether you intend to spend your time hitting KL’s hottest spots or Bangkok’s many sky bars, or the nightlife hubs of Seminyak and Canggu, there’s something wild to remember going on in Southeast Asia tonight.
So, get ready for luxury resorts, tasty street food, beach lights, amazing bars and proper nightclubs. And plan your next getaway!
