Luang Prabang - The Rough Guide to Laos - page 200

and “Ethnik” fashion show (Tues-Sat from 7pm) displays clothes from Laos's various ethnic
groups in conjunction with nearby Kōpnoï . Daily 7am-11.30pm.
Icon Klub Off Sisavangvong Rd, near Wat Pha Phoutthabat 071 254905,
iconklub.com ; map . A cosy little bar run by Hungarian Lisa, with an eclectic decor and a
good line in homespun cocktails (40,0000-50,000K). One of Luang Prabang's most con-
vivial late(ish)-opening options, so popular with Westerners propping up the bar over a
nightcap. Sometimes runs events and periodically closes for several weeks at a time. Daily
5.30-11.30pm.
Lao Lao Garden Ban Aphay 020 7777 4414; map . A large, hugely atmospheric garden
bar - a great place to chill out over a Lao barbecue (49,000K) under the lanterns, before
things pick up later on. The huge drinks menu includes a range of rather potent two-for-one
cocktails from 20,000K, and large Beerlao for 14,000K. Daily 8am-11.30pm.
S Bar Ban Aphay 020 5466 5757; map . With a drinks menu printed on 12” vinyl, this
moodily lit new kid on the block thinks of itself as a cooler, more cosmopolitan alternat-
ive to the competition along the main bar strip. It's quickly become famous for its burgers
(55,000K), though the sushi and “Lao tapas” are well worth a try too. Daily noon-11.30pm.
Utopia Ban Wat Aphay, by the Nam Khan 020 2388 1771, utopialuangprabang.com ;
map . “Zen by day, groovy by night” is Utopia 's philosophy - and it's a real winner. With stun-
ning river views, rustic-tropical decor, and a good food and booze menu, not to mention early
morning yoga, “beach” volleyball, DJ evenings and BBQ-in-a-bomb nights, there's enough
to make your visit last all day. It's on the river, east of Wat Visoun - just follow the signs
from the main road. Daily 8am-11.30pm.
< Back to Drinking and nightlife
ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE
PhralakPhralamTheatre Royal Palace Museum phralakphralam.com . A building in the
grounds of the Royal Palace Museum serves as the home of the Royal Ballet Theatre, which
gives performances four nights a week (Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat 6pm; 100,000-150,000/person
depending on the seat). The shows include excerpts from the Lao version of the Ramayana,
a mock Lao wedding ceremony, as well as some Lao interpretations of the dances of their
tribal neighbours. The glittering costumes are stunning, and the traditional Lao music will be
playing in your head long into the night.
FILM
There are no cinemas in Luang Prabang, but L'Etranger shows quality films nightly at 7pm
above the bookshop; there's no charge, but you are expected to buy food or a drink. Movies
are also shown most nights at Xayana Guesthouse and LPQ Backpackers . Real buffs should
aim to arrive in the city for the Luang Prabang Film Festival .