I've spent most of the past two years trying the nightlife of various Asian cities, from Indonesia to Kazakhstan. I've written individual reports for most of them (see the tag Asia Nightlife), but I thought it could be useful to make a brief summary recapitulating everything I've learned.
Based on my travels, these are my 20 favorite cities for partying in Asia (I ranked them by order of preference):
Metro Manila
I spent three weeks in Metro Manila (Makati, Malate, Quezon City). It has become one of my favorite metropolises for nightlife due to several factors: Prices are affordable, nightclubs and bars abound, Filipinos are friendly and tourists are still rare.
Number of nightclubs: 25
For a complete review, you can read Saigon Nightlife.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Safety issues in low-class neighborhoods, traffic jams, slow internet, conservative society (Catholic), disappointing food
✅Easy to navigate nightlife, cheap prices, English is spoken everywhere, large diversity of entertainment venues, 24-hour casinos, fun dating.
Number of nightclubs: 25
Curfew: 5 AM
Prices: Cheap
Dating scene: 👍👍👍 (FilipinaCupid)
Where to party: Poblacion and Burgos Street in Makati, BGC (Bonifacio Global City), The Fort, Quezon City
Where to stay: Makati
For a complete review, you can read Manila Nightlife - Best Nightclubs and Bars.
Saigon
Saigon
I lived in Saigon for 8 months and I loved it. As the economic capital of Vietnam, it is one of the most happening and fastest-paced cities in Southeast Asia. It is also quite touristy and popular with young Westerners. Its nightlife could be perfect if only Vietnamese clubs were more welcoming toward foreigners.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Traffic jams, very hot during the intermediate season, some difficulties to communicate with Vietnamese, dangerous to walk around.
✅ Cheap. Diverse nightlife. Cosmopolitan city.
Number of nightclubs: 30+
Curfew: 4 AM
Prices: Low
Dating: 👍👍 (VietnamCupid) - Read my article 12 Best Dating Apps in Vietnam
Where to Party: District 1
Where to stay: Near Ben Thanh Market
For a complete review, you can read Saigon Nightlife.
Jakarta
In a nutshell:
⛔ Massive traffic jams, difficulties to walk around, 200% tax on alcohol, growing conservatism.
✅ Safe to visit, friendly people, modern clubs, hipster bars, off-the-beaten-track destination.
Number of nightclubs: 15
Curfew: 4-5 AM
Prices: High (10$ for a cocktail, 4$ for a beer, up to 25$ for an entrance in the best clubs)
Dating: 👍👍👍 (IndonesiaCupid) or Seeking.com (luxury dating)
Where to Party? SCBD, Mega Kuningan, Kemang
Where to stay? See my guide Where to Stay in Jakarta
For a complete review, you can read Jakarta Nightlife - Best Nightclubs and Bars.
For a complete review, you can read Bangkok Nightlife Guide.
Shanghai
Bangkok
Bangkok nightlife is eclectic. Whatever you are looking for, you'll find it there, from world-acclaimed cocktail bars to techno clubs.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Touristy, early curfew, lot of prostitution, some scams.
✅ Busy every night, foreigner-friendly, crazy, affordable prices, good food, easy to get around (even by public transportation), weed legal
Number of nightclubs: At least 30
Curfew: 1-2 AM
Prices: Average (5$ for a cocktail, 2$ for a beer, 15$ for an entrance in the best clubs)
Dating: 👍 (ThaiCupid)
Where to Party: RCA (nightclubs), Khaosan Road (backpacker), Thonglor (high-end), Sukhumvit (red light)
Where to stay: Near Asok BTS
For a complete review, you can read Bangkok Nightlife Guide.
Shanghai
As one of the fastest developing cities in the world, Shanghai is an amazing destination for extravagant parties. It is not a solo destination, though, as most nightclubs are geared towards bottle service. Perfect for a stag or a weekend with a group of friends.
Tip: Subscribe to a VPN service BEFORE arriving in China if you want to keep using Google, Facebook, etc. The most recommended for China is PureVPN.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Too many bottle clubs, rather expensive, daily annoyances from government restrictions.
✅ Huge diversity of clubs, easy to get around, small underground scene, interesting crowd of expats and locals
Tip: Subscribe to a VPN service BEFORE arriving in China if you want to keep using Google, Facebook, etc. The most recommended for China is PureVPN.
Number of nightclubs: 40
Curfew: 4 AM
Prices: Average (15-20$ for club entrance)
Dating: 👍👍
Where to Party: Hengshan road, Xintiandi
Where to stay: Near Shanghai Library Station
Taipei
Few people would think about Taipei for a party weekend, and yet they are wrong. The Taiwan capital is home to a wild nightlife, with plenty of sophisticated nightclubs and bars. The locals are welcoming towards foreigners, the prices are reasonable, and you can go almost everywhere by foot.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Nightclubs are only happening on weekends and, to a lesser extent, on Wednesdays.
✅ Taiwanese are foreigner-friendly, prices are moderate (free flow nightclubs available), few tourists around, easy to get around.
Number of nightclubs: 10
Curfew: 4-5 AM
Prices: Moderate (free flow nightclubs available)
Meeting Girls: Moderate (Tinder)
Where to Party: ATT4FUN
Singapore
In a nutshell:
⛔ Too expensive, many bottle clubs
✅ Diversity (Indian clubs, Arab clubs, Chinese clubs, Western clubs, Thai clubs, etc), quality DJs, stylish venues, easy to get around, fun Ladies' nights (usually on Wednesdays)
Prices: High
Where to stay: Near Orchard MRT
For a complete review, you can read Singapore Nightlife Guide
Dating: 👍👍
Where to Party: Chinatown, Clarke Quay
For a complete review, you can read Singapore Nightlife Guide
Hong Kong
A world-class city with a plethora of bars and lounges. Some good clubs as well, very modern yet with a strong Chinese influence.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Expensive, limited nightlife on weekdays, small venues
✅ Cosmopolitan crowd, easy to get around, high-quality bar scene
Number of nightclubs: 20
Curfew: 4-5 AM
Prices: Moderate to high
Meeting Girls: 👍
Where to Party: Lan Kwai Fong, Soho, Wanchai
Where to stay: Near MRT Central
Bali: Kuta to Canggu Area
Bali nightlife is mostly located in the south of the island. Kuta is touristy, cheap and tacky, while Seminyak is more sophisticated and popular with long-term residents. Canggu is now the most trendy area, especially among young people and digital nomads. You can have a lot of fun, especially if you decide to rent a big villa for a crazy weekend with friends. After that, it can get a bit boring as you always see and meet the same people over and over.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Bali is surprisingly small and it can sometimes feel like a village.
✅ The diversity of clubs and bars (EDM, techno, Rn'B, etc), the holiday vibe, partying outside.
Number of nightclubs: 15
Curfew: 5 AM
Prices: Average
Dating: 👍👍👍
Where to party: Jalan Berawa and Batu Bolong (Canggu), Jalan Kayu Aya and Petitenget (Seminyak) or near the 2002 bombing memorial (Kuta)
Where to stay: Near any of the streets above.
For a complete review, you can check: Where to Party in Bali: A Complete Nightlife Guide
Hanoi
Hanoi is not very different from Saigon, to be honest. It is also very touristy and its nightlife is not as conservative as you would think.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Unbearable heat and humidity most of the year (from April to November), loud music in nightclubs, some tourist scams, conservative people
✅ Interesting city to visit, many young foreigners, very cheap (50 cents for a beer)
Number of nightclubs: 20
Curfew: 3 AM
Prices: Low
Where to stay: Near the Saint Joseph Cathedral
For a complete review, you can read Hanoi Nightlife Guide
Almaty
Almaty was a great surprise for me. I was initially just passing by while traveling in Central Asia but I ended up staying two weeks. The city is safe, pleasant (at least during spring) and cheap. It has an awesome and fun nightlife too, easily the best in the region.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Only happening on weekends, freezing temperatures in winter
✅ Cheap everything, interesting underground scene
Number of nightclubs: 15
Curfew: 5 AM
Prices: Cheap
Dating: 👍👍
Where to Party: Around the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen and Gogol Street
Where to stay: Near Panfilovtsev Park
For a complete review, you can check: Almaty Nightlife: Best Bars and Clubs
For a complete review, you can check: Almaty Nightlife: Best Bars and Clubs
Phnom Penh
Due to a mix of poverty and corruption, Phnom Penh's nightlife is still one of the craziest in Southeast Asia (though it has been tamed in recent years). It is a popular stop for sex tourists, especially the older and poorer ones. There is also a nascent upmarket and expat scene that is interesting enough for a weekend of clubbing.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Too much prostitution. The city is still underdeveloped, messy and dirty.
✅ Affordable prices. Laid-back vibe. Interesting city to visit as a tourist (temples, markets, museums).
Number of nightclubs: 20
Curfew: 5-6 AM
Prices: Cheap
Dating: 👍
Where to party: Street 51 (Pasteur) or streets 104, 130, 136.
Where to stay: Near Lux Riverside or Sun & Moon Urban Hotel.
For a complete review, you can check Phnom Penh Nightlife.
For a complete review, you can check Phnom Penh Nightlife.
Phuket
I wouldn't spend a week in Phuket, but for a short weekend, it is fun enough. Most of the nightlife is located in the coastal town of Patong, along Bangla street. You have a bit of everything, including some trendy nightclubs and dirty ping pong shows.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Lots of tourists (and not the best kind), prostitution, overcrowded beach, scams
✅ Everything walking distance, party every night, mixed crowd, reasonable prices
Number of nightclubs: 10
Curfew: 5-6 AM
Prices: Average
Cebu
Cebu is one of the richest and most populous cities in the Philippines. It is also the capital of a beautiful region, popular yet not overcrowded with tourists. Its nightlife is particularly recommended if you are hoping to find a pretty Asian girlfriend. Many Filipinas live there by themselves because they work in one of the numerous call centers or BPOs.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Becoming more touristy (especially among Koreans), rather small and provincial.
✅ Laid-back, cheap, plenty of tourist excursions nearby.
Number of nightclubs: 10
Curfew: 4 AM
Prices: Low
Where to stay: Near Mango Square
For a complete review, you can check: Best Nightclubs in Cebu
Pattaya
Pattaya does not have many equivalents in the world. The city has over a thousand bars and probably 10 times as many prostitutes. It is just a huge, 24/7, bordello for sex tourists from all over the world. If you are a regular tourist, you may be amused by it for a few nights, but after that, you'll be begging for a ticket back home.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Seedy atmosphere, very commercial, dirty beach.
✅ Can be a fun destination for a weekend
Number of nightclubs: 20
Curfew: 5-6 AM
Prices: Average
Dating: 👎 (nearly impossible to meet a non-prostitute)
Where to party: Walking street, Soi LK Metro
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur nightlife is similar to that of Singapore in the sense that you have a huge diversity of venues. It is also cheaper. Unfortunately, I never had a really fun night out there, so I'm not a huge fan.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Conservative mentality, limited number of clubs
✅ Affordable, easy to get around, several party streets with different vibes
Number of nightclubs: 20
Curfew: 4 AM
Prices: Average
Dating: 👍
Where to Party: Petaling street, TREC, Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang
Where to stay: Near Sungei Wang Plaza
For a complete review, you can check: KL Nightlife: Best Bars and Clubs
Koh Samui - Koh Phangan
I lived in Koh Phangan for about 6 months a few years ago. This gave me plenty of opportunities to try the famous Full Moon Party (and its sisters: Half Moon Party, Dark Moon Party, Jungle Party). It was not as wild as I was expecting and I quickly got tired of the backpacker crowd, but I still think it's worth trying.
For more sophisticated nights out, I also stopped a few times on the nearby island of Koh Samui. There are more proper nightclubs there (atmosphere similar to Phuket).
In a nutshell:
⛔ Fake alcohol, cost of living higher than on the mainland, a lot of very young male tourists, expensive hotels during full moon parties (book in advance).
✅ Great beaches, massive parties, easy to meet fellow travelers (in the 20-25 range)
Number of nightclubs: 5
Curfew: 5-6 AM
Prices: Average
Dating: 👍
Where to party: Haad Rin Beach (Koh Phangan), Chaweng (Koh Samui)
Where to stay: Haad Rin (Koh Phangan), Chaweng Walking Street (Koh Samui)
Vang Vieng
Even though Vang Vieng is only a tiny town in the middle of Laos, it used to have some of the craziest parties in Southeast Asia. A major reason for that was the availability of drugs. Things have changed in the past 5 years, unfortunately, after several tourists died. There is still a fun nightlife, split in a few open-air bars that attract young backpackers (Europeans and Koreans).
In a nutshell:
⛔ Small, low-class, repetitive, prices above than average.
✅ The best place to party in Laos, easy to get around, friendly vibe (very young)
Number of nightclubs: 3
Curfew: 3-7 AM
Prices: Low to moderate (as elsewhere in Laos)
Dating: 👍
Where to party: Start in Sakura Bar
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has a nightlife that caters to three types of visitors: Backpackers, Digital nomads, and local students.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Provincial, very early curfew, not many venues (mostly Thai live music).
✅ Cheap, interesting tourist sights in the city.
Number of nightclubs: 5
Curfew: 1 AM
Prices: Cheap
Dating: 👍👍
Where to party: Nimman (Thai area), Old City (tourist area), Loi Kroh (older foreigners)
Where to stay: Near Tha Phae Gate.
For a complete review, you can check: Chiang Mai Nightlife
For a complete review, you can check: Chiang Mai Nightlife
Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is the only Thai-style, backpacker party island in Indonesia. It's great if you want to meet people, drink cheap beers and try magic mushrooms. During the day, there isn't much to do apart from suntanning and diving.
In a nutshell:
⛔ Overcrowded. Accommodation is more expensive than in Bali.
✅ Beautiful beaches, all the bars are located on one strip by the pier.
Number of nightclubs: 4
Curfew: 5 AM
Prices: Average
Dating: 👍
Where to party: Between the Pier and Villa Ombak Hotel.
Where to stay: Backpackers: Stay in party hostels like Gili Castle or Broken Compass. If you have money, try Scallywags Resort instead.
For a complete review, you can check: Gili Trawangan Nightlife - Lombok
For a complete review, you can check: Gili Trawangan Nightlife - Lombok
Very good one! I have only visited 12, still more work to be done. Just one diverging opinion: Singapore is more stylish than HK, not vice versa. And "negative" points on Pattaya could be transferred ti the + side also. Keep up the good work
ReplyDeleteOk for Singapore and HK, it seems I'm wrong about that... It was based on my travel impressions but maybe i haven't been there long enough...
DeleteList is precise and unbiased (visited or lived in 14). Absolutely true about Singapore being much more stylish than HK, which more dynamic. Not my favourites but very strong contenders. For living, Singa maybe close to No 1 with Bangkok (more expensive, but for a reason). Question: why no cities from Middle East, had a very good time (and profitable with different races of girls, mostly for money, though) in Dubai? On the other hand, Seoul and Tokyo?
ReplyDeleteHi there, I've never partied in the Middle east (except Tel Aviv)... I've not been to Seoul yet and when I was in Tokyo, I didn't go to any clubs... the list is really based on my personal experience that's why I didn't include them... Hopefully I can update it with new destinations soon...
DeleteI'm surprised as well that Tokyo is not on this list. The biggest and richest city in the world with a nightlife like no other. You have multiple happening districts like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Akasaka & Roppongi to mention a few. More bars then any city on the planet and more Michelin starred restaurants as well. Whatever genre of music your into from Techno, Electro, House, Trance, EDM, Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, Heavy Metal or Punk you are likely to find a strong scene with world class nightclubs like Womb, Alife, Harlem or the cavernous AgeHa offering he best local and international artists on a weekly basis. The only downsides are the harsh drug laws make it very difficult but not impossible to find recreational drugs if that's your thing and it is also is difficult to meet local Japanese girls with the language barrier and cultural issues but some areas especially Roppongi are known to be frequented by Japanese girls interested in foreigners.
DeleteMacau not bad either. Tokyo diverse, vibrant, but very complicated for girls, if not paying. Which is differently organised, and complicated. Nice list, but should be according to segments - best cities for 1/ regular girls, 2/ bar girls, 3/ freelancers, 4/ going out, clubbing, 5/ comfortable life for a foreigner, and separately for a Farang, 6/ most expensive and cheapest in relative terms, with all other necessities included
ReplyDeleteI went to Macau 2 nights but I found only a few empty clubs with Russian hookers. The most famous nightclub (I think Pacha) was closed during the week so I couldn't go there. It seems most of the nightlife consisted of karaokes and spas which is not really my favorite form of entertainment.
DeleteYes the segments are a good idea as I'm mixing apples with oranges... I'll think about new detailed articles with your suggestions... Thanks!
Good points on Singapore being really attractive, but expensive. Macao can be interesting, but you need at least a week and relatively nice weather. They have massage parlours, casinos, freelancers, cafes... Dubai is really strong, but within certain rules, which is sort of OK if you respect them. Great clubs, bar and malls. For me, next stop is Kuala Lumpur
ReplyDeleteDubai is also solid, but expensive for no reason. Best places are Filipino bars and clubs, where you feel being somewhere else, like in SEA. York hotel is also worth visiting
DeleteOnly 15 nightclubs in the whole of Jakarta??? There's more then that in North Jakarta alone.
ReplyDeletePersonally i will not put Tokyo on the list. Been there twice and overall really disappointing.
ReplyDeleteIn Roppongi you will be chased by African immigrants every single night trying to get you in some shady strip clubs or massage parlous. During the week many clubs are quite empty. Other areas except roppongi are not really foreigner friendly unless you are 20 years old , super trendy and speak Japanese. Probably 95% of jap girls does not speak any English...
And it seems like the only reason that the majority of Jap guys go the clubs is to cock block u. The only way to get around is to get girls Line ID and trying to set up something after the clubs or for a next day. Many Jap girls are very pretty but many have horrible teeth and questionable hygiene. But Tokyo itself is fun , a lot to do
Bangkok clubs are not cheap, an opposite, nightlife is quite expensive. If we don't talk about cheap bars, but real clubs, cheapest beer you can find in whole Bangkok is 150 thb beer in Havana social, soi 11. All other clubs, but i mean all of them, keep price for beer from 200 to 250 thb, which is 6-8 usd. This is pure fact from my rich clubbing experience, as i have been heavily partying in Bkk clubs for past 10 years.
ReplyDelete