Rooftop Bars in Vientiane: The 2026 Guide to the 15 Best Spots

By Clem-Titsada — Expat Laos SALITHYNA — Updated: 28 August 2026

Sunset over the Mekong, the Patuxay lit up, That Luang glowing at dusk: Vientiane’s rooftops have become the best vantage points in the capital. Here are the 15 addresses worth the ride up — with budgets, views and the traps to avoid.

Vientiane does not yet have Bangkok’s density of sky bars, but its scene has diversified remarkably: grand hotel terraces facing the river, a panorama from the tallest tower in Laos, intimate cocktail bars and local spots high above the streets. This guide lists the rooftop bars in Vientiane that are actually open, from the most premium to the most laid-back — and also names the ones that have closed, which many guides still recommend.

1. Which rooftop should you pick for the occasion?

2. Which rooftop bars in Vientiane are the most premium and panoramic?

🔹 1. Stellar Rooftop Bar — Amari Vientiane

On the 15th floor of the Amari, Chaofa Ngum Road facing the Mekong, this is one of Vientiane’s most polished rooftop bars: panoramic river views, creative signature cocktails (around 10-11 usd, snacks from 8 usd), refined service and a stylish atmosphere — excellent for sunset drinks, business meetings or an elegant evening. Indicative budget: 350,000 to 700,000 LAK per person. Open in Google Maps

🔹 2. Latsavong Sky Bar — Latsavong Wanda Vista

On the 37th floor of the tallest building in Laos, on Kaysone Phomvihane Avenue, this sky bar offers the widest and highest panoramic view of Vientiane. Its reputation is still developing, but the spectacular cityscape already makes it one of the capital’s most impressive locations. Indicative budget: 250,000 to 650,000 LAK per person, depending on drinks and dinner. Open in Google Maps

🔹 3. 360°@ Eleven — Eastin Hotel Vientiane

On the top floor of the Eastin, Khaemkhong Road (Sikhottabong), a modern rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic city and Mekong views. It is well regarded for sunset drinks, comfortable seating and a complete food menu, although prices sit clearly above casual local restaurants (Beerlao 30,000 LAK, cocktails 155,000-195,000 LAK, dishes 120,000-480,000 LAK before service and taxes). Indicative budget: 250,000 to 550,000 LAK per person. Open in Google Maps

🔹 4. Tipsy Elephant Rooftop Lounge — SureStay Hotel

On the 10th floor at 101 Chao Anou Road, near the night market: Vientiane’s best-known sunset rooftop, popular with expatriates, travellers and locals alike. It combines direct Mekong views, relaxed music, cocktails and a varied Lao and international menu — tables near the edge fill quickly before sunset. Indicative budget: 300,000 to 650,000 LAK per person. Open in Google Maps

🔹 5. Selene Sky Bar — Souphattra Hotel

On the 6th floor at 23 Singha Road (Ban Phonxay), a sophisticated rooftop bar known for its beautiful view of the Patuxay, attentive service and well-made cocktails. Its elegant atmosphere, live performances and strong customer reviews make it particularly suited to date nights, celebrations and professional gatherings. Indicative budget: 300,000 to 700,000 LAK per person. Open in Google Maps

3. Where should you go for boutique dining and cocktails?

🔹 6. Go To The Moon Rooftop — S Park Design Hotel

On the 9th floor of the S Park (Nakham/Sikhottabong area), a stylish local rooftop with attractive sunset views, cocktails, international food and a relatively quiet atmosphere. The view and design draw consistent praise, while feedback on food consistency and service is more mixed. Indicative budget: 180,000 to 450,000 LAK per person. Open in Google Maps

🔹 7. 7th Heaven — La Seine Hotel

On the roof of La Seine at 160 Fa Ngum Quay, facing the Mekong, a refined riverside rooftop restaurant: international and Lao cuisine, French wines and romantic sunset dining, with one of the most peaceful river views in Vientiane. The experience is more expensive and formal than the casual rooftops — that is the price of elegance. Indicative budget: 300,000 to 750,000 LAK per person, more with a bottle of wine. Open in Google Maps

🔹 8. Madame Cocktail Bar — Lao Poet Hotel

On the 8th floor of the Lao Poet, Hengbounnoy Street in the city centre, an elegant and intimate cocktail bar hidden behind a red velvet entrance. Madame has built a strong reputation on inventive cocktails, attentive service and a glamorous Art Deco atmosphere rather than large-scale rooftop dining. Indicative budget: 250,000 to 550,000 LAK per person. Open in Google Maps

🔹 9. Skyline Lounge — Lao Poet Hotel

The open-air side of the Lao Poet rooftop complex, beside the infinity pool: a relaxed boutique-hotel atmosphere and attractive sunset views, better suited to a quiet drink than a lively party. Indicative budget: 180,000 to 450,000 LAK per person. Open in Google Maps

4. Which local and alternative spots are worth discovering?

🔹 10. Nakonluang Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

In the That Luang area, with an unobstructed view of the stupa — spectacular when the monument is illuminated. The scenery is its main strength; feedback on food availability, cocktails and speed of service has been inconsistent. The perfect spot after reading our article on the history of Pha That Luang. Indicative budget: 150,000 to 400,000 LAK per person. Open in Google Maps

🔹 11. Majestic View — Sengtawan Riverside Hotel

An upper terrace on the Mekong riverside (Ban Sithan Neua), older and more traditional, with excellent views over the river and across to Thailand. It is particularly appreciated for breakfast, sunrise and the peaceful river scenery — the style is more functional than fashionable. Indicative budget: 100,000 to 300,000 LAK per person. Open in Google Maps

🔹 12. MIX Restaurant & Bar — Nam Phou

A long-established city-centre institution on Setthathirath Road, with an upper terrace overlooking the Nam Phou fountain area. Convenient, casual and reasonably priced — more an elevated city terrace than a panoramic luxury rooftop. Indicative budget: 100,000 to 300,000 LAK per person. Open in Google Maps

🔹 13. BARON Vientiane & The Rooftop

Above the Starbucks Mekong Riverside, a fashionable nightlife venue combining a rooftop area, DJs, cocktails and a club-style atmosphere. The location is not very high, but it draws a younger, well-dressed local crowd looking for music and nightlife rather than a quiet dinner. Indicative budget: 250,000 to 700,000 LAK per person — VIP tables and bottles push the bill up fast. Open in Google Maps

🔹 14. Moon Sky Bar

On the outskirts, in Ban Sainamngern/Sivilay (Xaythany district): a casual suburban sky bar with Chinese-style barbecue, spicy local dishes, beer and a relaxed open-air setting. Inexpensive and mainly local — without the central skyline or polished service of the big hotel rooftops, but with plenty of authenticity. Indicative budget: 80,000 to 250,000 LAK per person. Open in Google Maps

🔹 15. True Love Sunshine Music Restaurant

On the 3rd floor of the Shengda International Hotel (T2 Road, Sang Jiang area), a lesser-known rooftop restaurant with live music, Chinese and Lao food and a lively late-night atmosphere. It is more popular with local and Chinese-speaking customers than international visitors, with generally moderate prices. Indicative budget: 120,000 to 400,000 LAK per person. Open in Google Maps

5. Which rooftop bars in Vientiane have closed (but guides still recommend)?

This is the classic Vientiane trap: closed venues that keep circulating in guides and search engines. Before heading to any of these, a phone check is essential.

• Bor Pen Nyang — the historic Fa Ngum Quay institution has closed, even though older guides still list it as open.
• Luminar Rooftop Bar — a review from May 2025 describes the building as empty and abandoned: consider it closed until a reopening is confirmed.
• Ray’s Capitol Grille — the former expat favourite at the Capitol Residence is now listed as closed.
• Lao NaNa Rooftop Restaurant — still mentioned on the Capitol Residence website, but reported as permanently closed by several directories: call the hotel before making the trip.
• MStone Bistro & Bar — mentioned in older publications as a riverside rooftop, with no evidence of active operation as of August 2026.

6. How do you make the most of a Vientiane rooftop?

Three golden rules: arrive between 5 and 6 pm to catch the golden light and the best tables, book an edge-of-terrace seat at the busy venues (Tipsy Elephant, Selene, Stellar), and check opening hours during the rainy season — some rooftops close or retreat indoors on stormy evenings. On budget: the ranges given are per person for a drink with a dish or snacks; promotions, taxes, service charges and bottle prices can change the bill significantly. And if the evening whets your appetite for local cuisine, our guide to the 5 must-try dishes in Vientiane completes the night out perfectly.

Conclusion: the capital is gaining altitude

From Stellar’s cocktails to the 37th-floor panorama at the Latsavong, via the barbecue smoke of the Moon Sky Bar, Vientiane now offers a rooftop for every mood and every budget. It is also a fine barometer of a changing city: every new tower brings its terrace. For an expat, knowing these addresses means more options to entertain, to celebrate — or simply to watch the sun drop into the Mekong. And if you would like to live near these neighbourhoods, our guide to where to live in Vientiane in 2026 will help you pick the right area.

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is the best rooftop in Vientiane for sunset?

The Tipsy Elephant, on the 10th floor near the night market: direct Mekong views, a relaxed vibe and a mixed crowd. Arrive before 5.30 pm for an edge-of-terrace table.

What is the highest rooftop in Vientiane?

The Latsavong Sky Bar, on the 37th floor of the Latsavong Wanda Vista tower — the tallest building in Laos — with the widest panoramic view of the capital.

What budget should you plan for a rooftop evening in Vientiane?

From 80,000 LAK per person at the local spots (Moon Sky Bar) to 700,000 LAK and beyond at the premium rooftops (Stellar, 7th Heaven), for a drink with a dish or snacks, before service and taxes.

Do you need to book?

Yes for edge-of-terrace tables at sunset, especially at the Tipsy Elephant, Selene and Stellar, and for dinner at 7th Heaven. On weekdays outside peak season, you will usually find a spot.

Is Bor Pen Nyang still open?

No. The historic Fa Ngum Quay institution has closed, even though older guides still mention it. Other venues such as the Luminar and Ray’s Capitol Grille have also closed.

Where can you admire That Luang illuminated?

From the Nakonluang Rooftop, in the stupa district: the direct view of the illuminated monument is its great strength — aim for the blue hour for the best photos.

Do the rooftops operate during the rainy season?

Yes, but with caveats: some close their outdoor sections or move indoors on stormy evenings. From May to October, check the day’s opening hours before heading out.

Last updated August 2026 (information compiled and verified on 21 August 2026). Prices, hours and statuses change quickly in Vientiane: budgets are per-person estimates for a drink and a dish, excluding promotions, taxes and service.

🔗 Continue exploring life in Vientiane

By Clem-Titsada, co-founder of Salithyna Group. Franco-Lao and based in Vientiane, she has been developing professional services adapted to international standards and to the realities of Laos since 2022.