Samlo is an expat/tourist pub and restaurant located on Rue Setthathirath in Vientiane. It looks a bit dirty and old, with torn seats and peeling paint, but in a way it adds to its charm.
It is normally fairly busy every night of the week, mostly thanks to regular patrons. They come to play pool or foosball, to watch live sports and to drink cheap beer (small lao for 10,000 kip). There is also Western food (40,000-70,000 kip).
One of the best features of Samlo is the friendly service from (some of) their waitresses. They are not bargirls, yet they can be playful and cute.
There was a prostitute who came to me at some point, asking if I wanted company for the night. She looked really desperate and I felt a bit sorry for her. I suppose she is not the only working girl in Samlo.
Apart from that, the bar allows smoking and it has a good setup for meeting people. The music is not too loud (famous rock and pop songs from the past 40 years). Free Wifi.
Overall: Clearly not a sophisticated bar, but recommended for meeting people if you are alone in Vientiane.
Opening Hours:
Every day from 5PM to 1.30AM
Samlo Pub and Restaurant
101 Sethathirath Road, Vientiane, Laos
Phone number: 020 55 519 097
Facebook: Samlo Bar