Gary's Irish Bar - The Rising Sun

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of good old Ireland right in the middle of the exotic—this is exactly the opportunity Vang Vieng offers travelers. Gary's Irish Bar is not just an establishment, but a true corner of home comfort and a traditional European pub in the heart of Laos.

The Rising Sun Irish Bar. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The owner, Gary, has managed to create a place with an incredibly high rating and an impeccable reputation. Here, guests can expect hearty portions of classic dishes: from full Irish breakfasts and Irish stew to homemade meat pies and juicy burgers. Special attention should be paid to the selection of drinks, including the legendary Guinness on tap and local Beerlao.

The pub's interior is thought out to the smallest detail: for those who enjoy active recreation, there are two free pool tables, while sports fans will appreciate the four screens broadcasting Premier League matches, rugby, and Formula 1. Thanks to the friendly staff and lively atmosphere, this place has become a favorite gathering spot for backpackers and tourists from all over the world.

To check the daily menu, book a table for a large group, or inquire about the sports broadcast schedule, you can use the contact details provided below. All up-to-date information about the establishment is gathered in a convenient table for your ease.

When stopping by Gary's, be sure to start your evening by sampling the cuisine. Try the famous cottage pie, fragrant Irish stew, or the signature burger. For those looking for lighter options, they serve excellent smoothies, such as pineapple, and during "happy hour" you can get great deals on cocktails or cold beer.

The bar's entertainment program is quite busy. You can challenge other guests to a game of pool or take part in the daily Killer Pool tournaments, where nice prizes are up for grabs. If you prefer the role of a spectator, make yourself comfortable in front of one of the four screens to watch a live broadcast of an exciting football match or race.

Regular performances by Irish musicians add a special charm to the evening, filling the room with the live sounds of guitar and fiddle. It is an ideal place for social interaction: it is easy to make new acquaintances here, chat with Gary himself, or simply relax in the quiet room on the second floor after a busy day spent exploring the caves and lagoons around the town.

Finding Gary's Irish Bar is quite easy as it is located in the heart of the tourist hub on Middle Street in the Ban Savang district. Most travelers staying in the town center prefer to get here on foot—a walk from popular guesthouses and hotels takes only 5 to 15 minutes.

If you are staying in a more distant area, you can always use a local tuk-tuk or arrive on a rented bicycle or motorbike. The bar is located on a busy street, and its bright sign is clearly visible from a distance, making it a convenient landmark for evening strolls.

For those just arriving in town from Vientiane or Luang Prabang, you will first need to get to the bus station by bus or minivan. Upon arrival, a short taxi ride or a quick walk will lead you straight to the doors of the establishment, where you can relax after a long journey.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with its founder—Gary, who hails from the town of Killorglin in County Kerry, Ireland. Deciding to bring a piece of his homeland to Laos, he created an authentic pub that quickly won the hearts of the international traveling community.

Despite its exotic surroundings, the establishment strictly adheres to the traditions of classic Irish hospitality. Gary is personally involved in managing the bar, which creates that unique "homey" atmosphere that is often hard to find in typical tourist cafes. This place has become a true cultural hub where people from all corners of the globe meet.

Interestingly, the bar successfully combines the spirit of old Ireland (with its love for Guinness and hearty pies) and Lao friendliness. Over the years, Gary's Irish Bar has evolved from a simple pub into a legendary spot on the backpacker map, while maintaining its reputation for consistently high-quality food and drinks.

To fully soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the cuisine, guests usually spend 2 to 4 hours here. This is plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely dinner of classic Irish dishes, sample signature drinks, and perhaps play a game or two of pool.

Many visitors choose to stay for the entire evening, especially if there are major sports broadcasts or live music performances scheduled. If your goal is just a quick snack or a cold beer after a day of excursions, an hour will be quite enough.

The establishment opens its doors daily in the evening, making it the perfect place to end your day. The schedule for Gary's Irish Bar remains consistent throughout the week:

From Monday to Sunday, the pub welcomes guests from 17:00 to 00:00. Please note that the main activity and entertainment usually begin later in the evening when the daytime heat subsides.

The bar's central location allows tourists to easily combine a visit to the pub with exploring other interesting spots. A stroll around the neighborhood will help you feel the dynamic rhythm of local life and discover new places to relax.

Evening Vang Vieng offers many options for continuing the fun or enjoying a quiet dinner, as the town's most popular venues and hotels are concentrated within walking distance.