Toxic drinks kill tourists in Laos

Travellers die in Laos - 16th December 2024

Five women and one man have died from drinking methanol in Laos. The tourists from Australia, Denmark, the UK and USA were all staying at the same backpacker hostel.

Lots of backpackers visit Vang Vieng Valley in central Laos in Southeast Asia. Nana Backpacker Hostel, where the tourists were staying, is one of many local hostels which offer guests free or cheap alcoholic drinks.

Did drinks from Nana Backpacker Hostel contain methanol? That’s what the police think. Methanol’s used as a pesticide and fuel. People sometimes add methanol to alcoholic drinks because it’s cheaper than ethanol. But it’s toxic to humans.

The hostel says no one added anything to its drinks. But it’s been closed by the police. They’ve also arrested a number of staff members. Some people think the tourists all drank Tiger Vodka or Tiger Whiskey. These drinks were sold at the hostel. They’re made locally, but they’re now banned.

Two 19 year old Australian backpackers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, have died. Their relatives started a GoFundMe page. The money that they receive will pay for education about methanol. Australia’s Smartraveller website gives advice to tourists. It’s also asking travellers to be careful drinking spirits and cocktails in Laos.