Backpackers in Laos are urged to avoid drinking spirits after reports of suspected poisonings linked to contaminated alcohol surface, raising safety concerns for travelers.
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As the sun gently sets behind the rugged peaks of Mount Nam Xay, a collection of vibrant hot air balloons glides over the Vang Vieng valley.
In the river below, young tourists paddle along in their kayaks, laughing and playfully splashing one another.
It’s easy to understand why this small town in central Laos attracts so many travelers. The breathtaking scenery and abundant, affordable entertainment make it a popular destination.
However, the town has become central to an international scandal following the deaths of six tourists last week due to suspected methanol poisoning.
It is suspected that their alcoholic beverages might have contained methanol, an industrial chemical frequently found in illicit alcohol.
For the numerous young Western travelers exploring Southeast Asia’s backpacker circuit, Vang Vieng has gained notoriety for an activity known as “tubing.” Someone once described it to me as a pub crawl on water.
Friends in swimsuits and bikinis climb onto large inner tubes, typically used for trucks, and float downstream. Along the way, they stop at riverside bars where vodka shots are generously served before diving back into the water to continue their adventure.
By the time they arrive in Vang Vieng, everyone is quite cheerful.
Two 27-year-old women from Hertfordshire, UK, who prefer to remain anonymous, told me, “We think we’re going to skip the tubing.”
“The vodka shots are included in the package, but currently, no one is interested in drinking the local vodka.”
The two arrived from Vietnam at the same time news of deaths due to methanol poisoning was spreading globally.
“One of them mentioned, ‘In Vietnam, we received free drinks, especially while playing games in the evening. We never really gave it much thought and just assumed they were safe. We’ve had large amounts before but won’t take that risk again; many others here share this sentiment.'”
“Buckets,” as the name suggests, are small plastic containers filled with inexpensive vodka and other types of liquor. Groups of friends enjoy these concoctions by sipping through long plastic straws.
“With this incident occurring, it truly makes you reflect on the situation,” remarks the woman’s friend. “You start to question why drinks are complimentary. At the hostel linked to these deaths, we learned they were offering free vodka and whisky shots for an hour every evening. If such a thing happened in the UK, I think people would certainly find it suspicious.”
Both women mentioned that they are now exclusively drinking bottled or canned beer.
The tragic deaths of six tourists have sent shockwaves through the backpacker community, with young female travelers feeling particularly vulnerable. Among the deceased are Simone White, a 28-year-old from Britain; two Australians, Holly Bowles and her best friend Bianca Jones; and two Danish women, Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and Freja Vennervald Sorensen.
Of all those who died, just one was male: a 57-year-old American named James Louis Hutson. In various travelers’ chat groups, there has been speculation about whether the drinks of only women were laced with methanol. The reality is that it remains uncertain what happened exactly.
Here’s a revised version: It is known that all the victims had been staying at The Nana Backpackers hostel. It has now been confirmed that the American victim was discovered dead in his room on November 13th. On that same morning, two Danish victims were found unconscious in their rooms and quickly taken to the nearby hospital.
READ ALSO: Sixth Foreign Tourist Dies in Laos from Suspected Methanol Poisoning
Today, the Nana hostel has shut down, and the swimming pool that was recently bustling with pool parties now stands empty. Just a short walk from there along the riverbank, JaiDees bar has also been subjected to a raid. The owners of both establishments have strongly denied any involvement in serving illegal or homemade alcohol.
Despite the poisonings, there’s little indication that visitors are avoiding Vang Vieng along the river. Late November marks peak tourist season; with the rainy season ended, clear skies prevail and temperatures maintain a relatively mild 28°C (82°F).
Hostel owners along the main street informed me that they are fully booked. Contrary to what one might expect, young travelers from Europe and Australia represent a minority presence. The majority of visitors hail from neighboring countries like Thailand and China, with many Chinese tourists journeying south via the newly completed Laos high-speed rail line constructed by China.
Vang Vieng remains a dusty rural town, yet it is experiencing rapid growth. Local business owners drive by in luxury SUVs like Land Cruisers and Range Rovers. On Saturday night, as I was returning to my hotel, the loud roar of a Lamborghini’s exhaust startled me as it cruised down Vang Vieng’s single main street.
Two decades ago, this was a quiet little town encircled by rice fields. Today, Thai and Chinese investments are transforming the area. Elegant new hotels featuring riverside cocktail bars and infinity pools are emerging rapidly.
However, the young western backpackers aren’t drawn by the allure of a five-star experience; they are attracted to an inviting atmosphere where anything goes.
At a local motorcycle rental shop, I encounter two recent graduates from Sussex University.
Ned from Somerset mentions that he has no plans to cancel his arrangements despite recent events. “People are definitely scared,” he remarks, “but I don’t sense anyone is planning to leave. Everyone is still here enjoying themselves.”
He notes, “However, everyone is cautioning against drinking the spirits. People are being cautious; there’s definitely a sense of vigilance in the air. I believe it’s actually quite safe now because all the bars are on high alert—nobody wants to risk going to jail.”
His friend Jack remains just as calm. “We’ve come here to meet up with some friends and enjoy ourselves, and that’s still our plan,” he explains. “I’ve been here for a week now, and I can confidently say that the people are incredibly welcoming. They’re among the nicest we’ve encountered throughout South East Asia. So regardless of what happened, I don’t believe there was any ill intent involved.”
Regardless of the intent, six people have died, five of whom were young women.
The shock waves from the events here have spread globally, reaching suburban homes from London to Melbourne. Concerned parents with children on backpacking trips are anxiously messaging them, checking their whereabouts and urging them to avoid going to Vang Vieng.
BBC
