Laos’ methanol poisoning deaths send chill through backpacker paradise

The streets of Vang Vieng are quieter than usual as global scrutiny falls on the backpacker hotspot following the deaths of six foreign tourists from suspected methanol poisoning.

Across from Nana Backpackers Hostel, where all six victims stayed before falling ill, a local tuk-tuk driver sits in his vehicle smoking a cigarette and chatting with his young son.

“I don’t know much of this story. I only saw about it on Facebook,” the tuk-tuk driver says, requesting anonymity.

“I am often here to transport tourists. In this hotel there are just foreigners, no Asians usually. They have parties every Friday night that last until Saturday morning.”

On this most recent Saturday morning, though, tourists are few and far between.

The driver says he is concerned about his 10-year-old son growing up as a teenager in Vang Vieng. He wants both locals and tourists to be safe.

“I haven’t noticed much change in my business yet, but this area is definitely quieter now, and there aren’t as many tourists needing transport,” he says.

Two Australians, a British citizen, two Danes, and an American have died in what is believed to be a case of mass poisoning from methanol, an industrial chemical often used in bootleg alcohol.

News reports say the victims visited nearby Jaidee Bar before being found unconscious at Nana Backpackers Hostel.

The hostel’s manager has reportedly been taken into police custody, though Lao authorities have not confirmed this.

With investigations ongoing, Lao authorities have provided few details about the case. Embassies of Denmark, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have declined to comment.

Foreign backpackers in the town continue to come and go, with some appearing more concerned about the risks than others.

“We heard what happened. We are not too worried about it,” says one Spanish tourist in her 20s.

Alice Anastasi, a 23-year-old Australian tourist, says hostels are being “more careful” with guests, parties and the sale of alcohol.

Among local businesses, some owners are reflecting on the need for a better balance between revenue-generating tourism and safety.

“This is my first time seeing something like this happen in Vang Vieng,” a local tour agency operator says, asking to remain anonymous.