Tourists traveling to Laos were cautioned after suspected poisoning-related deaths in an area favored by Israeli backpackers. The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory after concerns over methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng.
The warning follows similar alerts from other countries after six tourists died from poisoning, including two young Australian women, a 28-year-old British woman and tourists from Denmark and the U.S.
Vang Vieng's tourist police reported that several suspects, including a manager and the owner of a local hostel, have been arrested for questioning. However, no charges have been filed yet and the investigation appears to be progressing slowly amidst Laos' government practices, known for strict control over public information.
One of the victims, 19-year-old Holly Bowles from Australia, died in a Bangkok hospital after a week-long struggle for her life. “It is with broken hearts, and we are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,” her family told local media. A day earlier, her travel companion, Bianca Jones, also 19 from Melbourne, passed away from the poisoning in the same hospital.
Reports indicate that the poisonings were caused by consuming counterfeit alcohol containing methanol. Methanol, a toxic chemical sometimes found in illegally produced fake alcohol, can lead to blindness or even death when consumed in significant amounts.
The U.S. Health Department warned that the contaminated beverages might still be in circulation in Vang Vieng and surrounding areas, urging travelers to exercise extreme caution when consuming alcohol.
"Purchase alcoholic beverages and drinks from licensed liquor stores, bars, and hotels. Avoid homemade alcoholic drinks. Check liquor bottles for signs of tampering or counterfeiting, such as labels with poor print quality or incorrect spelling,” the advisory read.
Poisoning cases of this kind aren’t uncommon in Southeast Asia, but the strong international response, including warnings from the U.S. and other countries, highlights growing concern over the scale of the incident.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the recent tragedies should prompt international collaboration to prevent the spread of counterfeit alcohol. He noted that his government continues to pressure Laotian authorities to improve oversight of alcohol production and sales, hoping these measures will avert future tragedies.
Local tourist police in Vang Vieng have urged all visitors to report any suspicious activity and exercise extra caution. Tourism experts in Southeast Asia warn that the recent events could harm Laos' tourism reputation as the country attracts nearly five million tourists annually.
Vang Vieng, a small town in Laos' Vientiane Province, draws close to 600,000 backpackers each year. Located along the Nam Song River, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) north of the capital Vientiane, the area historically served as a strategic base during the Vietnam War with a nearby airstrip used by the U.S. Air Force.
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Over time, the town, with an estimated population of 25,000, has become a popular destination thanks to its striking mountainous scenery, affordable prices and tourist-friendly atmosphere. It also serves as a common stopover for travelers heading north to the city of Luang Prabang.
The area is renowned for its unique karst formations, featuring mountain ranges and numerous caves that create a stunning backdrop for its tourist attractions. The Nam Song River is the central draw, offering tubing, rafting and kayaking — while the region is also popular for cycling, motorbiking and rock climbing.