Laos’ tainted alcohol deaths send chill through backpacker paradise

Backpacker hotspot Vang Vieng is in the spotlight following deaths of six tourists from suspected methanol poisoning.

Vang Vieng, Laos – 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.