November 24th 2024.
In the northern region of Laos lies a small town that has become a popular destination for backpackers. However, it recently made headlines for a tragic event that has claimed the lives of six tourists and potentially injured many others.
The news first broke when two Australian teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, fell critically ill after a night of drinking in the town of Vang Vieng. They were rushed to hospitals in Thailand, with one of them being diagnosed with methanol poisoning. Sadly, they did not survive. It was later confirmed that a British woman also passed away due to the same cause. The exact causes of death for an American and two Danes have not yet been released, and a New Zealander has also fallen sick.
The incident has caused a lot of concern among tourists in the area, according to Neil Farmiloe, a New Zealander who owns a restaurant in the town. Many are worried about the extent of the poisoning and how it may have affected others. This has brought back unpleasant memories of the town's reputation for wild parties involving young backpackers.
Despite the tragedy, the town remains bustling with visitors, especially at night. The main neighborhood is filled with bars, restaurants, and food stalls that attract a large crowd. During the day, the Nam Song River is dotted with kayaks as tourists enjoy shouting and splashing water at each other.
Frida Svedberg, a 24-year-old from Sweden, arrived in Laos five weeks ago for her Southeast Asia trip. She had heard about the incident before arriving and has been receiving worried messages from family and friends. Despite this, she decided to stick to her plan of spending three nights in Vang Vieng. She found the town just as beautiful as she had expected.
"It's a famous spot for backpackers. After Thailand and Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng is the next must-visit destination. I've only heard good things about it, and it's where most people go," she shared.
Vang Vieng has not always been a safe place, as Soutjai Xayphankhaun, the owner of Sout Jai Guesthouse, recalls. In the mid-2000s, it started gaining popularity among European backpackers who were drawn to its serene nature and activities such as river tubing. However, it soon became known for its cheap alcohol, illegal drugs, and dangerous river sports, resulting in numerous deaths. In 2011 alone, 27 people died while partaking in river activities, prompting the government to step in with regulations.
Since then, Vang Vieng has attracted a more diverse group of tourists, not just young Western backpackers. Chinese and South Koreans also frequent the town, and there are now more activities available aside from the nightlife scene. Tour agencies offer packages for the Blue Lagoon, mountaintop views, and various caves. Those seeking adventure can try kayaking, zip lining, paragliding, or hot air ballooning. Although river tubing is still available, there are now fewer riverside bars than before.
The recent tragedy has raised concerns among locals about the impact it may have on tourism. In 2023, Vang Vieng welcomed over 600,000 visitors, and this number is expected to increase this year. However, Soutjai, the guesthouse owner, admits that the news has made him a bit worried. "It's about the tourists and their confidence. The news has spread all over the world, and it will definitely have an impact," he said.
Anton Honkanen, a Swedish tourist, also shared how the incident has affected his experience. "I think it ruins the essence of backpacking a bit. The whole point is to enjoy yourself, meet new people from all over the world, and have a good time. But now, I'm hesitant to do that because of the poisoning," he revealed.
On the other hand, Svedberg believes that what happened was unfortunate but should not discourage people from visiting. "Accidents can happen anywhere, so I don't think it should affect tourism. We just have to be cautious," she stated.
The Nana Backpacker Hostel, where the two Australian teens stayed, has since closed its gates. It was not allowed to take in new guests and was only accommodating those who were already there until Friday. The manager and owner, who are Vietnamese, have been detained by the Lao police for questioning.
It is suspected that methanol, a cheaper alternative to ethanol, was added to the tourists' drinks at a shady bar. However, it can also be a byproduct of poorly distilled homemade liquor, which may have accidentally ended up in the bar's drinks. The Laotian government has officially acknowledged the case and promised to bring those responsible to justice.
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