Canada & U.S. Issue Laos Travel Advisories Following Deaths

The governments of Canada and the U.S. have issued travel advisories for Laos following a mass poisoning of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng that has left at least six dead.

Over the last month, several tourists became critically ill after consuming tainted alcohol tied to a popular tourist stop in region, Nana Backpackers hostel. One British woman, one American man, two Australian women, and two Danish women have died. 

Laos state media has confirmed at least six others have taken ill. The operators of Nana Backpacker hostel have been detained for questioning. 

The U.S. State Department on Friday issued a warning of “suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, possibly through the consumption of methanol-laced alcoholic drinks.”

In Canada, the Laos travel advisory has been updated to include the recent poisoning:

“In November 2024, several foreigners in Vang Vieng have been victims of suspected methanol-adulterated alcohol poisoning.

• Be vigilant if you choose to drink alcohol
• Avoid accepting free or extremely low-priced drinks
• Only buy alcohol in sealed bottles and cans from reputable shops
• Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick”

The Canadian advisory also warns about other spiked items in the region.

“Some food and drinks, such as “happy pizzas” and “special shakes,” may contain unspecified amounts of opium and other unknown substances. These items are sold in areas frequented by tourists, particularly in Vang Vieng. While these items may be easily accessible, taking any amount of opiates can be dangerous. Foreigners, including Canadians, have died as a result of drug overdoses.”