Vang Vieng, once hailed as a vibrant party destination, now resembles a ghost town as the shadows of recent tragedies loom large. The streets surrounding the hostel where two Australian women lived before tragically losing their lives echo with silence and uncertainty. Looking down those deserted streets, I might as well be in a ghost town. While we still await confirmation on whether the two Danish women also resided in the same hostel, reports suggest they fell victim to methanol poisoning, just like their Australian counterparts.
Where parties once roared
As I wandered toward the top 10 bars on Saturday night, the once-vibrant atmosphere of Vang Vieng felt like a distant memory. What should have been a lively celebration of youth and freedom morphed into an eerie tableau of emptiness. Instead of laughter and music spilling into the streets, I found a desolate scene that resembled a haunting provincial town, where the pulse of nightlife had flatlined. The bustling revelry that had once poured out from bars and filled the air with energy had been replaced by an unsettling calm that seemed to choke the very spirit of the place.
Even one of the top rated nightlife places Mad Monkey, a party hostel known for its electrifying atmosphere, failed to ignite any excitement. As I approached, the pulsating bass I had hoped to hear from the street only fueled my fleeting optimism, leading me to believe that perhaps life still thrived within those walls. However, my optimism quickly faded. The bar, adorned with colorful lights and nearly empty chairs, painted a stark contrast to the lively scene I had anticipated. Instead of a crowd of eager backpackers dancing and laughing, I found just two girls sipping bottled water and a solitary guy ordering a beer from the bar.—just three backpackers in what should have been a party hotspot.
Street food buzz
The only place buzzing with activity was a nearby street food stall. Here, I noticed a stark shift in behavior among the backpackers. Around 50% of the young backpackers clutched water bottles, 35% enjoyed bottled beer, and only a mere 15% opted for fruit shakes. Not a single person indulged in drinks or shots—a significant change from the typical party habits that once filled the air with cheer.
Only one group of young people, with beer bottles in hand, seemed in the spirit to party. I watched them as they approached what I thought was a bar, but instead of turning right, they turned left into a 7/11, where they purchased beers and cider to drink in their rooms. A palpable tension enveloped the crowd as many young travelers made their way back to their hostels by around 9 PM, water bottles firmly clutched as if they were shields against the lurking fears. Outside the hostels, in the common areas, groups gathered, chatting quietly or FaceTiming family and friends, seeking comfort amid the uncertainty.
The hidden dangers of cheap alcohol
The current situation in Vang Vieng feels unusually tense. Southeast Asia has long been documented as the worst region for methanol poisoning. Local producers aiming to create cheap alcohol often fail to properly reduce the toxic levels in the production process. According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), thousands of incidents occur each year in the region, yet tourists remain largely unaware of the dangers posed by poisonous alcohol.
Government response and investigation
Amid these events, a delegation from Laos’ Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism arrived in Vang Vieng on Saturday to investigate further. Their presence signifies the government’s commitment to addressing the growing safety concerns.
In a statement, the Government of the Lao PDR expressed profound sadness over the loss of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province. They extended sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. The government reaffirmed its dedication to conducting thorough investigations to determine the causes of these incidents and to bring any perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law. Importantly, they emphasized their focus on the safety of both domestic and foreign tourists.
Vang Vieng – no party
As I walked past a restaurant, I spotted two Finnish girls, Mette Lehmusmetsä and Saana Korhonen, enjoying a quiet meal. They arrived in Vang Vieng on Thursday, just two days after the news of the Danish women’s deaths broke. Despite not partying too much while traveling together for two months, they had chosen to avoid partying at all in Vang Vieng, a decision influenced by the recent tragedies.
“We don’t usually party too much,” Saana mentioned. “But this has definitely affected us.” She added, “I haven’t drunk any mixed alcohol or shots, just beer.” Mette recounted her one-time experience of drinking a vodka cola, a choice she immediately regretted, questioning her decision in light of recent events.
The duo has actively steered clear of the free shots that are typically expected in hostel life. Mette revealed, “We’ve received a lot of free alcohol from bars and hostels on our travels so far without even thinking it could be dangerous. It could just as easily have been us.”
Saana chimed in, explaining the difficulty in discerning what was in the shots offered by hostels. “They often come in unlabeled bottles and mix with soda or juice,” she noted.
Looking ahead
However, there remains hope for the future. “I will absolutely remember this horrible case and will be a lot more careful while drinking, especially if the drinks are free,” Mette says. “But I really hope that it was just a one-time thing, so in a couple of weeks I think I will be drinking cocktails again.”
Mette plans to continue her travels for one month, while Saana will explore Southeast Asia for one to two additional months before returning to Finland. The girls plan to leave Vang Vieng on Tuesday to continue their journey through Southeast Asia, eager to see what other adventures await them.
As night descended, the ghostly quiet of Vang Vieng contrasted sharply with the lively, carefree party atmosphere that had once characterized the town. Empty streets and shuttered bars painted a stark picture of the ongoing changes. The sadness in the air was palpable, as most travelers remained hesitant to embrace the previously popular nightlife that flourished in the area.
In the weeks to come, awareness surrounding alcohol consumption will be critical for the safety of tourists in this region. With ongoing investigations and renewed attention on safety measures, there is optimism that Vang Vieng will once again embrace the vibrancy it is known for, albeit with a more cautious approach.
Warnings issued by the foreign ministries of Australia, Sweden, and Norway have been updated to advise travelers to exercise caution when consuming alcohol. This heightened awareness may serve as a vital step in preventing similar tragedies and ensuring a safer environment for all who seek to enjoy the beauty and adventure that Vang Vieng has to offer.
Party Town vang vieng
Its a good change,I have been there twice in the last two years and the city is booming again with alot of sports activity.Whats bad about just trinking beer? And the incredible loud parties,which affected the locals and other tourist most people wont miss! Josef from Austria