The Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos — where six travellers died from suspected methanol poisoning in November 2024, including two Danish women — is preparing to reopen under a new name, according to a report by ABC News.
The victims included Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and Freja Vennervald Sørensen from Denmark. More than ten other travellers were hospitalised after consuming contaminated alcohol, prompting Lao authorities to shut down the hostel and detain several staff members. All were later released, and no charges have been filed.
The Lao government pledged to investigate and bring those responsible to justice, but families of the victims say there has been little transparency or progress. Australian officials, who are supporting several of the bereaved families, have also urged Laos to ensure accountability.
ABC News reports that renovation work has been carried out at the hostel and that plans for reopening are underway despite the ongoing concerns. Local police and provincial authorities have not commented publicly on the status of the investigation.
Methanol-related poisoning incidents continue to pose risks across parts of Southeast Asia, where unregulated alcohol remains a challenge for local authorities.
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