A Laos hostel at the centre of a mass methanol poisoning that killed six tourists, including two young Australian women, is preparing to reopen under a new name nearly one year after the tragedy.
Tragedy in Vang Vieng
Melbourne teenagers Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones, both aged 19, died in November 2024 after consuming drinks containing deadly methanol while staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng. The young women had joined other guests for free shots of alcohol offered by the hostel before a night out.
After becoming violently ill, the teenagers remained in their room for 24 hours and failed to check out as scheduled. They were eventually taken to a hospital in Laos before being transferred to Thailand for emergency treatment in Bangkok hospitals.
Holly Morton-Bowles died on November 21 and Bianca Jones passed away a day later despite their parents racing to be by their bedsides.
International Victims and Investigation
Alongside the Australian teenagers, the methanol poisoning claimed the lives of an American man, two Danish women and a British woman. The hostel was immediately closed following the tragedy, and 11 hotel staff and management were taken into police custody.
At the time, the Laotian government vowed to "bring the perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law." However, nearly one year later, no charges have been filed and officials in Laos have released almost no details about the investigation.
Reports indicate that two workers fled the country and found new jobs in Vietnam following the incident.
Hostel Reopening Sparks Outrage
Recent developments have revealed that the hostel is reportedly set to reopen under the new name Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel. Authorities have removed the sign that had been posted on the hostel's fence, and the building appears to have undergone renovations.
A worker for the hostel confirmed it would potentially reopen by the end of this month. On TripAdvisor, the establishment's name has already been changed, though photos of the former hostel with its old name remain visible alongside reviews warning people not to stay there.
One review stated: "I stayed here with my friends in November when it was called Nana Backpackers. We drank the shots at happy hour and 24 hours later we felt really unwell and had to be hospitalised."
The parents of the Australian victims have expressed their horror at the hostel's planned reopening and the lack of justice for their daughters. Holly's parents, Shaun Bowles and Samantha Morton, told the ABC they were appalled with the Laotian authorities' response.
"It shouldn't take 12 months to press some charges," Morton said. "It just shows you their apathy and really lack of transparency and lack of support."
Bianca's father, Mark Jones, said the family would be "beyond furious" if the hostel reopened. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have been contacted for comment regarding the developments.
