The tragic deaths of six tourists in Vang Vieng, Laos, have cast a dark shadow over the travel community, and now the reopening of the same hostel where the poisoning took place is stirring new concerns. The Nana Backpacker Hostel, the site of a horrifying methanol poisoning incident last November, is set to reopen under a new name—Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel—despite the lingering questions surrounding the incident and the owners’ responsibility. This decision has sparked outrage from those who witnessed the aftermath of the tragic event, including Bethany Clarke, one of the victims who survived the poisoning, and others who feel justice has not been fully served.
Bethany Clarke, who was traveling with her friend Simone White when they both fell critically ill after drinking free vodka shots at the hostel, has been vocal about her concerns. The two young women, along with four other tourists from Australia, Denmark, and the US, became severely ill after consuming the drinks, which are suspected to have been laced with methanol, a dangerous substance often found in bootleg alcohol. Tragically, Simone White passed away from the poisoning, as did five other tourists, including Australians Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, Denmark’s Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, and US national James Louis Hutson. Their deaths raised serious questions about the safety practices at the Nana Backpacker Hostel and the responsibility of the owners and staff.
The sudden reopening of the same establishment under a new name has caused a great deal of unease among travelers and the families of the victims. Bethany, who survived the ordeal, fears that the same management might be involved in the operation of the new hostel. “I’m shocked. If it’s the same management or ownership involved, I wouldn’t trust them,” Bethany said, reflecting her disbelief at the hostel’s reopening so soon after the tragedy. The fact that the hostel is changing its name without a clear change in management or accountability has only intensified her concerns.
The Nana Backpacker Hostel had remained closed since the methanol poisoning incident, but the property is now being renovated and will reopen under the name Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel, with bookings already being accepted starting August 23, 2025. While the hostel’s new name may suggest a fresh start, evidence suggests that it’s business as usual, with the same phone numbers, signage, and even photos from the previous incarnation of the hostel being used for marketing purposes. A photo showing the original Nana Backpacker Hostel name painted on the property and printed on menus continues to circulate on travel websites like Tripadvisor and Agoda, despite the supposed rebranding.
In an attempt to downplay any connection, the new hostel’s listing redirects users to the Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel page, but the old photos and reviews still remain on the site, raising suspicions among potential guests and the victims’ families. A spokesperson for Tripadvisor confirmed that the hostel had indeed reopened under the new name but failed to clarify whether the ownership had changed. Further investigation into the phone number listed for the new hostel revealed that it matched the number previously used by the Nana Backpacker Hostel, suggesting that the same people may be involved in running the business.
Local traveler Frankie, who visited Vang Vieng recently, shared concerns about the hostel’s reopening. “They’re clearly refurbishing it,” Frankie said, noting that building equipment was still visible at the site when she passed by on Tuesday. “It’s just horrendous to think that they could carry on like normal after what happened.” Frankie’s sentiments reflect the unease many travelers feel about the apparent lack of accountability and transparency from the hostel’s management.
In the wake of the deaths, the Laos authorities promised an investigation, but the progress has been slow. Several individuals, including eight workers from the Nana hostel, were detained for questioning, but the hostel’s manager denied any responsibility. Despite the widespread illness among the tourists who consumed the shots, the manager maintained that hundreds of guests had been given similar drinks without incident. However, Bethany and her family, along with the families of other victims, have been left without the closure they hoped for, as justice remains elusive.
Bethany, who survived the poisoning and lost her close friend Simone, has been actively working to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking in unfamiliar places, especially when alcohol is offered for free. “I thought I could trust the hostel, but I was wrong. I want to warn others,” she said. While she continues to wait for justice, her efforts to educate others about the risks associated with alcohol consumption abroad are a testament to her strength and resolve. Bethany has called for more education on the dangers of drinking in countries where alcohol safety regulations may not be as stringent as those in the UK.
Despite the horror of the event, some positive developments have emerged from the tragedy. The victims’ families are working together to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. In addition to sharing their stories with the media, they have set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses and support those affected by the tragedy. The page has garnered an outpouring of support, with many people expressing their condolences and donating to help the families during this difficult time.
However, the families are still seeking answers. Authorities in Laos have suggested charges against 13 people over food safety breaches related to the incident, and Bethany has shared an email from the UK Foreign Office stating that an investigation into the deaths is ongoing. But as time goes on, her hope for justice is beginning to fade. “I don’t know if anyone will be held accountable,” she said. “I just want something to be done to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
The reopening of the Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel has only intensified the pain for those who lost loved ones in the methanol poisoning incident. Despite the hostel’s new name, it seems that the same management may still be in charge, leaving many travelers and family members of the victims feeling uneasy. The connection between the Nana Backpacker Hostel and the newly reopened establishment, coupled with the lack of transparency from the management, has raised serious concerns about the safety of future guests.
The tragedy has had a profound impact on the backpacking community, with many travelers now more cautious about where they stay and what they drink. The awareness of methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng has spread far beyond the area, with travelers from around the world sharing the story of what happened to Bethany, Simone, and the other victims. “People are talking about it, and the name Nana hostel comes up in nearly every conversation about backpacking in Vang Vieng,” said Frankie. “It’s definitely something people are aware of now.”
As the victims’ families continue to mourn their loss, they are also left grappling with the fact that the hostel, the site of such a devastating event, is reopening under the same management. This situation has left many questioning the ethics of the hostel owners and the authorities responsible for ensuring justice and accountability. While the families wait for answers, they hope that their efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking abroad will prevent future tragedies and honor the memories of the victims.
The reopening of the Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel is a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring that businesses operating in the travel industry adhere to strict safety standards. As travelers continue to visit Laos and other countries with lax alcohol regulations, it’s crucial to remember the risks that come with consuming alcohol in unfamiliar environments. While justice may still be pending, the fight for accountability and the protection of future tourists continues.
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The post Nana Backpacker Hostel Reopens Amid Controversy Over Methanol Poisonings That Killed Six Tourists first appeared on Voxtrend News.
