Local expert advice to tourists as parents issue warning for travel destination after both daughters die on vacation
When it comes to jetting off to far-flung locations, you can’t get much more off the beaten track than Laos, a small landlocked nation in the heart of Southeast Asia.
A popular location for young travelers, the country has been welcoming teens on their 'gap years' for decades, with plenty of delicious food, stunning sights and tranquil beauty to create even the most enviable of Instagram Reels.
However, while the country has become a staple of backpacking tourists, it isn’t a nation without its own controversy, with six tourists having died in 2024 after being poisoned by drinking alcohol contaminated with methanol while out partying.
Used as a cut-price alternative to ethanol, methanol is a staple ingredient in bootleg alcohol drinks and as little as half a shot can be enough to prove fatal.
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Such is the case of 19-year-old best pals Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones, who tragically lost their lives last year while on vacation in the tourist town of Vang Vieng.
Devastated by the tragic loss of their daughters, both Holly and Bianca’s parents have urged others to stay away from the country and to choose another destination for their vacation plans.
Though one local expert has shared their advice for tourists looking to visit Laos.
Sample local cuisine - but take extra precautions
Vithaya, an expert over at Travel Local, was keen to highlight the appeal of learning about and preparing traditional Lao dishes.
They explained: “Engaging in a cooking class is a delicious experience, but also a way to take a piece of Laos back home with you.”
Among the dishes you won’t want to miss are the country’s traditional sticky rice called Khao Niaow, Sai Gok, a form of Laos sausage, or Laab, which is meat, tofu or mushrooms tossed in toasted, ground rice with fresh herbs, chili peppers and a garlic-flavoured lime dressing.
However, while the nation's dishes are known to be tasty, one crucial piece of advice for tucking into meals abroad is to be careful about the preparation and to avoid eating raw meat or fish, which can harbor dangerous bacteria.
Raw fruit and vegetables are typically fine, but they should always be washed before eating to remove any pesticides.
Bottled water is also deemed to be safer than tap water, and there are additional concerns surrounding the consumption of alcohol.
Following the tragic deaths of six tourists in Laos last year who were poisoned after unknowingly drinking methanol, the current advice is that tourists should avoid homemade and street-sold spirits, and only buy from licensed vendors.
It is recommended to stick to sealed, commercial beverages like bottled beer - but to always inspect the bottles for any signs of tampering before drinking them.
Traveling safely by public transport
While many visitors are content to stick to popular tourist spots, for a real taste of authentic Laos, Travel Local suggests taking a bold leap and following the road less well traveled.
“Dare to truly travel beyond the usual tourist paths and immerse yourself in the authentic and untouched beauty of Laos,” the local expert wrote.
In particular, they recommend visiting the authentic tribes in northern Laos, for a more holistic view of life in the country.
They also suggested visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region, such as the town of Luang Prabang, the old Hindu temple of Vat Phou, and the megalithic site of the Plain of Jars.
When it comes to traveling around Laos, most people tend to use minivans and buses, which are usually quite safe. However, one of the riskier, but more popular modes of transport is traveling by motorbike.
According to DiscoverLaos, the largest number of accidents usually involve motorbikes and driving under the influence. It is therefore advised to never ride a motorcycle while intoxicated and to avoid riding after dark as drink driving remains a 'significant problem' within the small country.
Visit at the right time of year to avoid dangerous weather conditions
While vacations aren’t always easy to fit in around work and study schedules, where possible, according to Travel Local, the best time of year to visit Laos is from October to March.
During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool and dry – making exploring far easier, without having to battle torrential rains in monsoon season or tropical storms.
If you do choose to visit during the wetter seasons, which typically run from May to October, be prepared for the possibility of mudslides, which can be frequent and potentially deadly.
The risk of flooding is also highly increased, with the Mekong River and its tributaries forming the country's main hydrological system and being largely responsible for the seasonal flooding patterns.
What does the Department of State say about visiting Laos?
According to the US Department of State, travelers are urged to exercise increased caution when visiting Laos due to civil unrest.
Some areas in particular have been deemed more dangerous than others, such as Xaisomboun Province and areas on the border with Burma.
It also advises that areas of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, could also pose a heightened risk due to large numbers of unexploded bombs left over from the Indochina War.
Topics: Travel, Food and Drink
Phoebe Tonks