Laos travel warning: Smartraveller updates warning to Australians after officials ban sale of Tiger Vodka

Smartraveller has issued updated advice for a popular tourist hotspot after multiple deaths in the region, including two Australian teens.

The updated advice, issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade subsidiary, was issued for Laos in Asia and comes just a week after the death of two Australians who died of methanol poisoning.

“Lao authorities have issued an order prohibiting the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky due to their concerns about these products being a health risk,” Smartraveller said.

“Australians should avoid consuming these products due to these serious safety concerns.

“Several foreign nationals, including Australians, have been victims in November 2024 of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.

Those Australians are Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles.

The two, both aged 19 years old, travelled from Melbourne for the holiday of a lifetime, before they suffered methanol poisoning and later died in a local hospital.

Four other foreign nationals, Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer from the UK, James Louis Hutson, a 57-year-old American, Danish citizens Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21. also died after falling ill in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist town in Laos.

The travel warning status for Vang Vieng is currently listed as “Reconsider your need to travel”.

“Be alert to the potential risks, particularly with spirit-based drinks including cocktails,” Smartraveller said.

The updated advice warns Australians about the risk of drug-related incidents.

“Some food and drinks sold in popular tourist spots may contain harmful and unknown substances,” Smartraveller warns.

“Travellers have been assaulted after accepting spiked food or drinks.”

To protect yourself against spiking, Smartraveller advises:

• Never accept food or drinks from strangers
• Never leave food or drinks unattended
• If you’re not sure if something is safe to eat or drink, leave it
• If you’re drinking alcohol, stick with people you trust
• Look out for the people you’re with
• Be careful drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits
• Drink only at reputable licensed premises
• Avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
• Labels on bottles aren’t always accurate.

If you or a friend believe a drink has been spiked, Australians are warned to seek urgent medical attention.

Alcohol brands banned in Laos

Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky have now been banned in Laos after the mass methanol poisoning tragedy.

Methanol is often used in unregulated alcohol production due to it’s low costs.

It is a highly toxic chemical that can be fatal from as little as one shot.

More information can be found on the Smartraveller website.