Vang Vieng is a town popular with backpackers, usually young people who travel on a budget, and has a reputation for cheap alcohol and partying. According to humanitarian organisation, Medecin Sans Frontieres, Asia has the highest incidence of methanol poisoning, with cases in Indonesia, India, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Police in Laos have detained the manager and seven staff members of a backpacker hostel in Vang Vieng following the deaths of six tourists from suspected methanol poisoning, state media reported Tuesday. Two Danish citizens, an American, a Briton and two Australians died following what media said was a night out in the town on November 12.