The Laos government has said it was "profoundly saddened" by the deaths of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng, with the toll from a suspected methanol poisoning incident now at six.

Australian officials are now pressing Laotian authorities for a full and transparent investigation into what happened.

A second young Australian tourist died in a Thai hospital on Friday, bringing the death toll related to suspected methanol poisoning during a night out in a Laos backpacker hotspot to six. Two Danish citizens, an American and a Briton have also died after what media described as a night…

Six foreign tourists have died after apparently drinking contaminated alcohol in a remote Laos party town.

Counterfeits of well-known alcohol brands and home-made spirits are a problem in Laos. Australia and Britain have warned their citizens to be cautious when consuming drinks there.

Counterfeits of well-known alcohol brands and home-made spirits are a problem in Laos. Australia and Britain have warned their citizens to be cautious when consuming drinks there.

Vang Vieng has worked hard in recent years to shed its reputation for excess - but now, its drinking culture is back in the spotlight.

A number of people reportedly detained in connection with the mass poisoning, but no charges have been filed yet

A backpacker who stayed at the hostel at the centre of a "mass methanol poisoning" incident in Laos has claimed the venue would give out free shots in exchange for good reviews.

The death of Holly Bowles brings the confirmed toll to six.