Holly Bowles (right) and her best friend Bianca Jones (left), aged 19, had been enjoying a backpacking holiday with friends in Laos.
Share this @internewscast.com

Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both aged 19, tragically lost their lives along with four other tourists after suffering methanol poisoning from drinks they consumed during a night out in the party town of Vang Vieng.

All six people who died were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel.

Holly Bowles (right) and her best friend Bianca Jones (left), aged 19, had been enjoying a backpacking holiday with friends in Laos.
Holly Bowles (right) and her best friend Bianca Jones (left), aged 19, died after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos. (Supplied)

The hostel shut down following the deaths, but it is now understood that Nana Backpacker Hostel plans to reopen under the new name of Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel.

It’s available for bookings online and is reportedly advertising free shots at the venue, Ben Fordham reported today on 2GB.

Holly’s heartbroken father Shaun told Fordham he is going to do everything in his power to stop the hostel from opening up to travellers again.

“The potential of this happening to someone else is very real because obviously they haven’t changed their ways,” Shaun said.

“We’re going to collaborate with some people and do everything in our power to ensure that place doesn’t reopen, because it’s just not right.

“To have no justice and to find out that they’re going to reopen the backpackers… it’s just the worst news.”

An online auto-generated description of the hostel under an adjusted name. (2GB/Ben Fordham)
The Nana Backpacker hostel was at the centre of six tourist deaths. (9News)

Shaun said there has been nothing but “radio silence” from the local government in Laos regarding the investigation into the six deaths.

He said he doesn’t believe the Laos officials have taken the deaths seriously.

“They tell us that it’s sitting with the prosecutors but… we can’t even get a meeting with the Laos ambassador to Australia in Canberra to ask some questions and to find out some answers,” he added.

This week will be Holly’s birthday, the first the Bowles family will mark without their beloved daughter.

Shaun told Fordham the news of the backpacker hostel’s plans to reopen has added to their already “unfathomable” pain.

 ”We remember her so fondly,” he added.

“Someone needs to be held accountable.”

Online listings for Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel are available to view online through sites such as TripAdvisor.

Bianca’s parents Mark and Michelle Jones and Holly’s parents Sam and Shaun Bowles are still mystified over the Laos government’s silence. (Nine)

Travellers staying in the area reported to BBC that construction work was underway at the address.

9News spoke to the former manager of Nana Backpacker, known as Pikachu, who confirmed his connection to the 4-star hotel in the heart of Vang Vieng’s party district.

The revelations were yet another blow for the Australian families and their search for justice.

“As parents of Holly and Bianca we are angered at the recent news from Laos,” the families said in a joint statement.

“We are disappointed in the Australian government as we are again the last to know.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

British MPs Condemn Prince Andrew: Unveiling the Arrogance and Entitlement

In brief The comments came during a debate about the release of…
'First truly global scandal': More Andrew files are coming

Unveiling a Worldwide Controversy: New Andrew Documents to be Released

The UK government has approved the release of papers related to former…

Concerns Mount as Australian Detainee Vanishes into Iraqi Prison Network

In brief Anthony Albanese said that should the cohort return, they “will…

Breaking News: Arrests in Shocking Kidnapping and Death of Beloved Grandfather Chris Baghsarian

In brief The arrests come about 11 days after three men stormed…
The photo on the left is a stock image of a woman posing for a selfie; the right is the professional headshot Google Gemini generated based on the selfie.

How a Simple Photo Could Sabotage Your Job Prospects: What Employers Are Really Looking For

Australians who use AI to generate more professional headshots, cover letters or…
Aussie tech giant set to cut up to 2000 jobs for AI 'efficiency'

Australian Tech Leader Announces 2,000 Job Cuts in Strategic Shift Towards AI Efficiency

Australian company WiseTech Global is set to cut 2000 jobs as part…

Authorities Discover Possible Remains of Missing Grandfather Chris Baghsarian

In Brief NSW Police say they have found human remains in north-west…

Heartbroken Parents Urgently Seek Help in Search for Missing Son, Gus Lamont

In Brief Gus was last seen by his grandmother playing at the…
Russell Brand pleads not guilty to new rape and sexual assault charges

Russell Brand Denies New Allegations: A Deep Dive into the Latest Rape and Sexual Assault Charges

Renowned British comedian Russell Brand has entered a plea of not guilty…
Commonwealth Bank generics today. Picture by Wayne Taylor 10th August 2025

Union Condemns CBA’s Proposal to Slash 300 Jobs, Calling It ‘Totally Unacceptable

The Commonwealth Bank is expected to cut 300 jobs, a move slammed…
NSW Police announce new armed response command in the wake of Bondi terror attack

NSW Police Launch Specialized Armed Response Unit Following Bondi Incident

In response to the recent terror attack at Bondi Beach, a new…

Victoria Prepares for Intense Storms and Potential Flooding

In Brief Storms have lashed Victoria since Tuesday afternoon. Severe storm, flood…