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
Baby Luka has undergone eight surgeries since the burning coffee was thrown on him.

Man who assaulted infant with scalding coffee still at large in China after a year

Australian police are collaborating with Chinese authorities to ensure a man who…

Israel Mobilizes 60,000 Reservists Following Approval to Invade Gaza City

On Wednesday, Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, sanctioned a plan to take…
A soldier wears a New Zealand army emblem on exercise in the Nausori Highlands in Fiji, Sept. 9, 2022. (Petty Officer Chris Weissenborn/NZ Defence via AP)

New Zealand Soldier Confesses to Espionage in Landmark Case

A New Zealand soldier who attempted to spy for a foreign power…
Tributes have been flowing for Jimmy Webster, who died in horse truck crash.

‘Gentle Spirit’: Enthusiastic Teen Equestrian Loses Life in NSW Accident

The tight-knit NSW horse-riding community is mourning the loss of a teenager…
Commonwealth Bank generics today. Picture by Wayne Taylor 10th August 2025

Bank U-Turns on Plan to Replace Call Centre Jobs with AI Chatbot

Commonwealth Bank will reverse its decision to cut 45 call centre jobs…
Jayda Jorga Jin Phillips, Ember Nirvana Essence Phillips, and Maverick Rusty Callam Phillips have been missing for months in New Zealand.

“Dad Hides Kids in Woods for Three Years: ‘It’s Painful Each Time'”

The kin of a fugitive father who has been concealing his three…
SES on standby for flooding over large parts of NSW as downpour persists

Emergency Services Prepared for Widespread NSW Flooding Amid Continued Heavy Rain

The SES is today urging residents in northern and north-western NSW to…
Man, 83, killed in 'random', 'senseless' alleged stabbing attack

83-Year-Old Man Fatally Injured in Alleged Unprovoked Stabbing Attack

A man has been accused of murder following what the police describe…
Woman assisting police after baby found in Perth stormwater drain

Woman Cooperates with Police After Infant Discovered in Perth Drainage System

A woman in her 30s is currently aiding police in their investigation…
Allan has committed to implementing all of the recommendations, ensuring a $42 million funding boost to assist the shake-up.

Victorian Government Unveils Major Revamp of Child Safety Measures

The Victorian government has announced a child safety overhaul after an independent…

Daryl Maguire Sentenced to 10 Months in Jail for Providing False Testimony to ICAC

A former MP of high renown has received a jail sentence for…

Empowering Children: New Strategy for Transitioning Kids with Autism from the NDIS

A plan to divert children with autism and developmental delays from the…