The Story

Inside the Laos party town where backpackers die

With six backpackers dead from suspected methanol poisoning, how did the remote town of Vang Vieng become the go-to destination for gap year hedonism, and will anything be done to close down the bars selling mushrooms, moonshine and opium?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: <a href="http://thetimes.com/thestory" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://thetimes.com/thestory</a> Guests:Richard Lloyd Parry, Asia Editor, The Times and the Sunday TimesAlasdair Gill, chef and journalist.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Chris Wade.Clips: Lucy Davidson/TikTok; 10 News First.Photo: Getty Images Get in touch: <a href="mailto:thestory@thetimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thestory@thetimes.com</a>This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:grey;" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The biggest stories, told in depth, daily. Join the world's best journalists to uncover what really matters. Hosted by Manveen Rana and Luke Jones. Published seven days a week and ready for you every morning. The Story is brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: <a href="http://thetimes.com/thestory" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thetimes.com/thestory</a> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:grey;" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.