by Ray Riches*

Recently, news has spread across the world about several deaths at a backpacker hostel in Laos. Deadly methanol was sold as regular alcohol, causing illness and death. The concern on everyone’s mind is whether this could also happen in Việt Nam.

The popular tourist destination of Vang Vieng is well known for young adventure seekers. Located in the high country around 120 km north of the Laos capital, Vientiane, the small city is awash with hotels and hostels welcoming people from all over the world.

For backpackers, the scene is electric, with low-budget options available all over the city. Unfortunately, this is also the last place that two Danish tourists, an American, a British woman and two Australians consumed tainted alcohol that led to their deaths. 

Tourists enjoying a night out at In Saigong Bar. Photo J. Tuckwell

Laos, being a neighbour of Việt Nam, shares some supply chains, raising the question of whether this could also happen in bars across Việt Nam.

It would be difficult to categorically say no. It is a complex mix of laws, operators and locations that, I believe, would make this type of scenario unlikely, but possible in Việt Nam.

To start, Việt Nam does not have a bar culture similar to other countries. The culture of consuming alcohol is very different. For this reason, some spirits used to make mixed drinks are not popular in Việt Nam, lowering the demand and market for these types of spirits.

Couple this with the fact that bars and similar places frequented by backpackers are often owned and operated by foreigners, further reducing the likelihood of intentional use of fake alcohol.

Due to the lower demand for some spirits, bar owners in Việt Nam are more likely to have a single supplier and it is the supplier that is key to this situation.

Expats enjoy the Sky On 9 Rooftop Bar in HCM City.  Photo J Tuckwell

Suppliers of alcohol in Việt Nam are usually large corporations that either own or have close relationships with major manufacturers and importers of alcohol. This means they have a secure supply line that ensures the alcohol they sell to bars is real and safe to consume.

Also, bar owners are aware of the small fake alcohol market in Việt Nam. For this reason, most bars will not purchase alcohol from local suppliers or in local markets because there is no certainty of the product's origin.

Overarching all of the supply chain assurances are the laws in Việt Nam. Bar owners are well aware that if they intentionally harm a person by selling a dangerous product, the country’s laws will deal with them and they could find themselves in jail.

All that aside, the one definite risk is if there is intentional swapping of alcohol by a person selling the product. Whether it be an employee of a bar or an unscrupulous bar owner, there is always a risk that a dishonest person could do something similar to what occurred in Laos recently.

That being said, I would suggest that the overall risk of this happening is no more than in any other Southeast Asian country or anywhere in the world for that matter.

There are reports, from time to time, of people in Việt Nam dying from methanol poisoning. This, however, is not from fake alcohol and not from consuming drinks in a bar.

The most common cause of alcohol poisoning deaths in Vietnam comes from purchasing homemade alcohol from street markets or contacts. The price is usually very cheap and the alcohol content is exceptionally high.

On one occasion, I visited a friend's home in Saigon and was given alcohol purchased at a local market in a province in the north of Việt Nam. Its alcohol content was in excess of 70 per cent and it was clearly not made by a reputable manufacturer. After consuming it, I was very ill for three days.

For tourists travelling through Việt Nam, you can be assured that the spirit and essence of the people will ensure that your travels are safe. However, always err on the side of caution when you are in an unfamiliar location.

The best advice is to join local social media groups and get references about budget locations. Also, ask around and see how other tourists' experiences have been before you buy alcohol.

The best advice is if there is any doubt, only buy unopened bottled and canned beverages and make sure they open them in front of you. That way, you know you are getting the real thing.

A tourist meets local patrons in a bar in Hà Nội. Photo Ray Riches

Việt Nam is a very safe place to travel. You can have adventures in this country knowing that you are welcome and the systems around you work for the good of the people, both living and visiting.

I think the final advice is 'be aware, not alarmed' because in every country there are risks. Thankfully, the statistics and people's experiences clearly show that Việt Nam is one of the better countries in the world for travellers of all ages.

Enjoy your next adventure in Việt Nam. VNS

* Ray lives in HCM City and works as a teacher and freelancer. Apart from teaching, he is a keen runner and bicycle adventure rider. He has visited many parts of the country by bicycle and loves the smaller parts of this beautiful country. After ten years in Việt Nam, Ray has a love and passion for the smaller things and enjoys sharing his experiences with people all over the world.