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 Times Alasdair Gill, chef and journalist. Host: Manveen Rana 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> 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 Story: the flagship podcast from The Times and Sunday Times. One remarkable story, told in depth, each day. Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones take you to the heart of the story you need to know with exclusive reports and investigations. Plus, each month, William Hague hosts an agenda-setting interview with a key newsmaker or thinker. Discover the story behind the story with world-class journalism from The Times and Sunday Times. The Story is available at the start of your day from Monday to Friday, with bonus ‘Inside the Newsroom’ episodes every Saturday for Times subscribers, available by connecting your subscription via Apple Podcasts. 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.