At least six tourists have died after visiting a town in Laos. Police reportedly suspect they drank alcohol tainted with methanol.

The Associated Press and other media say the victims traveled to the northern town of Vang Vieng, a popular destination for backpackers.

Two Australian women and one British woman died of suspected methanol poisoning. The three had consumed alcohol in the town.

Local media say the owner of the hostel where the Australians were staying served locally distilled spirit to over 100 people. They quoted him as saying no one else fell ill.

The cause of death of the three other tourists -- an American man and two Danish women -- has not been disclosed, but methanol poisoning is suspected.

Knockoff liquor and homemade spirits have been blamed for poisoning cases in the Southeast Asian country.

Australia, the US and Britain have warned their citizens to be cautious when drinking alcohol in Laos.