The recent deaths of two Australian tourists in the party town of Vang Vieng, Laos, has spurred a rash of articles focusing on the rise of backpacker-centric tourism in this part of Asia and the unregulated nature of the activities it provides. In Vang Vieng, it's customary for young Australian, American and European backpackers to float in tubes down a river while drinking. River ropes and swings also add to the scene.

Media reports have focused on the "water" aspect of these deaths; the river ropes and zip lines are too high, the whole set-up too dangerous. Many don't want to blame the tourists. They'd rather blame the tourism industry that seemingly encourages this unsafe behavior. Some don't want to admit that while leaping from a three-story-high rope is dangerous, it's downright deadly if done under the influence.

Vang Vieng isn't the problem. It's the culture of excess embraced by many of the people who travel to places like it — a culture some would like to see continue at the expense of blaming the locals when tragedy strikes.