Vietnam-Laos
About crossing the border between Vietnam and Laos
The kingdom of Lax Xang (Million Elephants) is located near Vietnam, contrary to what many may believe. Travelers looking to cross the border between Vietnam and Laos can choose from several entry points, including Tay Trang (Vietnam) / Sop Hun (Laos), Nam Xoi / Na Maew, Nam Khan / Nam Can, Cau Treo / Nam Phao, Lao Bao / Dansavanh, and Ngoc Hoi / Bo Y. The majority of these crossing points are situated in the northern and central regions of Vietnam (see map below).
Main Routes
Photo: wikipedia.org
While there are numerous routes to travel from Vietnam to Laos, most travelers and tourism agencies prefer the following three main routes:
- Highway No. 279 from Dien Bien Phu City, crossing at the Tay Trang International Checkpoint.
- Highway No. 8 from Vinh City in Nghe An, crossing at the Cau Treo International Checkpoint.
- Highway No. 9A from Dong Ha, crossing at the Lao Bao International Checkpoint.
Visa Procedure
Due to the simplified procedures for border crossing between Vietnam and Laos, short land tours between the two countries have gained popularity among domestic and international travelers alike.
Vietnamese travelers do not need a visa to cross into Laos. However, international tourists can obtain a visa on arrival at Immigration checkpoints on the border, provided they have a valid passport, one visa-sized photo (3x4 cm), and a fee of USD 20 for the visa stamp. Tourists traveling on tours organized by agents can have the visa process managed by the bus companies for an additional fee of USD 25.
If you enter Vietnam from Laos, it’s essential to secure a visa in advance, as the visa-on-arrival service for Vietnam is currently only applicable for air travel.
Photo: visa24h.com
Transportation
Travelers can either hire a vehicle or use their own for a border crossing trip from Vietnam to Laos; however, using a bus is often preferred for its convenience. Numerous reputable tourism agencies provide daily border-crossing trips, including Trekking Company, Camel, and No. 14 Bus Company.
These buses typically depart from Hanoi between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM, travel overnight, and arrive in Laos by the next afternoon. Both seat and berth options are available, with ticket prices ranging from VND 300,000 (approximately USD 13) to VND 600,000 (approximately USD 26). Prices may vary depending on the season and bus provider.
In Hanoi, bus tickets to Laos can be purchased at several locations: 5A Nguyen Gia Thieu, 50B Nguyen Huy Tuong, and Nuoc Ngam Bus Station (Giai Phong Street).
