Home >> Vietnam tour >> Vietnam travel guide >> Border crossings between Vietnam and Laos

Although this post is dated “9 Oct 2005”, we have read the posts in TT and regularly updated the information.

This post was updated in March 2008.”

Information source: Steve252's list of border crossings between Vietnam and Laos and trip reports posted by TTers.

Please be noted that at some remote border crossings, you may find some hassles in renting vehicles to get from A to B, and it takes quite much time to travel between the two countries. Daily buses between Hanoi and Vientiane (see post #93 in this thread) and between Hue and Savanakhet seem the only regular service for the tourists. The fastest way is one-hour flight Hanoi - Vientiane or Hanoi - Luang Prabang with Lao Airlines or Vietnam Airlines, about US$120-150 one way.

The bus ride from Hanoi to Vientiane takes about 22-24 hours or longer. The bus ride from Hue to Savanakhet takes about 9 hours.

Border crossings from north to south Laos province/Vietnam province:-

1) “Phongsali - Tay Trang" (Dien Bien Phu) – OPEN (Laos VoA: Yes)

This border crossing was open since May 2007.

2) "Nam Xoi - Na Meo" Hua Phan/Thanh Hoa or Mai Chau - OPEN (Laos VoA: NO. You must have a Lao visa in advance)

3) "Nong Haet - Muang Xen" Xieng Khuang/Nghe An - OPEN (Laos VoA: YES)

4) “Laksao - Cau Treo” (Vinh): see post #69 in this thread

5) Nam Pao / Ban Heu / Cha Lo Khammuan/Quang Binh - ???? - confirmation, anyone?

6) "Lao Bao" Savannakhet/Quang Tri - OPEN (Laos VoA: Yes)

7) "Ban Pakha - Bo Y" (near Kon Tum) - OPEN

Hongha: I keep some reports (#1 "Tay Trang crossing", #2 "Na Meo - Nam Xoi crossing" and #3 "Muang Xen - Nong Haet crossing") made by TTers after crossing these borders in 2005 - 2007. Please send me a private message if you need them.