Vietnam–Laos Border Crossings 2025 – Entry Points & Visa Guide

Backpackers, overlanders, digital nomads, and business travelers asking:

• “Can I cross between Vietnam and Laos by land?”

• “Which Vietnam–Laos border crossings accept the Vietnam eVisa?”

• “How do I travel from Hanoi or Hue to Vientiane?”

• “What’s the best border crossing between Vietnam and Laos?”

What problem this solves:
This guide explains the main Vietnam–Laos land border crossings, which ones accept Vietnam eVisas, typical opening hours, and the most common bus routes and travel times in 2025.

Overview: Vietnam–Laos Land Border

Vietnam and Laos share a 2,000+ km border, with several international checkpoints widely used for tourism, trade, and overland travel. Choosing the correct border gate on your eVisa application is essential for smooth entry.

1. Lao Bao – Dansavanh Border (Most Popular Route)

Best for: Central Vietnam ↔ Southern/Central Laos travel

• Location: Quang Tri (Vietnam) – Savannakhet (Laos)

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Transport:

  • Daily buses from Hue or Da Nang → Savannakhet / Vientiane

• Visa policy:

  • Vietnam eVisa accepted

  • Laos Visa on Arrival available

Why travelers choose it:
This is the busiest and most reliable crossing on the East–West Economic Corridor, commonly used by travelers continuing Thailand → Laos → Vietnam.

2. Cau Treo – Nam Phao Border (Northern Route)

Best for: Hanoi ↔ Vientiane overland travel

• Location: Ha Tinh (Vietnam) – Khammouane (Laos)

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Access: ~10 hours by bus from Hanoi

• Visa policy:

  • Vietnam eVisa accepted (select Cau Treo)

Traveler note:
Facilities are basic but efficient. Border hours may shorten on public holidays, so early arrival is recommended.

3. Tay Trang – Sop Hun Border (Mountain Route)

Best for: Northern Vietnam ↔ Northern Laos itineraries

• Location: Dien Bien Phu (Vietnam) – Muang Khua (Laos)

• Transport: Local buses and minivans to Luang Prabang

• Visa policy:

  • Vietnam eVisa accepted

  • Laos Visa on Arrival available

Why it’s unique:
This scenic mountain crossing is popular with experienced overlanders traveling between Dien Bien Phu and Luang Prabang.

4. Vietnam eVisa Acceptance at Laos Border Crossings

Critical rule:
Your Vietnam eVisa must list the exact border gate you plan to use. Incorrect ports may result in entry refusal or correction delays.

5. Travel Options Between Vietnam & Laos

Common overland routes:

• Hanoi → Vientiane: 14–16 hours (overnight bus)

• Hue → Savannakhet: 10–12 hours

• Dien Bien → Luang Prabang: 8–10 hours

Most routes operate daily buses or sleeper coaches, making land travel affordable and reliable.

For more transport details, see our Vietnam Transport Guide.

6. Practical Travel Tips for Border Crossings

• Bring printed copies of your eVisa and passport

• Carry small USD bills for visas and transport fees

• Cross borders before mid-afternoon to avoid closures

• Double-check that your visa entry port matches your route

7. Apply for Your Vietnam eVisa Before You Travel

To ensure a smooth land crossing:

• Apply online in advance

• Select Lao Bao, Cau Treo, or Tay Trang as your entry port

• Typical processing time: 3–5 business days

• Visa delivered by email

Many overland travelers use Vietnam Entry Visa, a licensed visa service known for clear guidance and reliable support at land borders.

Cross Vietnam & Laos with Confidence

With the right visa and border choice, traveling between Vietnam and Laos by land in 2025 is straightforward and well-established.