Comprehensive Guide to Crossing the Vietnam-Laos Border (Lao Bao)
Crossing the border between Vietnam and Laos through the Lao Bao checkpoint is one of the most popular routes for tourists traveling in Southeast Asia. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of crossing the border between Vietnam and Laos via Lao Bao.
Step 1: Obtaining a Vietnamese Visa
PS - For now, if you are located in Vietnam, there's a 97% chance that you will get an "ERROR" instead of the visa. There are two ways to get it:
- Leave Vietnam for approximately 10 days and apply from outside of Vietnam.
- Apply for the fast visa with a guarantee. Leave Vietnam for 4 hours, wait, and then come back with the visa. (This doesn't work for all passports—write here to check.)
Or WhatsApp - +84927947684
Before crossing the border between Vietnam and Laos, you need to obtain a Vietnamese visa. You can obtain a Vietnamese visa (E visa - 90 days) at the Vietnamese consulate in your country or enter Vietnam visa-free if you are a citizen of one of the countries that have visa-free access to Vietnam for 45 days.
Step 2: Getting to the Lao Bao Border Crossing
Lao Bao is located on the border between Vietnam and Laos, in Quang Tri province. If you are in Danang, you can reach Lao Bao hassle-free by bus - it takes approximately 10-12 hours by bus or car (round trip).
Step 3: Crossing the Border
Upon arrival at the border, you need to go through passport control and obtain an exit stamp from Vietnam.
Step by step.
1 - Transport Stop
- Walk to point 2. Upon reaching a large building, proceed to the end of this building where you will find 2 windows for foreigners. When facing Laos, the exit window is on the RIGHT, and the entrance window is on the LEFT.
2- Obtain an exit stamp at the window.
3 - Proceed to the gates where they will check if you have received the stamp.
4 - Head towards Laos and at the FIRST TURN, turn right towards the building.
Obtaining a Laos Visa
1 - Approach the first booth on the right - pay 20k VND - receive a receipt.
2 - get the visa to Laos
IF YOU NEED VISA TO LAOS
Go to (2)
- prepare 45 USD. (if you didn't get the visa before)
- give the documents
- say that you are not going to stay in lao and just do the visa run (sometimes they put and the exit stamp)
(if you have the exit stamp - than done! Welcome back to VN. If not go to (4))
IF YOU DON'T NEED TO GET VISA TO LAOS
Go to (3)
Ask for entry forms - similar to those at the airport.
- Fill out the form.
Submit the completed form, receipt, and passport at the middle booth (second in line).
Proceed here (4).
I you have the exit stamp - than done! Welcome back to VN.
Returning to Vietnam
Simply return following the same route.
Proceed to digit (2).
Where we received the exit stamp - NOW WE NEED THE BOOTH OPPOSITE (if facing Vietnam - then on the right).
State what type of visa you have - E-visa, stamp, or whatever you have - and voilà.
- Returning to the bus or whatever you have there =)
Bribes - or for tea.
The border guard VERY PERSISTENTLY ASKS to pay 50k for tips.
Upon exiting Vietnam Upon entry You can refuse to pay if you are resolute, and if you can easily look the officer in the eye.
What can happen if you don't pay?
Stamp right in the middle of the page "System problems" - There have been cases where people waited for their passport back for 1.5 hours. An unhappy border guard.
THIS IS MY EXPERIENCE, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO, THINK, AND JUDGE THE BORDER GUARDS AS YOU WISH.
To book a visa run from Danang to Lao Bao, Laos, please register here:
We work on improving our service every day for your comfort <3
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