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Lao Bảo – Dansavanh

The busiest Vietnam–Laos crossing, on Highway 9 from Huế and Đông Hà to Savannakhet.

All border crossings · Vietnam ⇄ Laos · Road · checked 2026-09

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The two posts

Hours: About 07:00–19:00 (check)

Entering Vietnam

Lao Bảo · Hướng Hóa, Quảng Trị

Visa on arrival
No
E-visa accepted here
Yes

No visa on arrival at land borders. Enter on the Vietnam e-visa (evisa.gov.vn) or a visa exemption; the e-visa must name an open land port. (check)

Entering Laos

Dansavanh · Savannakhet province

Visa on arrival
Yes
E-visa accepted here
Check

Visa on arrival at most international posts (US$ cash, photo); the Laos e-visa only at listed posts. (check)

Visa answers are for most Western passports and change often. Check yours on entry check and the official e-visa site; for e-visas, the post must be on the country's list of accepted ports.

Getting across

  • Bus Huế → Savannakhet, about 9–11 h; some continue to Pakse or Vientiane (check).
  • Đông Hà is the nearest bus hub on the Vietnamese side.

Scams and traps

  • Tickets sold as 'to Savannakhet' that end at the border.
  • Unofficial money changers at poor rates on both sides.

Tips

  • Pair it with the DMZ sights on the Vietnamese side.
  • From Savannakhet, Friendship Bridge II crosses on to Mukdahan in Thailand.

Nearest places

Other Vietnam–Laos crossings

Everything marked check, and every hour and fee, needs confirming before you travel: posts close for holidays, disputes and roadworks with little notice. Written from Voykit's own notes; checked 2026-09.