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Tây Trang – Sop Hun

The remote north-west crossing from Điện Biên Phủ to Muang Khua and the Nam Ou valley.

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

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The two posts

Hours: About 07:00–17:00 (check)

Entering Vietnam

Tây Trang · Điện Biên province

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

Sop Hun (Pang Hok) · Phongsaly province

Visa on arrival
Check
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 Điện Biên Phủ → Muang Khua, about 6–8 h on a rough mountain road (days vary: check).
  • From Muang Khua, boats and buses on to Nong Khiaw and Luang Prabang.

Scams and traps

  • Fees for 'weekend' or 'overtime' stamping.
  • Few changers: expect a poor rate for kip.

Tips

  • Confirm the Lao visa on arrival here before you rely on it; the safe choice is a Lao visa in advance.
  • Travel light and early: landslides close the road in the wet season.

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.