How To Do Vietnam Visa Run To Laos

In many cases, extending your Vietnam visa without leaving the country can be highly convenient. However, the associated cost can be quite high and this method can only be used to extend your visa once. Consequently, many expats in Vietnam prefer the visa run approach due to its low cost and the absence of any limitations on the number of times it can be done.

Many people residing in Hanoi, Da Nang, and other provinces of Northern and Central Vietnam opt for a visa run to Laos through Lao Bao and Cau Treo for easy travel, whereas those in Saigon typically prefer Moc Bai.

Preparation Needed Before Departure

Don't forget to prepare the following documents for your visa run from Vietnam to Laos:

• Make sure you have your original passport with at least 6 months of validity before planning a visa run from Vietnam to Laos.
• A Vietnam evisa
• A Laos evisa (if required)

A Guide to Doing a Visa Run from Vietnam to Laos Border

As stated previously, there are two methods for performing a Vietnam land border visa run to Laos, which include:

• Cau Treo
• Lao Bao

It will depend on where you are residing, will you choose Cau Trao or Lao Bao. 

How to go to Cau Treo?

• The transportation method to reach the Vietnam-Laos land border for a visa run depends on your place of residence. If you're in Hanoi, here's a guide on how to get there.
• While some visa runners prefer to use their own or rented vehicle to reach Cau Treo, most expats opt for the bus due to its affordability, safety, and accessibility.
• If you choose the bus option, you can easily take one from the Nuoc Ngam Bus Station at No.1, Ngoc Hoi, Van Dien, Thanh Tri, Hanoi. You can buy your ticket and reserve your seat at one of three ticket offices: 35B Nguyen Huy Tuong, Nuoc Ngam Bus Station, and 3A Nguyen Gia Thieu.
• Several reliable bus agencies such as Camel, Trekking, and No. 14 Bus Company offer services from Hanoi that typically depart around 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Passengers usually spend the night on board and arrive in Laos the following afternoon.
• The bus trip costs approximately VND 250,000 (~ US $12) to VND 500,000 (~US $22), but the fee may change depending on the travel season and the bus company.

How to go to Lao Bao?

It’s easy to reach the Lao Bao border gate from Da Nang.

• If you want a budget-friendly option, taking the public bus can be a good choice, but it will take more time. To get to Lao Bao from Da Nang, you can go to the Da Nang Bus Station and purchase a direct ticket to Lao Bao from the counter. Make sure you get a direct ticket to avoid any unnecessary stops until Dong Da.
• It may take up to 6 hours for this journey by public bus.