For anyone planning a trip to Southeast Asia who will not be arriving directly in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, it is important to know which border checkpoint can be used to enter Vietnam.
Here are the details of these checkpoints. Please note that since the country reopened after the pandemic, it is no longer possible to obtain a visa on arrival. You must apply for and obtain an e-visa in advance.
Here is our full article detailing the application process.
Here is the official website to apply for a visa.
Border Checkpoints with Cambodia
There are several border checkpoints, presented here from north to south:
Moc Bai (Vietnam) – Bavet (Cambodia)
On Route 22 between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, about 3 hours by taxi or bus from Phnom Penh. Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is the busiest checkpoint of all.
Xa Mat (Vietnam) – Trapeang Phlong (Cambodia)
Located on Route 7, 42 km north of Tay Ninh (Vietnam) and Kompong Cham (Cambodia), 6–8 hours by bus from Phnom Penh. A less busy checkpoint.
Vinh Xuong (Vietnam) – Khaorm Samnor (Cambodia)
About 3–4 hours by road from Phnom Penh. From the Vietnamese city of Chau Doc, you can take a taxi to the Vinh Xuong/Khaorm Samnor checkpoint, then a ferry to Neak Luong, followed by a bus to Phnom Penh. Another option is a speedboat directly from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh.
Tinh Bien (Vietnam) – Phnom Den (Cambodia)
Located 22 km south of Chau Doc, about 3–4 hours by bus to Phnom Penh.
Ha Tien (Vietnam) – Prek Chak (Cambodia)
Only 6 km from Ha Tien to the border checkpoint
Border Checkpoints Viet Nam – Cambodia
Today, it is also possible to reach the Central Highlands directly via two checkpoints:
- Le Thanh, 75 km southwest of Pleiku
- Bu Drang, 45 km north of Kien Duc (Dak Nong Province)
Border Checkpoints with China
Lao Cai (Vietnam) – Ha Khau (China)
The Vietnam-China border is located approximately 2.5 km from Lao Cai railway station. It connects directly to the Ha Khau border post in Hekou, Yunnan Province, China.
Dong Dang (Vietnam) – Youyi Guan (China)
Located 18 km north of Lang Son, near the village of Dong Dang. Known as the “Friendship Gate.”
Mong Cai (Vietnam) – Dong Hung (China)
Located in Quang Ninh Province. On the other side is the Dong Hung checkpoint.
Border Checkpoints Vietnam China
Border Checkpoints with Laos
Tay Trang (Vietnam) – Sop Hun (Laos)
On Route 42 after Dien Bien Phu.
Na Méo (Vietnam) – Nam Xoi (Laos)
In Thanh Hoa Province, about 180 km west of Thanh Hoa city.
Nam Can (Vietnam) – Namkan (Laos)
On Route 7, 80 km from Phonsavan (Laos) and 73 km from Hoa Binh (Nghe An Province, Vietnam).
Cau Treo (Vietnam) – Nam Phao (Laos)
On Route 8, 92 km southwest of Vinh (Ha Tinh Province). Located at Kaew Neua Pass, leading to Lak Sao in Laos.
Lao Bao (Vietnam) – Donsavanh (Laos)
In Quang Tri Province, on the road from Dong Ha.
Border checkpoints with Laos
Don’t forget to apply for your e-visa in advance!
