Lao Bao to Dansavanh Border Crossing: Vietnam to Laos 2026
Lao Bao is the main crossing between central Vietnam and Laos, on Route 9 west of Dong Ha. On the Lao side is Dansavanh, with the road continuing to Savannakhet. It is the most practical land visa run for people in Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang.
Quick Facts
- Vietnam side: Lao Bao, Quang Tri province
- Lao side: Dansavanh, Savannakhet province
- Hours: 07:00 to 22:00
- Lao visa: visa on arrival, about US$40 to US$50; the Lao eVisa may not be accepted here
- From Da Nang: about 5.5 hours by road
Getting There
Buses run from Hue and Dong Ha to Lao Bao, and through buses go from Hue or Da Nang all the way to Savannakhet. For a visa run, many people hire a car from Da Nang or Hue and make a long day of it, or stay overnight in Lao Bao.
Crossing Step By Step
- Clear Vietnamese exit immigration at Lao Bao
- Walk across to the Lao checkpoint at Dansavanh
- Apply for a visa on arrival with a passport photo and US dollars
- Return to Vietnam on a multiple-entry e-visa that lists Lao Bao, or a fresh e-visa
Small overtime or service fees are sometimes requested on the Lao side. Keep a few spare dollars.
Vietnam Entry Rules For Land Borders
Vietnam does not issue visas on arrival at land borders. You need either a visa exemption for your nationality or an e-visa. The e-visa costs US$25 for a single entry or US$50 for multiple entries and is valid for up to 90 days. The port of entry on your e-visa must match the crossing you actually use, so select it carefully when you apply. Vietnam generally does not allow tourists to extend in-country, so a border run or a new e-visa is the usual way to stay longer.
A multiple-entry e-visa is the smart choice for a visa run, since it lets you leave and re-enter without applying again. See Vietnam visa runs by city and nationality.
Lao Visa Notes
Do not rely on the Lao eVisa at Lao Bao. It is reliably accepted at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges, but not necessarily here. The visa on arrival is the safe option. Most nationalities get 30 days.
Bring Proof Of Onward Travel
Border officers on a visa run are deciding one thing: will you leave again on time? A confirmed onward or return booking is the quickest way to answer that. It matters most when you are re-entering a country you only just left, and on the flight leg if your run involves one. See whether Vietnam asks for proof of onward travel.
If you do not want to commit to a real ticket yet, Fast Onward Tickets issues an onward flight reservation in minutes. See our complete guide to proof of onward travel for what officers and airlines accept.
FAQs
Can I do Lao Bao in one day from Da Nang?
Yes, with a private car and an early start. It is around 11 hours of driving in total.
Is there anything to see near the border?
The former DMZ sites near Dong Ha, including the Vinh Moc tunnels, make the trip worthwhile.
Can I continue to Thailand?
Yes. Savannakhet connects to Mukdahan across the Second Friendship Bridge.
The Bottom Line
Lao Bao is the land run of choice from central Vietnam. Bring dollars and a photo for Laos, and get your Vietnamese e-visa port right before you leave.