Cầu Treo – Nam Phao
The Vinh–Vientiane road: the usual crossing for the long Hanoi–Vientiane bus.
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
Cầu Treo · Hương Sơn, Hà Tĩnh
- 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
Nam Phao · Bolikhamxay 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 Vinh → Vientiane, about 12–15 h; Hanoi → Vientiane through buses 20–24 h (check).
- Local transport near the post is thin: stay on a through bus.
Scams and traps
- Buses that stop short of the post and demand extra for the last kilometres.
- Small 'stamp' or 'overtime' fees on both sides: ask for a receipt.
Tips
- Carry food and water: the stop can take hours on busy days.
- Know the dollar price of the Lao visa before you reach the window.
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.