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Voykit

Nậm Cắn – Nam Khan (Nong Het)

The mountain road from Vinh towards Phonsavan (Plain of Jars) and Luang Prabang.

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

Nậm Cắn · Kỳ Sơn, Nghệ An

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 Khan (Nong Het) · Xieng Khouang 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

  • Direct bus Vinh → Phonsavan, about 10–12 h; some buses run on to Luang Prabang or Vientiane (check days).
  • Hanoi → Luang Prabang or Vientiane sleeper buses use this road or Cầu Treo: 20+ h; a flight is often the better call.

Scams and traps

  • 'Overtime' fees at the Lao post around lunch and closing.
  • Bus crew holding passports and charging to return them.

Tips

  • Cold and foggy in winter at the pass: keep a warm layer out of the hold.
  • Leave early: the post closes before dark and there is little to sleep near it.

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.