Traveling overland into Vietnam from neighboring countries like China, Laos, or Cambodia is a fantastic way to experience more of the region before reaching your destination. While Covid-19 restrictions previously complicated border crossings, most borders have now reopened, though it’s always wise to check the latest travel requirements before planning your journey.

Entering Vietnam from China

Vietnam’s border with China is accessible to foreigners through several crossings:

  • Lao Cai (near Sapa)
  • Thanh Thuy (near Ha Giang)
  • Dong Dang (near Lang Son)
  • Mong Cai

Before the pandemic, direct train services operated between Beijing and Hanoi (approximately 39 hours), departing Beijing on Thursdays and Sundays. These services may resume in the future. Alternatively, high-speed trains run from various cities in China to Nanning, where you can catch the 6:10 PM train to Hanoi (about 11 hours).

Important tips for cross-border train travel:

  1. Only soft-sleeper tickets are available on these trains.
  2. E-visas for Vietnam are often not accepted for train travel; ensure you have a regular visa or visa exemption.
  3. If traveling from Vietnam to China, you can only board international trains in Hanoi, not at border stations.

For a scenic alternative, you can travel by train from Kunming to Hanoi. This route requires taking Chinese trains to Hekou, crossing the border on foot over a picturesque bridge, and continuing via Vietnamese trains from Lao Cai to Hanoi.

Entering Vietnam from Laos

Laos offers six key border crossings into Vietnam:

  1. Lao Bao: The most popular crossing, 80 km west of Dong Ha.
  2. Cau Treo and Nam Can: Both near Vinh.
  3. Na Meo: Northwest of Thanh Hoa, though often challenging.
  4. Tay Trang: Near Dien Bien Phu.
  5. Bo Y: Northwest of Kon Tum.

While local buses are a cheaper option to cross these borders, international buses provide a more seamless experience, with routes connecting Savannakhet and Vientiane to Hanoi, Dong Ha, Vinh, and Da Nang. Direct buses are recommended to avoid potential issues like extortion or border delays often faced by independent travelers.

Entering Vietnam from Cambodia

From Phnom Penh, you can take an air-conditioned bus directly to Ho Chi Minh City via the Moc Bai crossing. Cheaper operators may require a bus switch at the border.

For a more adventurous journey, many tour operators offer boat-and-bus combinations, which are especially enjoyable along the Mekong River. Two Mekong Delta crossings are available:

  • Vinh Xuong: 30 km north of Chau Doc.
  • Tinh Bien: 25 km west of Chau Doc.

Other crossings include:

  • Xa Xia: Convenient for traveling between the Cambodian coast (Kampot, Kep, or Sihanoukville) and Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.
  • Le Thanh: In the Central Highlands, ideal for journeys between Banlung (northeast Cambodia) and Pleiku.

Border Crossing Tips

As long as you have a valid visa, crossing is generally straightforward. However, occasional “processing fees” may be requested—typically $1 on the Vietnamese side and around $5 on the Lao or Cambodian sides. Most border crossings are open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though they may close for an hour during lunch.