Laos Border

 

Apart from its main airports, Laos is accessible by land or water at many border crossing points where it shares border with its neighbouring countries (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China).

This section provides information about Lao ports of entry (by air, land or river).

Lao International Airports

• Wattay International Airport, Vientiane Capital
• Luang Prabang International Airport, Luang Prabang province
• Pakse International Airport, Champasak province
• Savannakhet International Airport, Savannakhet province

Land border crossing or Checkpoints

The list of Lao border crossing points below is grouped by country in alphabetical order.

Most land border crossing points issue Lao visa on arrival.

The checkpoints that marked "No VA" do not issue visa on arrival. Travelers who wish to cross the border to Laos at these checkpoints need to obtain Lao visa prior to arriving.

Red dots on the map represent border checkpoints. Move the mouse cursor over them for details.

Cambodia - Laos

There are two (2) checkpoints at the Cambodia - Laos border, one for road crossing and the other for boats coming from Stung Treng.

1. Stung Treng - Veun Kham (Northern Cambodia to Champasack province, southern Laos). Crossing by boats.
   Note: It has been reported that the immigration office at this crossing point has now closed (2010). This means crossing Cambodia-Laos border at this check point is no longer possible.
2. Dong Kralor - Veun Kham - this road crossing checkpoint is just a few hundred meters from the first crossing point.

IMPORTANT: Lao Visa-on-arrival is now available for travelers crossing border from Cambodia to Laos at Dong Kralor border check point.

China - Laos

1. Mohan - Boten (Yunnan to Luang Namtha province)
2. Xiengkok riverport on Mekong River to Luang Namtha province. No VA
3. Sobhun checkpoint (Yunnan to Phongsaly province). No VA

Thailand - Laos

There are seven (7) Lao border crossings from Thailand open to foreigners. Borders here are listed from north to south.

1. Chiang Khong - Houy Xai (Chiang Rai Province to Bokeo province)
2. Nakaxeng - Kaenthao (Loei province to Sayabouly Province)
3. Nong Khai - Vientiane (Thai-Lao Freindship Bridge No. 1)
4. Bungkan - Pakxan (Nong Khai prov to Bolikhamxai prov.), No VA
5. Nakon Phanom - Thakhaek (Nakon Phanom prov to Khammouane prov.)
6. Mukdaharn - Savannakhet (Mukdaharn prov to Savannakhet prov via Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge No.2)
7. Chong Mek - Vangtao (Ubon Rathchathani Prov. to Champassak Prov.)

Note: Most Thailand - Laos border crossing points involve Mekong river crossing.

Vietnam - Laos

From Vietnam, travellers can cross border at these seven (7) Vietnam - Laos border crossing points.

1. Tay Trang- Sobboun (Laichau, Vietnam to Pongsaly Province)
2. Nameo - Banteui (Thanh Hua to Huaphanh province)
3. Namkan - NamCan (Nge An to Xiengkhuang province)
4. Keoneua - Namphao (Hatinh to Bolikhamxai province)
5. Chalo - Napao (Guangbinh to Khammoun province), No VA
6. Lao Bao - Dansavanh (Quang Tri prov to Savannakhet prov)
7. Bo Y - Phukeua (Kon Tum prov to Attapu prov)