Visa run to Laos
Da Nang & Hoi An to Lao Bao
The closest international land border to Da Nang. Shared or private car, Laos visa on arrival at Dansavanh, and back in Vietnam on a new e-visa the same day.
Lao Bao at a glance
- Border gate
- Lao Bao International Border Gate, Quang Tri, Vietnam
- Opposite side
- Dansavanh, Savannakhet province, Laos
- Distance
- ~260 km from Da Nang · ~290 km from Hoi An
- Drive
- 5–6 hours each way via Hue, Dong Ha and Highway 9
- Trip length
- Same day, roughly 15 hours door to door
- Laos entry
- Visa on arrival for eligible passports, or visa-exempt
- Vietnam re-entry
- E-visa with Lao Bao as the entry gate, or visa exemption if you qualify
- Price
- VND 800,000 per person, shared car · from VND 2,500,000 per car, private
Itinerary
Same-day trip
Border day, step by step
Pickup in Hoi An or Da Nang
Your car collects you from your home, hotel or an agreed meeting point. Hoi An pickups leave about 30–45 minutes earlier than Da Nang.
Through the Hai Van tunnel to Hue and Dong Ha
The road goes north past Hue to Dong Ha, then west on Highway 9 into the hills. Our coordinator explains each step of the border procedure on WhatsApp while you travel.
Arrive at Lao Bao and exit Vietnam
Queue at the Vietnam exit counter. As soon as you have your exit stamp, send us a clear photo of it so our team can follow your new Vietnam e-visa.
Laos side at Dansavanh
Eligible passports get a Laos visa on arrival here (form, photo, fee in USD). Visa-exempt nationalities just get an entry stamp. You then complete the Laos exit formalities.
Re-enter Vietnam
Show your new Vietnam e-visa (entry gate: Lao Bao) at the Vietnam entry counter. Before leaving the area, send us a photo of your new entry stamp so we can check it.
Lunch and drive back
A lunch stop near the border, then the same road back south.
Back in Da Nang or Hoi An
Drop-off at your home, hotel or meeting point.
Times are typical, not guaranteed. We confirm your exact pickup time when you book.
Included
- Shared or private car, Da Nang / Hoi An – Lao Bao – Da Nang / Hoi An
- Pickup and drop-off at your home, hotel or agreed meeting point
- Document check before departure
- Step-by-step instructions on WhatsApp and a 24/7 English-speaking coordinator
- Vietnam e-visa application and tracking on the day, when you book the e-visa with us
Not included
- Laos visa on arrival fee and small border fees (paid in USD at Dansavanh)
- Vietnam e-visa, unless you choose a package that includes it
- Meals, accommodation and personal expenses
Photos
The Lao Bao border
What you will see on the day.
Prices
| Item | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared car, Da Nang / Hoi An – Lao Bao – back | per traveller, round trip | VND 800,000 |
| Private 4-seat car (up to 3 passengers), Da Nang / Hoi An – Lao Bao – back | per car, round trip | VND 2,500,000 |
| Private 7-seat car (up to 5 passengers), Da Nang / Hoi An – Lao Bao – back | per car, round trip | VND 2,800,000 |
| Vietnam 90-day e-visa, single entry | per traveller | VND 1,950,000 |
| Vietnam 90-day e-visa, multiple entry | per traveller | VND 2,650,000 |
| Express e-visa, 1 hour to 4 days | per traveller | See express prices |
| Visa / stay extension (eligible visa types) | per traveller | Ask for a quote |
| Onsite guided assistance at Lao Bao | add-on | VND 1,000,000 |
Prices in Vietnamese dong. Not included: the Laos visa on arrival fee (paid in USD at Dansavanh, amount set by the Lao authorities and depending on your passport), meals and personal expenses. Some nationalities don’t need a Laos visa at all: check the exemption list.
Lao Bao visa run questions
How far is Lao Bao from Da Nang?
About 260 km by road through the Hai Van tunnel, Hue and Dong Ha, then west on Highway 9. Allow 5–6 hours each way. From Hoi An it is about 30 km further.
How much is the Laos visa on arrival?
It is set by the Lao authorities and depends on your passport, typically in the range of USD 30–50, plus small border fees. Bring clean, undamaged USD notes. We tell you the current amount for your nationality before departure.
Which entry gate should my Vietnam e-visa show?
Lao Bao land border (Quang Tri). An e-visa issued for a different gate, such as Da Nang International Airport, can cause problems at the counter.
Can I stay overnight near the border?
Yes, if you prefer a slower trip or your e-visa needs more time. Tell us when you enquire and we'll plan a two-day version.
Is visa on arrival guaranteed?
No. Issuance is a decision of Lao immigration. Eligible passports with correct documents and cash are routinely issued a visa, but no agency can guarantee it.
Book the Lao Bao visa run
Send your nationality and the date your stay ends. We confirm eligibility, price and pickup time within 1 hour.