Vietnam Border Guide: Landports, China & Cambodia Crossings & Cheap Visa Run

Last update: Monday August 25, 2025

If you plan to travel overland to or from Vietnam or are considering a low-cost visa run there, it is essential to comprehend the procedures for landports and land border crossings. This guide covers everything you need to know about land border crossings between Vietnam and its neighbors, especially China and Cambodia, and offers suggestions for travelers who want to extend their stay without going over budget.

Understanding Vietnam’s Land Border Crossings

Three nations—China, Laos, and Cambodia—share land borders with Vietnam. Although each has several crossing points, tourists and foreigners most frequently enter and exit overland via the China-Vietnam and Cambodia-Vietnam land borders.

Not all of Vietnam's more than thirty official landports (border checkpoints) are accessible to foreigners. With reasonable infrastructure, immigration services, and occasionally even visa-on-arrival options (depending on nationality and entry regulations), the most popular crossings are found close to major cities and tourist destinations.

This chart is for demonstration and reference only, generated by AI

China - Vietnam Land Border Crossing

There are several active China Vietnam land border crossings, but only a few are practical for international travelers:

1. Dong Dang – Pingxiang (Friendship Pass / Huu Nghi Quan)

• Location: Lang Son Province, Vietnam – Guangxi Province, China

• Highlights: This is the busiest and most developed crossing between the two countries. It’s well connected by train and bus from Hanoi.

• Visa Tips: Make sure you have a valid Vietnam visa in advance. Vietnam e-visas can be used for re-entry at this border (check updated policies before traveling).

2. Lao Cai – Hekou

• Location: Lao Cai Province, Vietnam – Yunnan Province, China

• Highlights: Convenient for travelers visiting Sapa. This scenic route is less crowded than Friendship Pass.

• Transportation: Easy access by train or bus from Hanoi or Sapa.

 Cambodia - Vietnam Land Border Crossing

The Cambodia Vietnam land border is one of the most popular routes for cheap visa runs from Vietnam. Here are the top crossings:

1. Bavet – Moc Bai

• Location: Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia – Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam

• Why It’s Popular: Closest crossing to Ho Chi Minh City (about 70 km away). Ideal for same-day visa runs.

• Transportation: Buses run daily from Phnom Penh and HCMC.

• Visa Tips: Vietnam e-visas are accepted at Moc Bai. Make sure to exit and re-enter legally if doing a visa run; you may need to show the exit stamp in order to get your visa approved.

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2. Phnom Den – Tinh Bien

• Location: Takeo Province, Cambodia – An Giang Province, Vietnam

• Ideal For: Travelers heading to or from the Mekong Delta.

• Note: Less crowded and more scenic, though public transport is less frequent.

3. Kaam Samnor – Vinh Xuong

• For River Crossings: Ideal for travelers using the Mekong river route between Phnom Penh and Chau Doc (by boat).

Cheap Visa Run Vietnam: How to Do It Right

You must temporarily depart Vietnam as part of a low-cost visa run in order to reset or extend your visa. Many foreigners and frequent visitors use this strategy when their visa is about to expire and they are unable to renew it within Vietnam.

Advice for an Effective Visa Run:

• Select a landport in the area: The quickest and most economical route from Ho Chi Minh City is via the Moc Bai border crossing.

• Verify the requirements for a visa: Make sure you have the e-visa, return ticket, passport validity, and other documents required to re-enter Vietnam.

• Low-cost transportation: Round-trip tickets to Cambodian border towns are frequently less than $20 on public buses.

• Timing: To reduce border delays, stay away from weekends and holidays.

Fast & Easy Visa Services at Vietnam‑immi.org

Want to save time and avoid paperwork? Use Vietnam‑immi.org for a smooth visa experience. They offer:

• Urgent visa processing (as fast as 30 minutes)

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• Airport fast-track entry/exit support

• Reliable immigration guidance

Whether you're entering Vietnam by land for the first time, exploring neighboring countries, or doing a cheap visa run, knowing your options at Vietnam’s land border crossings will make your trip easier and more affordable.

Need Help?

If you're currently in Vietnam and unsure about your visa status or need assistance with an exit visa application, we’re here to help. For fast, professional support with overstay visa cases, please contact us here.

Whether you need a fast visa, airport fast track, private car, or eSIM, Vietnam-Immi.org is here 24/7 to support your trip.

Whatsapp: +84379522522

Hotline: +84.379.522.522

Email: sales@vietnam-immi.org