Many expatriates residing in Vietnam are aware that the current process of visa extension is both intricate and expensive. As a result, in numerous instances, individuals find it necessary to depart Vietnam temporarily and return with an extended visa stamp. In such situations, many people choose to undertake a visa run to the Lao Bao land border, recognized as one of the most cost-effective options for a visa run from Vietnam. This is particularly popular among those living in Hoian, Danang, and Hue.
Wondering what preparations are necessary before embarking on a visa run? Curious about the process of a Lao Bao visa run, its duration, and associated costs? Whether you are considering a motorbike or a shuttle bus, these questions will be addressed to ensure you’re well-informed for your journey.
1- What documents you need to prepare for Lao Bao land border run? Please see the list below:
– A valid passport.
– A valid visa
– A valid entry paper if you are not eligible for Vietnam visa exemption which can be:
o A Vietnam 5 year visa exemption
o A Vietnam Evisa
o A business visa approval letter or tourist visa approval letter (Visa on Arrival)
– One passport photo (3 x 4) or 4 x 6.
2- How to properly do a visa run at Lao Bao land border? The whole process of getting a visa/stamp done at Lao Bao land border covers the following steps:
- Getting to Lao Bao Land Border
- Exiting Vietnam
- Entering & Exiting Laos
- Re-enter Vietnam with a new stay duration.
2.1 Getting to Lao Bao land border: Certainly, there are various ways to travel from Danang to the Lao Bao land border. Here are a few options you can consider:
- Using motorbike:
Riding through Hai Van Pass provides an awe-inspiring experience with its breathtaking coastal views and scenic landscapes, contributing to a memorable and picturesque journey. The use of a motorbike amplifies this adventure by offering the flexibility to pause and explore various points of interest along the way, enriching the overall travel experience. This mode of transportation also fosters a sense of independence, allowing travelers to set their own pace and schedule, contributing to a personalized journey. While motorbike travel can be cost-effective, particularly for solo travelers or small groups, its affordability depends on various factors, adding an adventurous element to the journey and creating an exciting and immersive travel experience.
However, when considering a motorbike journey from Danang City to the Lao Bao Land Border, several factors merit careful thought. Covering an extensive distance of 250 kilometers one way, especially for a single-day round trip, poses a physical challenge that may lead to fatigue, impacting alertness and safety. Additionally, adverse weather conditions, such as rain or extreme heat, can compromise the comfort and safety of the ride. Limited storage capacity on motorbikes may pose challenges for those with substantial luggage, and the inherent safety risks associated with long journeys, including road conditions and traffic, require careful evaluation. Extended periods of riding may result in physical strain, particularly for those unaccustomed to lengthy rides, potentially affecting the overall enjoyment of the trip.
Potential roads that you can take:
1- Commence your journey from Danang city, traversing the spectacular Hai Van Pass, proceeding through Hue City, and onwards through Dong Ha city on National Road A1, finally reaching your destination at Lao Bao
2- Embark on your adventure from Danang city, taking an alternative route through the Hai Van Pass tunnel (requiring a transit bus and truck for both you and your bike), followed by passage through Hue City and Dong Ha city on National Road A1. Continue your exploration on National Road 9, ultimately arriving at the Lao Bao destination.
3- Embarking from Danang, your route will lead you through the scenic landscapes of Dong Giang and Tay Giang districts in Quang Nam, both characterized by their mountainous terrain. Continuing from Tay Giang, you’ll traverse National Road 14, heading towards A Luoi in Thua Thien Hue province. Progressing through Thua Thien Hue province, your journey will take you to Dak Rong, ultimately reaching the destination at Lao Bao.
- Using car:
Using a private transportation is not costly effective unless you travel with a group. However, traveling by car offers the freedom to craft your own itinerary and make spontaneous stops, enabling exploration of diverse routes and visits to intriguing destinations with the flexibility to adjust your schedule on the fly. Driving further allows the pleasure of scenic routes, embracing picturesque landscapes, whether it be through beautiful countryside, mountainous terrains, or coastal areas. The privacy afforded by your own vehicle is particularly valuable for families or individuals seeking a more intimate and private travel experience.
Be aware that if you request the driver to navigate through roads and areas that extend beyond the standard distance from Danang to Lao Bao, additional charges may apply.
- Using public bus:
Using public buses for a visa run can present challenges due to their fixed schedules that may not align with your visa requirements or preferred timing, potentially causing inconvenience for those needing a swift turnaround. Crowded conditions, especially during peak hours, can lead to discomfort on lengthy journeys, with seating availability not guaranteed. Additionally, the varying comfort levels on public buses and the potential for fatigue during extended trips make private transportation options, often equipped with amenities like air conditioning and adjustable seating, more appealing for those seeking a more comfortable and flexible travel experience.
Opting for public buses over private transportation is often a cost-effective choice, particularly appealing to individuals or groups with budget constraints. Beyond the economic advantage, traveling on a public bus presents a distinctive opportunity for engagement with locals and fellow travelers, fostering a more community-oriented and culturally enriching experience.
Public buses depart from the Danang Central Bus Station located at 201 Tôn Đức Thắng street, Hoà Minh, Liên Chiểu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam. The departure time frames are at 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM. It’s advisable to arrive ahead of time to ensure a smooth boarding process and adherence to the specified schedule.
- Using Lynn’s Border Run Service Limousine Buses:
Lynn’s Border Run Service offers a premium travel experience by providing a spacious and comfortable limousine full-size bus for your border run trip. Limousines are renowned for their luxurious and comfortable features, offering ample legroom and seats that can be reclined up to 70%. To enhance your journey, we provide complimentary water on the bus, ensuring you stay refreshed throughout the trip. Additionally, our buses are equipped with onboard WiFi, allowing you to stay connected during your travels.
For added convenience, we have dedicated helpers on board who are ready to assist you in case you need any help during the journey. Your comfort and satisfaction are our priorities. Furthermore, if you have specific transportation needs, we also offer private transportation options to cater to your individual preferences.
2.2 Exiting Vietnam
Before entering the border area, you’ll be required to present your passport for verification of its validity and your visa. Once cleared, you’ll proceed into the main building, where you’ll encounter the exit formalities booth. There, you’ll join a line, submit your passport to obtain the exit stamp. After receiving your passport, you’ll continue your journey into Laos. The distance to the Laos offices is a short 3-minute walk. Before officially leaving for Laos, you’ll again present your passport to border control for a final confirmation of the exit stamp. This process ensures the necessary documentation for your entry into Laos is complete and in order.
2,3 Entering and Exiting Laos:
Upon arriving in Laos, you’ll encounter the visa on arrival booth where you’ll need to complete forms, affix a photo for the Laos visa, and make the required payment at the same booth. Once the visa sticker is placed in your passport, you’ll proceed to the enter formality booth on the right-hand side for the entry stamp. Prior to obtaining the entry stamp, you’ll be prompted to purchase a ticket. Following the entry stamp, the exit formalities booth, located on the far left of the visa on arrival booth, is where you’ll submit your passport to receive the exit stamp, completing the process for leaving Laos. If you qualify for visa exemption, you have the option to bypass the visa on arrival step.
2.4 Re-enter Vietnam for a new duration of stay:
Before gaining access to the main building for entry stamping, both Laos and Vietnam border control will inspect your passport to verify the stamps. Once through this check, you’ll proceed to the entry formalities booths within the main building. There, you’ll submit your passport along with the necessary documents to receive the entry stamp. Before departing the border area, it’s advisable to personally inspect the entry stamp in your passport to ensure accuracy and location. Additionally, you may be required to display your passport once more for a final check before leaving the border. This thorough process helps ensure the proper documentation and stamps are in order for your entry and exit from both countries.
3- Conclusion.
In conclusion, embarking on a border run independently or within a self-organized group, without relying on a dedicated service, presents a spectrum of advantages and disadvantages. Solo travelers enjoy the freedom to tailor their journey, managing time and destinations according to personal preferences. However, this autonomy can be accompanied by potential challenges in navigating unfamiliar terrain and addressing unforeseen issues. On the other hand, group travel offers the camaraderie of shared experiences, potential cost-sharing benefits, and a built-in support network. Nevertheless, coordinating within a group may introduce complexities in decision-making and compromise individual preferences. Whether opting for solitude or companionship, the choice hinges on weighing the desire for independence against the benefits of shared resources and collective navigation.
Lynn’s Border Run Service stands out as the sole professional border run service in Danang. Drawing upon years of experience and having assisted thousands of individuals with border runs, we take pride in our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction. With Lynn’s Border Run Service, you can be assured of a hassle-free border run trip. Please contact this number via WhatsApp/Zalo:+ 84 935 222 016 or email lynn83.nguyen@gmail.com. We will be right there for you.