Visa run
Need to renew your Vietnam visa at the Lao Bao border? The Lao Bao international border gate in Quang Tri province is the primary land crossing between central Vietnam and Laos. We help travelers from Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and the central coast plan their Lao Bao visa run with complete logistics — bus schedules, document checklists, and real-time support so your border run goes smoothly.
Logistics
Lao Bao is approximately 240 km north of Da Nang in Quang Tri province near the Lao border. The drive takes about 3.5 to 5 hours depending on road conditions. Buses leave from Da Nang central station daily covering the route to Lao Bao via Hue and Dong Ha. A private car or taxi from Da Nang costs around 1,500,000-2,500,000 VND one way. From Hoi An, add about 40 minutes driving time to reach the Da Nang departure point.
Your passport with at least 6 months of validity, current Vietnamese visa or extension documents, two passport-sized photos, and cash for a Lao visa on arrival (approximately $35-$45 USD depending on nationality). Bring USD cash — the border prefers US dollars for visa fees. Most travelers should plan for an overnight stay near Lao Bao as the round trip from Da Nang is too long for a comfortable same-day run.
The Lao Bao border gate is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The dry season (November to April) offers the best road conditions for the drive through Hai Van Pass and the central highlands. Avoid traveling during typhoon season (September-November) when landslides can close the mountain roads. Tuesday through Thursday are the quietest days at the border.
How it works
You travel from Da Nang or Hoi An north to the Lao Bao border gate, exit Vietnam, enter Laos (or just the border zone), and immediately re-enter Vietnam with a fresh visa stamp. This resets your permitted stay period. Unlike the Moc Bai crossing near HCMC, the Lao Bao run is a longer journey — most travelers plan for 2 days: travel up, cross the border, stay overnight near Lao Bao or Dong Ha, and return the next day.
Depending on your nationality, you may qualify for a visa-free re-entry or you may need to arrange your documents in advance. We check your specific nationality, current visa status, and travel plans to give you a personalized Lao Bao visa run plan.
Who needs this
Da Nang and Hoi An are popular long-stay destinations — many digital nomads and retirees extend their 30-day or 90-day visas through a Lao Bao border run when their visa approaches expiry. The crossing gives you a fresh entry stamp and a new stay period.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries (much of Europe, UK, several Asian nations) typically receive 15-45 days on entry. A Lao Bao visa run is the most practical option for central Vietnam-based travelers to reset their visa exemption period.
If your visa has already expired, do not attempt a border run on your own. Overstay penalties must be settled at the immigration office before you can legally exit or re-enter Vietnam. If you think you may have overstayed, contact us first and we'll guide you through the proper process.
FAQ
It's possible but tight. The drive from Da Nang to Lao Bao is 3.5-5 hours each way plus border processing time (1-2 hours). If you leave Da Nang by 4:00-5:00 AM and border processing is fast, you could return by late evening. However, most travelers prefer an overnight stay in Dong Ha or near the border to avoid rushing. From Hoi An, a same-day run is even harder due to the extra 40-minute drive.
Yes, you typically need a Lao visa on arrival at Lao Bao. The cost is approximately $35-$45 USD depending on your nationality. Bring cash in USD. Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival, but it's wise to check your eligibility before you go. Some nationalities can also arrange a Lao eVisa online before traveling.
Lao Bao is the closest practical border crossing for travelers in central Vietnam. The other option is Moc Bai (near HCMC), which is much further south. From Da Nang, Lao Bao is your best option. If you're based in HCMC or the Mekong Delta, check our Moc Bai visa run page instead.
Need help planning?
For travelers based in HCMC or southern Vietnam — Moc Bai connects to Cambodia and is closer to the south.
Before attempting a border run, ask us if extending your current visa is faster and cheaper than traveling to Lao Bao.
Need a new visa quickly from Da Nang? Our urgent service can help in as little as 1 hour.