A guide to the Lao Bao crossing from Da Nang and Hue
Route 9 is one of the most scenic border drives in Vietnam. It is also a long day. Here is what to expect.
· 6 min read · Editorial Team
The drive
From Da Nang the route runs north over the Hai Van pass, through Hue and Dong Ha, then west along Route 9 towards the Annamite range.
At the checkpoint
Lao Bao is well organised and English is widely understood at the counters. Visa-on-arrival for Laos is available for most nationalities.
### What to bring
Two passport photos, a passport with at least six months validity, and patience for the highland weather, which changes quickly.
Is it worth it?
For anyone based in central Vietnam, yes. It is the shortest legal route to a Laos stamp and the scenery makes the hours pass.
Need a border run this month?
We publish departures every week from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hanoi.
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