Travel to Vietnam

Driving to Vietnam

Vietnam shares land borders with China to the north, Laos to the west, and Cambodia to the southwest, and each of these borders has designated international crossings that allow entry by road. While it is possible to drive into the country, travellers must navigate some bureaucratic hurdles, including paperwork for vehicles and the need for permits, so most overland visitors tend to arrive by bus or hired transport rather than in private cars.

The most frequently used crossings are:
• From Cambodia: The Bavet–Moc Bai border (connecting Phnom Penh with Ho Chi Minh City) and the Kaam Samnor–Vinh Xuong crossing near Chau Doc in the Mekong Delta.
• From Laos: Popular crossings include Nam Phao–Cau Treo (for access to central Vietnam and Vinh), and Dansavanh–Lao Bao, which leads to Dong Ha and onwards to Hue.
• From China: The most commonly used crossing is the Hekou–Lao Cai checkpoint, convenient for those travelling between Yunnan province and the northern regions of Vietnam, including Sapa and Hanoi.

Several international bus services operate between major cities in neighbouring countries and Vietnam. These buses are particularly popular on routes such as Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane to Hanoi. Border procedures are usually straightforward, though they can take some time depending on traffic and paperwork.

Driving your own vehicle into Vietnam is possible but not straightforward. Foreign vehicles require advance permission, and drivers must be accompanied by a licensed guide, with itineraries pre-approved by the authorities. Most travellers undertaking such journeys do so as part of organised tours or overlanding expeditions.