Everything travelers ask before a visa run from Da Nang to the Lao Bao border crossing in Laos — timing, costs, documents, the 90-day e-visa, and the edge cases that change the plan. Answers are short, specific, and based on how the route actually runs day to day.
A visa run from Da Nang means leaving Vietnam and re-entering so your stay legally restarts when your visa or visa-exemption stamp is about to expire. Our service drives you to the Lao Bao border crossing in Quang Tri province, exits Vietnam into Laos, and returns the same day with a fresh entry stamp or a newly approved 90-day e-visa. It is the standard way to reset your stay without flying to another country.
Vietnam does not let you extend most tourist e-visas or visa-exemption stamps while you are inside the country — you must exit and re-enter to get a new period of stay. A visa run to Lao Bao is the fastest and cheapest way to do that from Da Nang, and you can pair it with our 90-day e-visa desk so you come back with a fresh long-stay visa instead of another short stamp.
It goes to the Lao Bao international border gate in Quang Tri province, Vietnam's main land crossing with Laos. From Da Nang the route heads north through the Hai Van Pass toward Hue, then west along National Highway QL9 to Lao Bao — roughly 290 km each way, about a 4.5 to 5.5 hour drive depending on traffic.
Expect a 10 to 12 hour round trip door-to-door. We pick you up early in the morning, reach Lao Bao by mid-morning, clear both border checkpoints with our fixers, stop for lunch, and get you back to Da Nang the same evening. It is genuinely a same-day trip, and the total time stays predictable when you leave before 06:00.
Digital nomads, remote workers, expats, long-stay tourists, retirees, and families in central Vietnam whose visa is close to expiring. It also suits travelers whose extension was denied, people waiting on a new e-visa approval, and anyone who wants the border handled by a team that crosses it daily instead of figuring it out alone.
Book at least 24 to 48 hours ahead so we can confirm your pickup slot and prepare your document checklist. If your visa expires within 3 days, message us on WhatsApp (+84 342 351 970) — we regularly slot in same-day and next-day departures when seats are available, but the earlier you book, the more departure options you have.
A shared van seat costs from 1,000,000 to 1,200,000 VND, and a private car costs from 3,200,000 to 3,400,000 VND per vehicle. Vietnam government visa fees, the Laos visa fee if your nationality needs one, and food are paid separately. We send a full cost breakdown for your nationality when you book.
Yes. Lao Bao is the closest international land border to Da Nang, and the crossing is open daily from 07:00 to 22:00. With an early departure you clear both checkpoints by midday, stop for lunch, and arrive back in Da Nang the same evening — a genuine same-day round trip of about 10 to 12 hours.
Yes — we run 365 days a year, including Saturdays, Sundays, and Vietnamese public holidays, because visa deadlines rarely fall on convenient days. Note that Vietnam's immigration department only processes new e-visa applications Monday to Friday, so if you need a rush e-visa approval your run should depart on a weekday, even though the vehicles and border operate daily.
Absolutely. You are never alone on the trip: an English-speaking driver and border fixer accompany every run, handle the forms and queues on both sides, and stay with you through re-entry. Solo travelers, families, and first-timers use the service daily, and you can reach us on WhatsApp anytime during the trip.
You exit Vietnam at the Lao Bao checkpoint, cross the short bridge into Laos through the Densavan (Lao Bao) checkpoint, then turn around and re-enter Vietnam through the same gate. Our fixers queue for you on both sides, complete the departure and arrival forms, and escort you through so the whole crossing takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes instead of a frustrating half-day.
The Lao Bao international border gate is open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, seven days a week including holidays. Because the crossing stays open so late, even an afternoon departure can complete the loop the same day, though we recommend morning departures so you are back in Da Nang by early evening.
Lao Bao is roughly 290 km from Da Nang, about a 4.5 to 5.5 hour drive via the Hai Van Pass, Hue, and National Highway QL9. That is why we schedule departures from 04:00 to 06:00 — you arrive right around the time the border opens, which protects your same-day return.
Most nationalities we serve are visa-exempt for Laos when entering at Lao Bao, typically for stays up to 30 days. If your passport requires a Lao visa, arrange one in advance or use visa-on-arrival: bring a passport photo plus roughly 1,500,000 VND (or equivalent USD) for the fee. Tell us your nationality when booking and we will check the current rules for you.
Your passport (valid at least 6 months), your current Vietnam visa or visa-exemption stamp, and — if your nationality needs a Lao visa — a passport photo and cash for the visa-on-arrival fee. We also recommend carrying a printed copy of your new Vietnam e-visa approval if you have one, plus a backup digital copy on your phone.
Yes. Lao Bao is one of the international border gates where Vietnam accepts e-visas, so you can re-enter with a pre-approved 90-day e-visa. The approval must be valid for your entry gate, and immigration will verify it against their database when you return — another reason to double-check your passport details before submitting the application.
Technically you must clear Laos immigration, which takes about 30 minutes with our fixers, and then you can turn around and re-enter Vietnam immediately — there is no minimum stay requirement for the visa-run loop. The only exception is if you are waiting for a rush e-visa approval before re-entering, which can take 2 to 4 hours.
Border officers are used to visa runs — it is a daily routine at Lao Bao. Our fixers speak the local language and stand with you at both checkpoints, so any questions about your purpose of travel are answered clearly and quickly. Staying polite, having documents ready, and not mentioning work if you are on a tourist visa keeps everything smooth.
The main causes are late stamp sending, poor phone signal near the border, holiday crowds, and slower-than-expected visa handling when the e-visa database lags behind. Early departure and sending your exit-stamp photo the moment you receive it avoid most of these — and our fixers keep you moving ahead of the queues on both sides.
Yes, the border gate itself operates daily from 07:00 to 22:00, including Saturday and Sunday. What changes on weekends is visa processing: Vietnam's immigration department only approves new e-visa applications Monday to Friday, so a Saturday run works best when you already have an approved e-visa or only need an exit and re-entry stamp.
Yes — the classic route from Da Nang to Lao Bao crosses the Hai Van Pass between Da Nang and Hue, one of Vietnam's most scenic coastal mountain roads. It is a beautiful stretch of the journey, and our drivers know both the pass and the tunnel alternative well so your arrival time at Lao Bao stays on schedule.
The Hai Van Pass is the scenic mountain road over the top of the ridge, while the Hai Van Tunnel cuts straight through the mountain and saves roughly 20 to 30 minutes. We choose whichever suits the day's schedule and weather; either way you still pass Hue and continue west on QL9 to Lao Bao, so total travel time barely changes.
A shared van costs from 1,000,000 to 1,200,000 VND per seat and is the budget option for solo travelers and backpackers. A private car costs from 3,200,000 to 3,400,000 VND per vehicle and gives couples, families, and groups more comfort, less waiting, and more control over pickup timing and stops.
If you are traveling alone and want the lowest cost, choose the shared van. If you want more comfort, tighter timing, extra stops, or are traveling with family, the private car is the better choice — it costs more but gives you a more controlled day and usually a faster border experience because you are not waiting for other riders.
Pickups are scheduled between 04:00 and 06:00 from your hotel or home in Da Nang. The exact time depends on your location and whether you are on a shared van or private car — private cars can leave slightly later because they do not need to collect multiple riders. We confirm your exact pickup window when you book.
We pick up door-to-door across Da Nang: My Khe and Bac My An beach areas, Son Tra, Hai Chau city center, Ngu Hanh Son, and the Hoi An corridor on request. Just give us your address when booking, and the driver will meet you at your hotel lobby or apartment gate at the confirmed time.
Yes — a small to medium bag or backpack is fine on both the shared van and private car. The van has limited space per passenger, so if you are moving cities with a large suitcase, mention it when booking or choose the private car. You can also leave luggage at the vehicle during the border crossing itself.
Yes. Groups of up to 16 people fit in our shared vans, and the private car is ideal for families of 2 to 5 who want to stay together the whole day. Children travel with their parents, and our fixers keep the family together through both checkpoints so nobody gets separated in the crowd.
The route is mostly national highways: scenic but winding over the Hai Van Pass, then good flat roads through Hue and along QL9 to Lao Bao. QL9 is a standard two-lane highway in fair condition; our drivers use it daily and know the slow sections, truck traffic, and fuel stops, so the 4.5 to 5.5 hour drive stays comfortable.
Yes. Private car is the better choice if you want more comfort, less waiting, or more control over pickup timing. It costs from 3,200,000 to 3,400,000 VND per vehicle and includes the same border fixer support, so you trade a higher price for a calmer, more flexible day.
When you book the visa run you can add e-visa processing to the trip. Upload clear scans of your passport photo page and a recent portrait, choose Standard, Fast, or Rush speed, and our visa desk files the application the moment you exit Vietnam at Lao Bao. The approval letter is emailed to you with a private download link, and we follow up on WhatsApp so you always know where your visa stands.
Processing starts once immigration stamps you out at Lao Bao and you send us a photo of the exit stamp. Standard processing takes 3 to 4 working days, Fast takes 1 to 2 days, and Rush options complete in 4 hours or 2 hours for genuine emergencies. Border systems can lag behind Hanoi's immigration database by up to an hour, so even rush approvals may need a short wait before you re-enter Vietnam.
Standard takes 3 to 4 working days and is the lowest-cost option for travelers with time to spare. Fast takes 1 to 2 working days for tighter schedules, and Rush completes in about 4 hours (or 2 hours in genuine emergencies) so you can re-enter the same day. The faster the tier, the higher the fee — and rush tiers only run on weekdays.
Yes. Since August 2023, Vietnam's e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and is available as single-entry or multiple-entry. Multiple-entry is the smarter choice for travelers who plan to leave and return during their stay, because it means one visa covers several border crossings instead of needing a new approval each time.
The e-visa add-on is priced separately from transport — the service fee depends on the processing speed you choose (Standard, Fast, or Rush), and the Vietnamese government's own e-visa fee is paid directly to the immigration system. We send the exact total for your nationality and processing speed when you book.
You need a clear scan or photo of your passport bio page, a recent passport-style portrait (white or light background, no glasses), and your exact personal details exactly as printed in your passport. Any mismatch between your application and your passport — a misspelled name or wrong date of birth — is the most common reason approvals get delayed or rejected.
Stay on the Laos side until the approval lands — do not re-enter Vietnam without it unless you are happy to use your old visa. Our fixers will find a spot to wait in Densavan, and we monitor your application status for you. Standard cases usually resolve within a day or two, and rush tiers are designed exactly for same-day re-entry.
If Vietnam rejects an e-visa application, the government fee is not refunded, so we double-check every application for the common rejection triggers — photo quality, name mismatch, and criminal-history or overstay flags — before submitting. If a rejection still happens, we help you correct the issue and reapply, and advise whether a standard exit–re-entry stamp is the safer same-day fallback.
Yes, within its validity. Vietnam's e-visa is accepted at all international border gates — airports like Da Nang and Noi Bai, land crossings like Lao Bao and Moc Bai, and seaports. Just make sure you enter through a gate listed as e-visa eligible when you plan your next trip into Vietnam.
The 90-day e-visa is the right choice if you plan to stay longer than a single visa-exemption period or want to avoid another border run soon. Remote workers, retirees, and long-stay travelers in Da Nang choose it because one approval covers three months — far fewer border trips than a 30-day or 45-day stamp.
Bring your passport, a charged phone with a power bank, your current visa documents, and any paperwork we asked for in advance (like a printed e-visa approval). Cash is useful for the Laos visa fee and lunch — many border stalls do not take cards — and a light jacket helps because the border area can be cool in the early morning.
Message us on WhatsApp (+84 342 351 970) immediately if you are running late — we can often hold the van or send the car back for you if it is close. If you miss the departure entirely, we reschedule you to the next available run, usually the following morning, without losing your seat deposit. Arriving at the lobby 10 minutes early is the best insurance.
Stay where you are and do not walk back through either checkpoint alone — our fixers sweep both sides of the crossing and will find you within minutes. You will have the driver's number and our WhatsApp support on your phone, and the fixers coordinate by radio, so a few minutes apart is not a problem.
You can use your phone, but mobile signal near Lao Bao can be weak and roaming across the border can drop calls. A Vietnamese SIM works on the Vietnam side and Lao SIMs work on the Densavan side; download anything you need before the trip. If you need stable internet for a few hours, the cafés near the border have wifi you can use during the wait.
There are small restaurants and coffee shops on both sides of the border where you can eat lunch, charge your phone, and use wifi while your visa processes. Many travelers catch up on work, read, or rest in the vehicle. Our fixers will tell you roughly how long the wait is and come get you the moment your stamp or approval is ready.
Yes — there are pho shops, coffee stalls, and small markets around both the Lao Bao and Densavan checkpoints with basic food, drinks, and snacks at local prices. A full lunch costs about 50,000 to 100,000 VND. If you have dietary restrictions, bring your own food, since options at the border are simple and limited.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can walk in — you will stand in short queues and walk across the border bridge. The trip is mostly in an air-conditioned vehicle, but mornings can be cool and midday hot, so layers work best. Keep your passport and money in a front pocket or small bag you can reach quickly at the checkpoints.
Yes. Riders regularly bring laptops, cameras, and other electronics — the vehicle is secure and you carry your bag with you through the border formalities. There are no special restrictions on personal electronics at Lao Bao, and the cafes at the border have power outlets if you need to charge during the wait.
Tell us on WhatsApp as early as possible — we can move you to a different date free of charge if we have at least 24 hours' notice. Cancellations inside 24 hours may forfeit part of the booking fee because we have already reserved your seat or car. Same-day changes are usually possible if another rider or vehicle is available.
Yes — the driver plans comfort stops at clean rest stops and fuel stations along QL9, typically every 2 to 2.5 hours, and there are toilets at the border on both sides. If you need an extra stop, just ask the driver; private car passengers can stop as often as they like.
Do not travel to the border on an expired visa without checking first — Vietnam fines overstays starting around 500,000 VND per day and can refuse exit or entry in serious cases. Message us immediately with your situation: for short overstays we can arrange an immigration translator and guidance on paying the fine and exiting legally, which is far safer than attempting a visa run while overstaying.
Usually you do not need a visa run at all — a valid TRC already lets you exit and re-enter Vietnam freely, so a border trip is only necessary if your TRC is expiring soon or you want to reset something specific. If your TRC is close to expiry, renewing it through your sponsor or our sister site temporaryresidencecard.com is the cleaner solution than a border run.
Yes, babies and children can travel with their parents, and we carry infant seats in the private car on request. Every traveler, including newborns, needs their own passport and valid visa or visa-exemption status — a child cannot ride on a parent's visa. Bring the child's documents and we will keep the family together through both checkpoints.
Border officers can refuse entry or exit if a passport is visibly damaged, and you generally need at least one free page for the new stamp. If your passport is water-damaged, torn, or nearly full, get a new passport before the run — we can also advise on whether your situation is likely to pass at Lao Bao before you commit to the trip.
Vietnam requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date, and Laos applies a similar rule, so a passport expiring within 6 months can be refused at either checkpoint. If your passport is close to that window, renew it before booking the run — it is the one document issue no fixer can fast-talk past.
We serve all nationalities, but the rules differ: many Western and Asian passport holders get a 45-day Vietnam visa exemption (including UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Russia, Japan, and South Korea), while US, Australian, Canadian, and many other citizens need an e-visa. Tell us your nationality when booking and we will confirm exactly what you need for both Vietnam and Laos.
Denied re-entry is rare at Lao Bao when documents are correct, and our fixers review your paperwork before you even leave the van. If it happens anyway, you stay on the Laos side while we work out the issue — usually a data mismatch or an e-visa that is not yet in the border database — and get you back in legally the same day or the next morning.
You can, but it costs most people more in the end: you need your own transport for 580 km round trip, you queue alone at both checkpoints, and one missing form or a slow border day can turn it into an overnight trip. Our service bundles door-to-door transport, fixers, and e-visa filing for less than the typical DIY cost in time and stress. See our DIY guide for an honest comparison.
For genuine emergencies we can arrange a same-day departure with a private car and a Rush e-visa (about 4 hours processing, or 2 hours in extreme cases) on weekdays. Message us on WhatsApp with your situation and expiry date, and we will tell you immediately whether the timing is possible and what it costs — speed is a weekday game, so the earlier you call, the more options you have.
Each 90-day e-visa covers up to 90 days per entry, and you can do another visa run when it expires, so consecutive runs can keep you in Vietnam indefinitely. Frequent back-to-back runs can draw extra questions from immigration, so many long-stayers alternate between the 90-day e-visa and visa-exemption stamps, or switch to a TRC when they qualify.
If your situation is not covered above — a special nationality, a tight visa expiry, an overstay, or a group booking — message us on WhatsApp at +84 342 351 970. We answer quickly, and we can confirm your exact costs and timing before you book.
