Cau Treo International Border Gate in Ha Tinh Province connects Vietnam with Nam Phao, Bolikhamxay Province (Laos), about 100 km from Vinh on National Route 8. Foreigners can exit and enter here with a Vietnam e-visa, visa sticker, temporary residence card, 5-year visa exemption certificate or under visa exemption; the gate opens daily, but hours can change, so arrive before 16:00. This is the shortest route from northern and north-central Vietnam to Vientiane (about 350 km), with Vinh – Vientiane and Hanoi – Vientiane buses.
Need a Lao visa before crossing? Info Travel can get your Lao tourist visa (30 days, single entry) in 5–7 working days for 140 USD all-in.
Cau Treo border gate at a glance
| Province | Ha Tinh |
| Other side | Nam Phao, Bolikhamxay Province (Laos) |
| Distance | about 100 km from Vinh on National Route 8 |
| Opening hours | Daily; arrive before 16:00 |
| Vietnam e-visa entry | Yes (Resolution 127/NQ-CP) |
| Vietnam visa exemption | Applies as at every international gate |
Laos visa at Cau Treo
A Lao visa on arrival (about 40–50 USD cash depending on nationality) is available at major gates such as Dansavanh (Lao Bao) and Nam Phao (Cau Treo). The Lao e-visa is generally not accepted at land borders with Vietnam. ASEAN citizens and some nationalities such as Japan, South Korea, Russia and Switzerland are visa-exempt for short stays. For smaller gates, get a visa in advance at a Lao consulate.
What to bring
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages.
- A document to re-enter Vietnam: a printed e-visa, temporary residence card, 5-year exemption certificate, or a nationality on the visa exemption list.
- A Laos visa, or USD cash for a visa on arrival.
- Small cash notes and 1–2 passport photos (4×6 cm).
Visa run via Cau Treo
A visa run means leaving and re-entering Vietnam to start a new permitted stay. At Cau Treo you clear Vietnamese exit, enter Laos, then come back and enter Vietnam with your new document. See the Laos visa run guide and is a visa run legal?.
Tips for crossing at Cau Treo
- When applying for the e-visa, select Cau Treo as your entry port; see e-visa ports of entry.
- Do not overstay before you exit: fines are 0.5–40 million VND under Decree 282/2025/ND-CP (overstay fines).
- After you return, your accommodation must file temporary residence declaration within 12 hours.
- If a company or relative can sponsor you, an extension inside Vietnam is often easier than a visa run.
FAQ
Does Cau Treo accept the Vietnam e-visa?
Yes. Cau Treo is on the list of land gates for e-visa entry and exit under Resolution 127/NQ-CP.
Can visa-exempt travellers use Cau Treo?
Yes. Visa-exempt foreigners may enter through any international border gate, including Cau Treo.
Can I cross at Cau Treo and come back the same day?
Yes, if you already hold a document to re-enter Vietnam and a Laos visa (or are exempt). Go early to allow for queues on both sides.
Need an e-visa or visa run help?
Info Travel arranges fast e-visas, visa extensions and free advice at Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822 / Hotline: +84903782118. See all 27 international land border gates of Vietnam.
