Hi we are in halong bay until the 14th of feb and need to leave for loas by the 21st ( visa runs out), can anyone tell us the best border to cross, meaning nearest but with the least hassel and expense. We do not have loas visas so need a border that issues VOA. Also we are willing to fly tp laos if we can find a cheap airline that flies from the nearest airport to halong bay which i susspect is hanoi.
Any nearby land crossings?
Any cheap airlines?
VOA?
Bus routes from halong?
Many thanks
VOA into Laos is available at all international borders/airports.
Fastest is to bus to Hanoi and grab one of a couple daily flights for $155-180 to LP. Lao Airlines (cheaper option by a bit) and Vietnam Airlines make the route.
Border crossings are at Tay Trang, near Dien Biuen Phu (will take one day Hanoi to DBP by bus, and the next to cross to Muang Khua, and the next to LP). That's assuming you want to see the countryside only through a window. There is a flight Hanoi to DBP as well, but I have not taken it.
Border at Nameo to Xam Neua, Laos is open. It is a very long two full days of a bus (perhaps 3): Hanoi to Vinh -> Tanh Hoa -> Nameo -> XN.
There is also a remote crossing south of Nameo, and I read of a bus that goes Hanoi to Vientiane this route. But we're getting pretty far south for wanting to get to LP.