From Sapa

Does anyone know if it is possible to get to Dien Bien Phu (eventually Laos) from Sapa??? I tried the sapa tourism site but it was down, not sure if I could hitch, pay for/split a taxi or what, but was hoping not to have to go back through Hanoi to leave the country. Thanks a bunch for all the help!!!

ab

Hmmm...there has been much discussion that this border has been opened in recent weeks ... but I am yet to hear from anyone who has actually got through.....

We went from Sapa to DBP in January ... by private car. its a beautiful but fairly rough trip with lots of road construction... and definately a two day journey....I don't hink you would save any time by going this way rather than via Hanoi.

Hi Andrew

Catch the local buses to Mai Chau .Stay a couple of days , then head across to Laos .
Do a search here , there are those that have done it from Mai Chau and have posted . Start with Mai Chau

Cheers

I have just read news reports saying that the Tay Trang border crossing is now officially opened to the public, so I guess that means foreigners. Check out this website http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070510/16/48elg.html<BR>

Two buses and an overnight stop should do it. DBP is an interesting place I thought. I had a guide from the DBP hotel and that made it very interesting, especially having the info at the museum translated. You can fly back to Hanoi for about $30 if the border is not open.

Dunno if any of you still check this thread but I had the same query and emailed our embassy, the response:

Dear Dene,

Lao Immigration advised that the border crossing you are refering to between Laos at Tay Trang and Vietnam to Dien Bhen Phu was opened as in International Border Crossing earlier this month. It is also reported to have visa on arrival facilities but I would recommend obtaining your Lao visa from the Lao embassy in Hanoi or other city first. Please note that if going the other direction the Vietnamese do not issue visas on arrival.

Regards.

Michael Creagh
Consul
Australian Embassy
Vientiane