Navigating Border Fees Vietnam Cambodia Laos: A Seamless Cross-Border Travel Guide

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Legend Travel Group.

A Practical, Cultural, and Sustainable Cross-Border Essential

The Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos tri-border region is a gateway to Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations — from Hanoi’s ancient streets and Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters to Angkor Wat’s majestic temples and Luang Prabang’s serene Mekong vistas. Understanding border fees Vietnam Cambodia Laos ensures smooth, stress-free land crossings for international travelers, whether joining curated Vietnam Tours, Cambodia Tours, or Laos Tours. This guide covers official entry/exit fees, visa requirements, overland routes, and cultural etiquette to help you plan a seamless multi-country journey with Vietnam Travel, Cambodia Travel, and Laos Travel.

Legend Travel Group specializes in seamless cross-border adventures. Book your trip with just a 10% deposit — pay the rest up to 30 days before departure for complete peace of mind.

Administrative Note

Border fees vary by nationality and entry point. Most travelers need pre-arranged visas or e-visas. Cash (USD preferred) is required at land borders. Official fees range from $1–$6 per crossing; unofficial “facilitation fees” may be requested but are not mandatory. Always carry small USD bills. Verify current fees and visa rules before travel.

Vietnam ↔ Cambodia Border Crossings

• Moc Bai (Vietnam) – Bavet (Cambodia)

  • Vietnam Exit Fee: $2–$4 (official stamp fee, payable in USD)

  • Cambodia Entry Fee: $2–$5 (official processing fee)

  • Visa on Arrival (Cambodia): $30 (tourist visa, cash only)

  • Total Estimated Cost: $34–$39 per person

  • Travel Time: 2–3 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh

  • Tip: Use Vietnam Tours with included border assistance for hassle-free transfer.

• Trapeang Thlong (Vietnam) – Phnom Den (Cambodia)

  • Vietnam Exit Fee: $2

  • Cambodia Entry Fee: $3

  • Total: ~$35 (with Cambodia visa)

Cambodia ↔ Laos Border Crossings

• Dong Kralor (Cambodia) – Vang Tao (Laos)

  • Cambodia Exit Fee: $2–$4

  • Laos Entry Fee: $2–$5

  • Visa on Arrival (Laos): $30–$42 (depending on nationality, cash in USD)

  • Total Estimated Cost: $34–$51 per person

  • Travel Time: 4–5 hours from Stung Treng to Pakse

  • Tip: Book Cambodia Tours or Laos Tours with private transfer and visa support.

Vietnam ↔ Laos Border Crossings

• Bo Y (Vietnam) – Phou Keua (Laos)

  • Vietnam Exit Fee: $2

  • Laos Entry Fee: $2–$5

  • Visa on Arrival (Laos): $30–$42

  • Total: ~$34–$49

• Nam Can (Vietnam) – Nong Het (Laos)

  • Vietnam Exit Fee: $2

  • Laos Entry Fee: $3

  • Total: ~$35–$47

Key Notes on Border Fees

• Currency: USD is universally accepted; small bills ($1, $5) recommended.

• Official vs. Unofficial Fees: Only pay stamped receipts. “Facilitation fees” ($1–$5) may be requested but are not mandatory.

• Children: Under 12 often exempt from exit fees.

• Overland Tours: Legend Travel Group includes all official border fees in Vietnam Travel, Cambodia Travel, and Laos Travel packages.

Respecting Local Customs During Crossings

Cultural awareness ensures smooth and respectful border transitions:

• Greetings: Use “xin chào” (Vietnam), “sua sdei” (Cambodia), or “sabaidee” (Laos) with a smile and slight bow to officers.

• Dress: Cover shoulders and knees — especially when entering temples post-crossing (e.g., Wat Phnom, Wat Xieng Thong).

• Behavior: Remain calm, patient, and polite. Avoid arguing over small fees.

• Photography: No photos inside immigration halls. Ask permission before photographing locals.

• Tipping: Not required, but a small “thank you” gesture (smiles, nod) goes far.

Pro Tip: Legend Travel Group guides handle all interactions, ensuring cultural respect and efficiency.

1. Self-Guided Border Exploration

• Route: Ho Chi Minh City → Phnom Penh → Pakse → Hanoi

• Cost: $80–$150 (transport + border fees)

• Tip: Pre-book e-visas and carry USD for smooth crossings.

2. Legend Travel Group – Vietnam Cambodia Overland Adventure

• Duration: 7 Days

• Highlights: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat

• Includes: All border fees, private AC transport, English-speaking guide, 10% deposit

• Cost: From $699/person

• Book: Vietnamvietnam| Cambodia Tours

3. Legend Travel Group – Indochina Trilogy (Vietnam Cambodia Laos)

• Duration: 12 Days

• Highlights: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City

• Includes: All border fees, internal flights, visas on arrival support, eco-lodges

• Cost: From $1,599/person

• Book: Vietnam Travel | Laos Travel

4. Multi-Country Custom Tour

• Flexible Itinerary: Design your route with dedicated border support.

• Deposit: Only 10% — pay balance 30 days before departure.

• All Border Fees Included in tour price

• 10% Deposit — full payment 30 days before departure

• 24/7 Local Support at every crossing

• Eco-Conscious Operators — carbon-offset transport, community homestays

• 100% Customizable Itineraries

• Dry Season (November–April): Ideal for smooth roads and clear skies

• Shoulder Season (May, October): Fewer crowds, lower fees

• Avoid: July–September (heavy rain may delay crossings)

• Passport (6+ months validity)

• Printed e-visas (if required)

• USD small bills ($1, $5, $10)

• Reusable water bottle & snacks

• Lightweight scarf for temple visits

• Money belt for valuables

Legend Travel Group Tours: All fees included — no surprises.

• Carry exact USD — no change given

• Use e-visas to avoid visa queues

• Travel early morning to beat heat and crowds

• Book with Legend Travel Group for zero hassle

• Keep passport photocopy in cloud storage

• Are border fees official? Yes — $2–$5 per stamp. Avoid unofficial payments.

• Can I pay in local currency? USD preferred; VND/KHR/LAK rarely accepted.

• Do children pay fees? Under 12 usually exempt.

• Is Visa on Arrival available? Yes in Cambodia & Laos (cash only); Vietnam requires e-visa.

• What if I overstay? Fines: $10–$20/day per country.

• Vietnam Cambodia Overland: 7 Days | From $699 | Book Now

• Indochina Loop: 12 Days | From $1,599 | Book Now

• Custom Tri-Country Adventure: Tailor-made | 10% deposit

Pay only 10% today — balance 30 days before departure.

Mastering border fees Vietnam Cambodia Laos with cultural respect and smart planning unlocks the ultimate Southeast Asian overland adventure. From the Mekong Delta to the temples of Angkor and the slow boat down the Mekong in Laos, Legend Travel Group ensures every crossing is seamless, sustainable, and stress-free.

Book your Vietnam Tours, Cambodia Tours, or Laos Tours today with just a 10% deposit — explore Vietnam Travel, Cambodia Travel, and Laos Travel with complete peace of mind.

By Legend Travel Group — Your Trusted Partner in Southeast Asia.