How To Cross The Border From Laos To Cambodia

How To Cross The Border From Laos To Cambodia is an essential guide for anyone planning to travel between these two fascinating countries in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re journeying from Vientiane or another part of Laos to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh in Cambodia, knowing the best routes, visa requirements, and border-crossing tips will make your trip much smoother.

Traveling between Laos and Cambodia can be an exciting adventure, but it requires some preparation. The process may seem intimidating for first-time travelers, especially when it comes to handling border documentation, local transportation options, and understanding the unique procedures of both countries.

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to cross the border from Laos to Cambodia, including essential travel tips, visa details, and practical advice on what to expect at the border. From crossing by land to navigating the best routes, we will cover every aspect to help you have a stress-free journey. With the right preparation, crossing from Laos to Cambodia will become a highlight of your Southeast Asian adventure rather than a hassle. Let’s dive into the details and get you on your way!

The Veun Kham/Dom Kralor border crossing between Laos and Cambodia is known as a remote crossing for a very good reason – it’s located in the middle of nowhere.

Getting to the Border

Reaching the border from either side is relatively simple. Bus tickets can be purchased at most towns’ bus stations or, often, directly through your hotel or guesthouse. However, buying tickets through a guesthouse tends to be more expensive.

When traveling from Laos into Cambodia, almost all buses will stop at Strung Tren for a bus change. We opted to break our journey here for the night, as the roads are in poor condition, and the journey is slow. While there’s not much to do in Strung Tren, it’s a decent place to rest for the night.

If you’re heading north into Laos, buses typically stop at the 4000 Islands, a lovely spot to spend a few days.

Most buses will drop you on one side of the border, where another bus will be waiting to take you to the other side. You’ll need to walk the short 100 meters between border posts.

At the Border

Visas for both Laos and Cambodia are available at the border. The Lao border post is a modern brick building, while the Cambodian border post is a wooden shack (though it has a toilet at the back).

Cambodia offers eVisa on line which will make your transit into Cambodia far more simplified.

Lao visas cost US$30-$35*, plus an additional US$2 for “processing in a remote location.” Cambodian visas cost US$30, with a US$1 “health check” fee.

It’s common for remote border crossings to have extra fees. While you can try to negotiate, it’s better to smile, remain polite, and accept the fees as part of the journey.

Be sure to bring passport-sized photos with you. Once your passport is processed at one border, you’ll need to walk the 100 meters to the next border post.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance only. Border procedures, visa requirements, and fees may change, so it’s advisable to verify the latest details with relevant authorities before traveling.