Border Crossings

Air travel is the recommended way to go between Vietnam and other points in Asia. Most travelers must obtain a visa to visit the countries near Vietnam—Laos, Cambodia, and China—which can be a difficult process; it's best to make visa arrangements before you go to Vietnam. Many countries, including China and Cambodia, offer e-visa services, though the process still takes several days. Cambodia and Laos currently provide visas on arrival at international airports (with a photo), but this is subject to change; inquire at these countries' embassies for the most up-to-date policies. In general, Thailand automatically grants short-term-stay visas to most Western visitors. Note also that tourist visas can be arranged quickly for most Asian countries from their respective embassies in Bangkok.

Visa Offices

Chinese Embassy. 46 Hoang Dieu, Hanoi, Ha Noi. 24/3845–3736; www.chinese-embassy.info/asia/vnm.htm.

Royal Embassy of Cambodia. 4530 16th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20011. 202/726–7742; www.embassyofcambodia.org.

Royal Embassy of Cambodia. 71A Tran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Ha Noi. 24/942–4789; www.embassyofcambodia.org.