Lao Cai Border Gate

Yumeto · CC BY-SA 4.0

An international border crossing on the Nam Thi river, where Ho Kieu bridge leads to Hekou in China.

Lao Cai border gate sits where the Nam Thi river runs into the Red River, and the Ho Kieu bridge across it is the border itself: walk to the far end and you are in the Chinese town of Hekou. This is one of the busiest international crossings in the north, and what is worth seeing as a visitor is the border marker itself and the contrast of the two banks — Lao Cai city on the Vietnamese side, the high-rises of Hekou looking straight back. Lao Cai station nearby is the terminus of the overnight train from Hanoi, the usual way up to Sa Pa.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Lao Cai Border Gate?

Year-round

How long do you need at Lao Cai Border Gate?

1 hour

What are the opening hours of Lao Cai Border Gate?

07:00 - 22:00, following border-gate working hours

Did you know

The gate is where the Nam Thi river runs into the Red River.
The Ho Kieu bridge across the river is the border itself.
On the far side is the town of Hekou in Yunnan province, China.
Lao Cai station nearby is the terminus of the overnight train from Hanoi.

Travel tips

Without a passport and visa you can only look at the outside of the crossing area.
The Hanoi–Lao Cai overnight train is the easiest way up to Sa Pa; book a sleeper ahead in high season.

Source: https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%E1%BB%ADa_kh%E1%BA%A9u_L%C3%A0o_Cai

Updated: 2026-08-16