The road system in Vietnam is reasonable in the main urban cities while the drives through the countryside can be a wonderful sightseeing experience. However, it must be noted that the roads are narrow and some may be poorly paved when outside the main cities so, as a consequence, the drives can be rough and difficult at times. Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. Drivers are very unlikely to speak any English.
The journey timings described in your itinerary are based on the usual amount of time a particular journey will take. However, please appreciate that not all roads can be checked for their condition throughout the year.
Most cars used are manufactured locally by Toyota, Honda and Ford and are for the most part comfortable and ideally suited to local roads. Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle, under any conditions. There is ample opportunity to smoke during photographic, luncheon and sightseeing stops.
Border crossing into Vietnam is possible from China, Laos and Cambodia. Regulations for crossing overland borders can change at short notice. Tourists can pass borders at the following checkpoints:
Vietnam / China
- Huu Nghi (Lang Son province) / Pinxiang (Guangxi province)
- Lao Cai (Lao Cai province) / Hekou (Yunnan province)
- Mong Cai (Quang Ninh province) / Dongxin (Guangxi province)
From Laos: Vietnam side / Laos side
- Tay Trang (west of Dien Bien Phu valley) / Muang Mai - Phongsaly Province
- Na Meo (Thanh Hoa province) / Nam Sooy - Huaphanh Province
- Nam Can (Nghe An province) / Nam Khan - Xieng Khouang Province
Vietnam / Laos
- Cau Treo (Ha Tinh province) / Nam Pao - Bolikhamxay Province
- Cha Lo (Quang Binh province) / Naphao / Khammouane Province
- Lao Bao (Quang Tri province) / Lao Bao - Savannakhet Province
- Bo Y (Kon Tum province) / A Ta Pu - A Ta Pu Province
Vietnam / Cambodia
- Moc Bai (Tay Ninh province) / Bavet (Svay Reang province)
