The Vietnamese border , known as Kaew Nua Pass (or Nam Phao in Lao), is 35km from Lak Xao and best reached by hiring a tuk-tuk (20,000K) from outside the market. Shared tuk-tuks (3000K) can be had, but are often overcrowded and leave infrequently - except when the border market's open (from the 15th to the 20th of each month). For those crossing into Laos from Vietnam, there's usually a tuk-tuk on hand for hire into Lak Xao.

Crossing the border is generally hassle-free, but the crossing (daily 7.30am-5pm) is one of the least-used border points in Laos and has even fewer amenities than the more southerly Lao Bao crossing. Start your journey early to ensure you don't end up stuck at the border: transport on both sides is sparse and neither is near a town of any size. A small exchange kiosk sits in the Lao terminal, but don't expect to change large amounts or get a decent rate. The settlement on the Vietnamese side of the border is Cau Treo , 105km west of Vinh on Highway 8 .