5 border gates that attract tourists

Besides being important landmarks, border crossings are also attractive destinations for many Vietnamese tourists who want to visit and shop.

At these border crossings, you can travel to two countries in a single day and have exciting experiences.

Lao Cai

Located about an hour's drive from Sa Pa, the Lao Cai international border gate is one of the busiest border crossings in the Northwest region.

From the Lao Cai border gate, you can travel to Hekou (China) for a day trip. Photo: nhngat

This is a border crossing with China. Crossing the Huqiao Bridge will take you to Hekou. In Hekou, you can go sightseeing, take photos, and check in.

Must-try dishes in Hekou include stinky tofu and Zhejiang-style baked goods. Additionally, visitors can explore the Shanlin Light Park.

Mong Cai (Quang Ninh)

The Mong Cai International Border Gate is also a well-known trading gateway in the north. The Bac Luan Bridge connects Quang Ninh city (Vietnam) and Dongxing county (China).

Mong Cai border gate is one of the busiest and most crowded border gates in the North. Photo: dory.ntn

Tourists can visit and shop at Mong Cai market, which has many shops owned by both Vietnamese and Chinese people.

In addition, tourists can travel to other famous destinations such as Tra Co Beach, Linh Khanh Pagoda, Vinh Trung - Vinh Thuc Island, and Sa Vi Cape.

Bo Y (Kon Tum)

The Bo Y International Border Gate, marking the border between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, attracts many tourists visiting Kom Tum province.

Tourists can combine a visit to the Bo Y border gate with a trip to Mang Den – the "second Da Lat" in the Central Highlands. Photo: Gotour Travel

From the Bo Y border gate, visitors can reach the border marker known as the "Indochina Tripoint". This marker, made of granite with the national emblem engraved on three sides, is situated on a mountain 1,086 meters above sea level.

Besides visiting the above-mentioned location, tourists can also explore nearby famous places such as the Kon Klor suspension bridge, Mang Den, and enjoy local specialties in Kon Tum such as grilled chicken, leaf salad, and dry pho.

Moc Bai (Tay Ninh)

Moc Bai border gate is the largest international land border gate in Southern Vietnam. Located in Tay Ninh province, Moc Bai connects the border between Vietnam and Cambodia.

At this border crossing, the most famous feature is the duty-free shops and supermarkets. Tourists can shop for goods from Cambodia and Thailand at reasonable prices.

Moc Bai border gate is known for its duty-free shops, allowing tourists to shop freely. Photo: Ngoc Tan

Besides shopping, the Moc Bai border gate is also very close to another famous tourist destination, Mount Ba Den. Tourists can combine visiting these two attractions in one day.

Ha Tien (Kien Giang)

The Ha Tien border gate is a bustling trading hub between Vietnam and Cambodia. Previously known as Xa Xia, it is located approximately 7 km from Ha Tien city.

The Ha Tien International Border Gate is a must-see tourist attraction when visiting Ha Tien city (Kien Giang province). Photo: Yeudulich

This is one of the famous tourist destinations in Kien Giang province, alongside Phu Quoc. Besides traveling to Cambodia for sightseeing, visitors can still enjoy themselves at Mui Nai beach, Mac Cuu mausoleum, Da Dung mountain, or Phu Dung pagoda.

When arriving at the Ha Tien border gate, tourists shouldn't miss the local specialties such as steamed rice noodles, ca xiu (a type of fish), herring salad, palm juice, or Monthong durian.