Vietnam’s land ports have been a critical component in Vietnam’s economic development. They are the main entry point for a sizable amount of materials used in manufacturing in Vietnam. This is particularly true of its northern border with China which has become increasingly important to both China and Vietnam’s manufacturing industries as firms have sought to diversify their supply chains.
As such they facilitate millions of dollars of trade via sea freight everyday, and they have commanded huge amounts of public investment spurring the country’s economic growth.
That said, Vietnam intends to keep growing its economy, its manufacturing sector in particular. This means it will soon need to upgrade many of its land borders and maybe even add more and this will take huge amounts of money as well as expertise and support.
With this in mind, this guide runs through Vietnam land ports, their needs and development plans.
See also: Logistics in Vietnam
Organisational structure of Land Ports in Vietnam
Unlike Vietnam’s seaports and airports, Vietnam’s land borders are a little more complicated when it comes to foreign investment due to additional security concerns.
Government of Vietnam
Land ports and their management broadly fall under the purview of the Government of Vietnam with a number of key stakeholder ministries.
Customs
Vietnam shares land borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia, and customs procedures at these borders can vary depending on the specific checkpoint and type of goods being transported. At all of the major border crossings there are customs offices and staff to assist in the processing of goods.
Border Guards
The Vietnam Border Guard is a vital component of the People’s Army of Vietnam. They are responsible for protecting Vietnam’s territorial integrity, maintaining public order, and ensuring security along the country’s land, sea, and border gates.
Main Vietnam land ports
Vietnam has border crossings with all three of its neighbours, however, its border crossings with China are by far the busiest in terms of trade.
Huu Nghi international border gate
Huu Nghị International Border Gate is a major gateway connecting Vietnam and China. Situated in Lạng Sơn province, Vietnam, this bustling border crossing plays a pivotal role in trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange between the two countries. Renowned for its historical significance, the gate was once known as the South Harmonious Pass, reflecting the complex relationship between the two nations over centuries.
Today, Huu Nghị International Border Gate is a dynamic hub of activity. Thousands of people and vehicles cross the border daily, facilitating trade in goods ranging from agricultural products to industrial machinery. The border area has also witnessed significant development, with the emergence of border markets and supporting infrastructure. Despite the challenges of maintaining border security and managing the flow of people and goods, the Hữu Nghị International Border Gate remains a vital artery connecting Vietnam and China.
Mong Cai international border gate
Mong Cai International Border Gate is a crucial trade and tourism gateway between Vietnam and China. Located in the northern coastal province of Quảng Ninh, the border crossing has witnessed significant growth in recent years.
As a vital economic artery, it facilitates the import and export of goods, contributing substantially to the region’s economy. The gate also serves as a popular entry point for tourists seeking to explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of both Vietnam and China.
With its strategic location and increasing importance in bilateral relations, Mong Cai International Border Gate is poised to play an even more critical role in the economic and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Lao Cai international border gate
Lao Cai International Border Gate is a vital link between Vietnam and China, serving as a major entry point for trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange. Located in the northern province of Lao Cai, the gate is a key economic driver for the region, facilitating the import and export of goods between the two countries.
With its proximity to popular tourist destinations like Sapa, the border gate also plays a crucial role in the tourism industry, welcoming visitors from both sides.
The Vietnamese government has been investing in infrastructure and border management systems to enhance the efficiency and security of the gate, solidifying its position as a significant economic and cultural bridge between Vietnam and China.
Moc Bai international border gate
Moc Bai International Border Gate is a crucial link between Vietnam and Cambodia. Located in Tây Ninh province, it serves as a vital hub for trade.
Thousands of people and vehicles cross the border daily, facilitating the exchange of goods and services. The gate also plays a significant role in tourism, with visitors travelling between the two countries.
To enhance its efficiency, the Vietnamese government has invested in improving infrastructure and customs procedures at Moc Bai.
Thanh Thuy International Border Gate
Thanh Thuy International Border Gate is a crucial gateway between Vietnam and China. Located in Ha Giang province, it serves as a vital hub for trade, tourism, and cross-border cooperation. As the only international border gate in Ha Giang, Thanh Thuy plays a pivotal role in the economic development of the region.
The border gate facilitates the import and export of goods, contributing significantly to the local economy. Furthermore, Thanh Thuy attracts tourists eager to explore the unique culture and stunning landscapes of the northern mountainous region. The gate’s strategic location and growing importance have made it a focal point for bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and China.
Cross-border logistics and the last-mile challenge
Once goods make it across Vietnam’s land borders, getting them to their final destination — whether a factory, warehouse, or end consumer — presents a different set of challenges entirely. This final leg of the logistics journey, known as last-mile delivery, is often the most complex and costly, particularly given Vietnam’s rapidly urbanising landscape, congested city centres, and fragmented address systems.
Goods arriving through major border gates such as Huu Nghi, Lao Cai, or Moc Bai typically flow onward to industrial zones or distribution centres in cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. From there, logistics providers coordinate the final stretch of delivery using a combination of trucks, vans, and increasingly, motorbikes for urban deliveries. This process must often be fine-tuned for efficiency and reliability — especially for time-sensitive goods or consumer-facing sectors like e-commerce.
Vietnam’s booming e-commerce sector has added further pressure to last-mile delivery systems. International platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and Temu rely heavily on fast domestic delivery networks to maintain competitiveness and customer satisfaction. This has spurred growth in third-party logistics (3PL) providers like GHTK, GHN, Viettel Post, and GrabExpress, who leverage real-time tracking and route optimisation technology to navigate Vietnam’s urban complexity.
However, as cross-border trade grows and parcel volumes rise, capacity constraints and rising operating costs are becoming more apparent. For firms importing through Vietnam’s land borders, an effective last-mile strategy — including partnerships with reliable local couriers and access to urban fulfilment infrastructure — is increasingly essential to ensure smooth, timely delivery.
Ultimately, Vietnam’s ability to connect its border gates to its cities and consumers through efficient last-mile networks will be a key factor in realising the full potential of its cross-border trade and logistics ambitions.
See also: Last-Mile Delivery in Vietnam
What’s next?
Vietnam’s land borders are critical to its national security, economic development, and regional integration. Sharing borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia, Vietnam has successfully managed these frontiers to foster cooperation while maintaining sovereignty.
The country’s border management policies have played a pivotal role in facilitating trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. Simultaneously, Vietnam has effectively addressed challenges such as cross-border crime and environmental issues.
As Vietnam continues to integrate into the global economy, the effective management of its land borders will remain essential for sustaining its growth and prosperity.
With this in mind, foreign firms using Vietnam’s land borders to transport goods, should make sure to keep up to date with the latest land border developments by subscribing to the-shiv.
First published August 15, 2024. Last updated March 26, 2025.