Mohan Border Port in XishuangBanna, Yunnan

Mohan Border Port (磨憨口岸) is located in Mohan Town (磨憨镇), Mengla County (勐腊县), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is China’s only national Class I land port connecting Laos and serves as the “first station” for international freight on the China-Laos Railway. The port is also a key node in the Lancang-Mekong cooperation framework under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Geographical Location

Mohan is the southernmost land border town in China, under the administration of Mengla County in Yunnan Province. It serves as the terminus of China National Highway G213 (兰磨线), connecting to Laos’ National Road 13. The ASEAN Highway passes through the town, stretching approximately 300 meters north to south.

The port is located 181 km north of Jinghong City (景洪市) and a 2-hour drive from there. Traveling northeast, it takes 8 hours and 520 km to reach Kunming (昆明), the capital city of Yunnan Province. Traveling southeast, it takes 5 hours and 298 km to reach Luang Prabang (琅勃拉邦), a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city in Laos. Further south, it is a 6-hour drive and 382 km to reach Vientiane (万象), the capital of Laos. To the southwest, it is 228 km and a 3-hour drive to the Thai border city of Chiang Khong (清孔), with a 16-hour drive of 958 km to reach Bangkok (曼谷), Thailand. To the east, it is 267 km and a 6-hour drive to Dien Bien Phu (奠边府) in Vietnam, with an additional 8-hour drive and 500 km to Hanoi (河内), the capital of Vietnam.

Strategic Location

Mohan Border Port is an important entry point for foreign trade and tourism. Despite the global financial crisis, the port’s geographical advantage has allowed it to maintain growth. In 2023, the port saw a 14.8% increase in import and export cargo volume, reaching 157,650 tons, with a total foreign trade value of $50.09 million, an increase of 34.7% year on year.

Export and Foreign Trade

While the port’s foreign trade may seem modest in numerical terms, it plays a significant role in cross-border trade. In 2008, the port saw 738,800 passenger entries and exits, with 41,312 coming from third countries. After the full opening of the Kunming–Bangkok (昆曼公路) highway, the number of third-country passengers increased rapidly, reaching 16,381 in the first quarter of 2009, a 91.4% increase.

This area’s good relationships with Laos and Thailand have facilitated smooth traffic, with goods being exported from Yunnan Province to Thailand via Kunming–Bangkok highway, shortening the distance by 5,000 km compared to sea routes.

Cross-Border Economic Free Trade Zone

The two countries, China and Laos, have constructed a cross-border economic free trade zone at the Mohan-Boten (磨憨—磨丁) border port. The first phase involves China and Laos each allocating 3 square kilometers for the zone, while the second phase will expand to 26 square kilometers for China and 21 square kilometers for Laos, totaling more than 50 square kilometers.

Passenger Traffic

From March 1, 2024, the mutual visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders between China and Thailand came into effect. During the “May Day” holiday, the Mohan Railway Port saw a passenger traffic peak, with 18 international trains and 4,067 passengers, a 101% year-on-year increase. As of July 8, 2024, the port had processed 278,000 foreign nationals, a 156% increase compared to the previous year. The majority of passengers were from Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia, with the top three purposes being tourism, family visits, and business.

In the first quarter of 2025, Mohan Border Port saw over 450,000 passengers, an 18% increase year on year. The border port is rapidly growing, with a record-breaking number of 200,000 passengers processed in 2024.

Future Outlook

The success of the Mohan Border Port and the Kunming-Bangkok highway is integral to the development of a land-based trade corridor that links China to Southeast Asia. With further upgrades and the implementation of various trade agreements, the port is poised to play an even more significant role in regional trade and cross-border cultural exchange.

Complete Guide for Crossing the Mohan Border Port into Laos

Mohan Border Port is one of the most popular land ports on the China-Laos border, serving as a vital gateway for travelers heading into Laos. Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the customs and immigration process smoothly and make the most of your trip.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Essential Documents:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

  • ID Card (original, recommended to carry a copy)

Visa Options:

  • Pre-arranged Visa: Apply through the embassy or online (about 160 RMB, takes 3 working days)

  • Visa on Arrival: Available at the port; fill out forms on-site and pay 200 RMB or 20 USD (you will need one passport-sized photo)

Health Declaration:

  • Complete the health declaration on the “Customs Traveler Service” app 24 hours before departure and screenshot the QR code.

Travel and Crossing Tips

Self-Drive:

  • Vehicle Documents: Driving license, vehicle registration, and authorization letter (if the vehicle owner is not the driver, notarization is required)

  • Temporary Laos Driver’s License: Can be obtained at the port for 50,000 Lao Kip and a passport photo

  • Customs Declaration for Vehicle: Self-print customs form at Window D53 (fee: about 30 RMB)

High-Speed Train or Bus:

  • Train: D87 train requires you to disembark at Mohan Station for border procedures, allow 1 hour for the entire process.

  • Transportation from Station to Border: Take a bus for 5 RMB or share a ride for 20 RMB per person.

Full Immigration Process Breakdown

China Exit Procedures:

  1. Health Declaration: Scan the QR code to confirm.

  2. Security Check: Complete the standard security check.

  3. Passport Stamp: Passport will be stamped, and officers may ask about your itinerary.

Laos Entry Procedures:

  1. Visa on Arrival Window: Submit your passport and pay the fee at Window 9.

  2. Stamping Process: After payment, proceed to the stamping area.

  3. Currency Exchange: Currency exchange rate at the port is approximately 1:270, and you can buy a SIM card for 30 RMB with a 40GB data package.

Insider Tips

  • Avoid Peak Hours: The best time to cross is in the afternoon (between 9:00-11:00 AM can be crowded).

  • Cash is King: Only cash is accepted for the Laos border procedures. It’s recommended to carry at least 2,000 RMB or equivalent.

  • Language Barriers: Download Google Translate’s offline language pack to help with communication. Signs in Chinese are available at key points.

  • Accommodation Nearby: There are budget hotels within 300 meters of the port, perfect for a short stay before continuing your journey.

Self-Drive Considerations at Mohan Border Port

Vehicle and Driver Requirements

When traveling by car, ensure that the driver is the registered owner of the vehicle. Customs will not process entry or exit procedures for mismatched information. The driver should use the freight passage for border crossing, while other passengers must pass through the passenger checkpoint with their luggage.

Parking and Storing Your Vehicle

For smooth travel, vehicles can be temporarily parked in the designated area near the second-line national gate before departure. Avoid traffic congestion by parking in this designated zone.

Preventive Measures and Health Information

With the ongoing concerns regarding dengue fever, be sure to bring long sleeves, long pants, and mosquito repellent. Stay informed about the latest local health updates, and consult with health authorities about any necessary vaccinations or precautions.

Contact Information for Key Services

  1. Customs Contact: +86 691-8811080

  2. Border Inspection Station Contact: +86 691-8811222

  3. Public Security Bureau Contact: +86 691-8818110

  4. Road Transport Management Office Contact: +86 189-88111297

  5. Local Hospital Contact: +86 691-8815022

  6. Town Government Contact: +86 691-8815348

Self-Drive Procedures for Crossing the Border

Departure:

  1. Required Documents: Visitors need to have a valid passport or border travel document.

  2. Customs and Immigration: Complete customs checks, health inspections, and provide your vaccination certificate.

  3. Exit and Entry Stamp: Proceed through border inspection, get your passport stamped, and complete exit procedures.

Arrival:

  1. Customs and Border Check: Pass through both customs and border inspection.

  2. Vehicle Inspection: Vehicles must undergo customs declaration and inspection.

  3. Entry Stamp: Upon completing the formalities, you’ll receive an entry stamp on your passport.

Special Considerations:

  • Visa: Travelers with a passport can apply for a visa on arrival at the Laos border. Those without a passport can obtain a border travel pass.

  • Minors: Children under 16 must submit a birth certificate and have one guardian travel with them.

  • Fees: Be prepared for various fees, such as visa charges, tourism fund, customs fees, and temporary driver’s license fees.

Important Contact Information for Self-Drive Travelers

  • Transport Consultation Hotline: +86 691-88111465

  • Border Pass Inquiry: +86 691-88113118

  • Consumer Complaints Hotline: 12315, +86 691-88111238

  • Tourism Consultation Hotline: +86 691-88113178

Before setting out, it’s highly recommended to register for international road transport in advance and familiarize yourself with relevant procedures and fees to ensure a smooth crossing at Mohan Border Port.