Plans for Laos-Vietnam highway

Plans are being drawn up in Laos for the new highway connecting its capital Vientiane with Hanoi, the capital of neighbouring Vietnam. The project is expected to cost in excess of US$4.5 billion, with much of the Laos section of the route running parallel to the existing Road N0 13 South. The route will be 707km long, crossing the border between Namphao in Laos and Cau Treo in Vietnam. Three potential routes have been evaluated for the highway in Laos and two in Vietnam but the most costly have already been rejected. It now looks as if the route through Borikhamxay Province in Laos is favoured. And for Vietnam, the route through Nghe An Province is seen as more suitable, due in part to its lower cost. Financing for the project has yet to be finalised.