Ongoing construction at the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway project site.

Work progressing in section 2 of Vientiane–Hanoi Expressway, developer says 

The construction of the second section of the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, a 203.8-km stretch running from Pakxan district to the Laos-Vietnam border in Xaychamphone district of Bolikhamxay province, is progressing steadily, according to the project’s developer.
The expressway has emerged as one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects, as it is aimed at enhancing connectivity and transport between Laos and Vietnam.
The President of 3S Development Co Ltd, Mr Phonepaseuth Inthasone, provided an update on the project to reporters during the Laos-Vietnam Investment Promotion Conference in Vientiane last week.
The conference was co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Laos, Mr Sonexay Siphandone, and his Vietnamese counterpart, Mr Pham Minh Chinh, and attended by senior officials and the private sectors of the two countries.
Mr Phonepaseuth said that since November 15, 2021, when the consortium of Namtha Bridge-Road Construction Co Ltd, CK Import-Export Trading Co Ltd and 3S Development Co Ltd signed the Memorandum of Understanding to conduct a feasibility study for Section 2, the group has invested significant effort, time and capital into detailed studies.
Mr Phonepaseuth noted that these include surveying multiple alternative routes, clearing the right-of-way for equipment access, and collecting environmental and social impact data to complete the required documentation.
On October 15, 2025, the consortium received the government’s approval to sign the Concession Agreement (CA), officially commencing construction. Machinery has been deployed along the route from KM 00 to KM 160, while construction in the border area in Xaychamphone district will begin after the end of the rainy season.
The consortium affirmed its readiness in capital and experience to complete the project by 2029, within the targeted four-year timeframe.
Construction plans include simultaneous bridge work, earthwork in 15 to 20 km sections, and concrete paving in the plains areas to accelerate progress. To speed up the work, the consortium is importing additional heavy machinery and requesting foreign labour, primarily from Myanmar, to operate both day and night shifts.
Mr Phonepaseuth highlighted coordination efforts with authorities in Bolikhamxay province and Nghe An province in Vietnam to define the border connection point. The consortium has appealed to Party and State leaders of both countries to facilitate construction and help ensure the four-year completion target is met.
The Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, once completed, is expected to significantly enhance cross-border transport, trade and regional connectivity, further strengthening economic cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update December 10, 2025)