Southeast Asia is more than just a region rich in cultural diversity—it is also a shared living space where countries are connected through land borders. From economic corridors like the Thailand-Malaysia connection to transnational infrastructure projects such as the Laos-China Railway, these borders are not just dividing lines, but growth points for collaboration.
The land borders between countries in this region serve not only as boundaries but also as bridges that connect communities, economies, and cultures. Below is a country-by-country overview of land borders in Southeast Asia:
Laos
Number of bordering countries: 5 (Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand)
Total border length: 5,274 km
As a landlocked country, Laos heavily relies on its borders for trade. Despite having no coastline, it has emerged as a central hub for land-based integration.
The Laos-China Railway, launched in 2021, has accelerated the movement of goods and people across the Indochinese Peninsula. This infrastructure has positioned Laos as a vital transit corridor connecting ASEAN markets to southern China.
Myanmar
Number of bordering countries: 5 (Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, Thailand)
Total border length: 6,522 km
Despite ongoing political instability, Myanmar’s geographic location makes it a strategic gateway between South and Southeast Asia. Border areas such as Muse-Ruili (Myanmar-China) continue to develop as key centers for cross-border trade.
Thailand
Number of bordering countries: 4 (Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia)
Total border length: 5,673 km
Thailand plays a crucial role in linking mainland Southeast Asia. The Asian Highway Network (AH2), which connects Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, highlights Thailand’s strategic role in regional connectivity. Its southern border areas are becoming increasingly active as regional logistics gateways.
Vietnam
Number of bordering countries: 3 (China, Laos, Cambodia)
Total border length: 4,550 km
Vietnam features diverse topography, with around 75% of its land consisting of mountainous terrain. Border areas such as Lao Bao (Vietnam–Laos) and Moc Bai (Vietnam–Cambodia) are being developed into special economic zones, supporting both manufacturing and agricultural exports.
Infrastructure projects like the Ho Chi Minh Highway and land expansion along the Vietnam–Cambodia border are also accelerating economic growth.
Indonesia
Number of bordering countries: 3 (Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste)
Total border length: 2,958 km
Although widely known as an archipelagic country, Indonesia has significant land borders, especially on the island of Borneo with Malaysia. This region is rich in natural resources and holds great potential for cross-border economic development.
Malaysia
Number of bordering countries: 3 (Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei)
Total border length: 2,669 km
Malaysia has strategically located land borders on both Peninsular Malaysia and the island of Borneo. Cross-border collaborations, including road and rail projects with neighboring countries, continue to strengthen regional economic integration.
Cambodia
Number of bordering countries: 3 (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam)
Total border length: 2,530 km
Cambodia leverages its borders to enhance trade and investment. Border areas with Vietnam and Thailand have become economic activity centers, particularly in rice trading and agricultural goods.
Timor Leste
Number of bordering countries: 1 (Indonesia)
Total border length: 268,8 km
Timor-Leste shares a single land border with Indonesia on the island of Timor. While its land boundary is relatively short, the bilateral relationship with Indonesia is crucial for trade, infrastructure development, and cross-border mobility.
Philippines
Land bordering countries: None
As an archipelago with over 7,600 islands, the Philippines does not have any land borders. However, it utilizes its geographic position to develop maritime connectivity and aims to become a trade hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Singapore
Land bordering countries: None
Although it lacks natural land borders, Singapore remains a global center for trade and logistics. Its high connectivity with neighboring countries reinforces its strategic role in the region.
