I'm going to Kunming, China, this May. Are any special papers required to travel from Kunming to Vietnam, and, if so, are they very difficult to acquire?

There are no special papers other than a visa for Vietnam, but make sure that the point of entry is specified as Lao Cai (I believe). They are sticklers for the rules and may turn you back if your visa indicates Hanoi or HCMC as the entrypoint. You should doublecheck, but I am fairly certain there is a Vietnamese consulate in Kunming, and I am sure the most requested entrypoint is the land crossing. Have fun, it's such a great region. Wish I were heading there as well.

I went to Vietnam a few years back i dont believe the rules have changed they were give you some forms on a arrival that u have to fill in, about vaccinations and your possessions. They will get a copy and you will get a duplicate copy which you must have when you exit the country. Don't lose your copies as it can be very awkward and financially painful if you do. They love their bureacricy (not sure on spelling
) in Vietnam.