Flight (via Kunming)
Fastest and easiest but more expensive
Train + train (via Lao Cai, Hekou, Kunming)
Cheapest option but very long and complicated
Bus + train
Possible but less comfortable and time-consuming
Motorbike
Not practical for this long cross-border route
Quick answer: Traveling from Hanoi to Lijiang (China) can be done by flight (via Kunming or a direct charter) or by train via Lao Cai → Hekou → Kunming → Lijiang. The flight offers the fastest option, and the train route is the cheaper scenic alternative. Teoretically it is also possible to travel by bus, but it takes a lot of travel time.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~870 km by air route / ~1 220 km by land.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight (with stop-over) ~10–15 hours | Train (via Lao Cai, Hekou, Kunming) ~25–35 hours
- 💰 Price range: Flight US$200–300 per person | Train US$50–200 per person
- ✈️ Best for speed & comfort: Flight to Lijiang (via Kunming or direct charter)
- 🚆 Best for value & scenery: Train via Lao Cai → Hekou → Kunming → Lijiang
Last updated in March 2026
How to get from Hanoi to Lijiang?
The distance from Hanoi to Lijiang is about 870 km by air and around 1,220 km by land. Travelers can choose between flights with a stopover in China or an overland train journey via Lao Cai, Hekou, and Kunming. Flights take approximately 10–15 hours, while train travel takes about 25–35 hours. Train tickets and flights can be searched and booked online in advance.
Search and book flights from Hanoi to Lijiang online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
Lijiang – a UNESCO-listed destination in Yunnan.
Lijiang (Lìjiāng, 丽江) is one of the most visited places in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. It is famous for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, traditional Naxi culture, and the nearby Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. From Lijiang, travelers can also continue to Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and other scenic destinations in Yunnan.
| Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Lijiang | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train (via Lao Cai, Hekou, Kunming) | 25–35 hours | $50–200 per person |
| Plane (with stopover) | 10–15 hours | $200–300 per person |
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1. From Hanoi to Lijiang by train
👉 Train via Lao Cai and Kunming is a scenic and adventurous way from Hanoi to Lijiang.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers seeking a long overland journey and unique rail experience in Vietnam and China
- ✔️ Duration: ~20–30 hours (3 steps + border crossing)
- ✔️ Price: $50–120 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (overnight sleeper + modern Chinese trains)
- ✅ Best option: Train to Lao Cai + China Railway trains via Kunming to Lijiang
- 💡 Tip: Book all tickets online in advance, prepare visas, and allow time for border crossing and transfers between stations.
A) From Hanoi to Lao Cai by train (border town)
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- Trains from Hanoi run to Lao Cai town (340 km from Hanoi), it is the end station and the border town (25 km from Sapa). Trains may be from Vietnam Railways with less comfort (ofic.vietnamese railways) or also trains for tourists (also 2-bed cabin in train), but also more expensive (Orient Express, King Express, Fansipan, Sapaly, Livitrans…). You can search and buy train tickets online. From Lao Cai Railway station you need to go or take a taxi to the border crossing, cross the border to Hekou (China), only about 2 km.
- Book and buy train e-tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
Vietnam Railways trains – SP1, SP3, SP7, LC3:
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- hard or soft seat – price for one-way ticket from 120 000 – 160 000 Viet.dongs / 1 person
- hard bed (6-bed cabin) or soft bed (4-bed cabin) – price for one-way ticket from 270 000 – 400 000 Viet.dongs / 1 person
- SP = new comfortable trains of Vietnam Railways, LC3 = old train, carry-on baggage – 20 kg
- seat selection available on Baolau
- travel time by train from Hanoi to La Cai is about 8 hours
Tourist and private train operators (added to SP1 + SP3):
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- Livitrans, Violette Train, Oriental Express, King Express, Sapaly, PV2, Fansipan Express, Victoria Express
- price from 700 000 – 1 800 000 Viet.dongs / 1 person – soft bed (depend on the type of cabin)
- better quality and service, 2 or 4-bed cabins, carry-on baggage – 20 kg
- the most deluxe train – Victoria Express Train (price for ticket from 2 500 000 – 3 500 000 Viet.dongs)
- you can read this: 8 Luxury Trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai
➜ For bookings with Royal Railway and private railway companies Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express and Saigon Golden Train, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive a voucher by email to collect the physical ticket at the station before boarding the train.
➜ For bookings with Vietnam Railways and private railway companies Livitrans Express and Violette Train, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present when boarding the train.
➜ If you buy bus tickets online on Baolau or 12go.asia, you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present at the ticket counter of the station before boarding the bus
B) From Hekou North (China) to Kunming by train (400 km)
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- Hekou North Railway Station (or Hekou Bei Train Station) is about 4 km from the center of Hekou town (border town), so the best way how to get there is take a taxi.
- from Hekou North Railway Station you can go by train to Kunming
- there are a lot of trains trains every day and the journey takes about 4-7.5 hours
- train ticket from Hekou North to Kunming costs about $8-31/pp
- Book and buy train e-tickets from Hekou to Kunming on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
C) From Kunming to Lijiang by train (517 km)
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- From Kunming Railway Station to Lijang you can travel by train
- there are a lot of trains trains every day and the journey takes about 3-10 hours, seat or sleeper trains
- Lijiang Railway Station is about 10 km from the Old Town, you can take a bus to the town
- train ticket from Hekou North to Kunming costs about $28-62/pp.
- Book and buy train e-tickets from Kunming to Lijiang on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
- there are also direct flights from Kunming to Lijiang (about 1 hour)
2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Lijiang
👉 Flight is the fastest and most comfortable way from Hanoi to Lijiang.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who prefer speed and convenient air travel
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 10–15 hours (with stopover)
- ✔️ Price: about $200–300 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (connecting flights with full airline services)
- ✅ Best Option: Flight connection via Kunming or Chongqing
- 💡 Tip: Check transfer times carefully and plan airport transport from Lijiang in advance.
-
- this is the most comfortable and fastest way how to get from Hanoi to Lijiang
- there is no direct flight from Hanoi to Lijiang, so you need to take another flight in Kunming or in Chongqing
- Air service is operated by Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern, Sichuan Airlines or China Southern and other airlines
- flight from Hanoi to Lijiang with stopover takes about 10-15 hours
- flight from Hanoi to Lijiang with stopover costs about 200-300 USD/pp
- Lijiang Airport is about 30 km south from the city, from the airport to the city is possible to go by bus, taxi
- Book and buy your flights from Hanoi to Lijiang on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
- airport in Hanoi: Noi Bai International Airport
- airport in Lijiang: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Hanoi to Lijiang in China
How to book train tickets or flights from Hanoi to Lijiang?
How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Lijiang?
Travel time is about 10–15 hours by flight with a stopover or 25–35 hours by train via Kunming.
How far is Lijiang from Hanoi?
The distance is approximately 870 km by air and about 1,220 km by land.
How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Lijiang?
Flights usually cost around $200–300 per person, while train travel costs about $50–200 per person.
What is the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Lijiang?
Flying is the fastest option, but there are currently no direct flights between Hanoi and Lijiang.
Can you travel by bus from Hanoi to Lijiang?
Yes, but most travelers prefer trains as they are more comfortable for this long journey.
How do you travel by train from Hanoi to Lijiang?
Travel via Lao Cai, cross the border to Hekou, continue to Kunming, and then take a train to Lijiang.
What are the best places to visit in Lijiang?
Popular attractions include Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, and Lugu Lake.
What is Lijiang famous for?
Lijiang is famous for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, traditional Naxi culture, and mountain scenery.
What destinations can you visit near Lijiang?
You can visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, Pudacuo National Park, and other places in Yunnan Province.
What cultural experiences can you enjoy in Lijiang?
Visitors can discover Naxi culture, traditional music, local museums, and authentic Yunnan cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Lijiang?
The best time to visit is from April to June or September to November, when the weather is pleasant.
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💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Lijiang
Traveling from Hanoi in Vietnam to Lijiang in China’s Yunnan Province covers about 1,220 km by land. You can travel by flight with a stopover or by train via Lao Cai, Hekou, and Kunming.
- Choose a Flight for Speed: Flights with a stopover are the fastest and most convenient option.
- Travel by Train for Scenery: The rail route via Kunming offers comfortable travel and beautiful views.
- Prepare for the Border Crossing: Overland routes pass through the Vietnam–China border at Lao Cai–Hekou.
- Allow Extra Travel Time: Border procedures and train connections can extend the overall journey.
- Pack Travel Essentials: Bring water, snacks, a power bank, and items for overnight travel.
- Book in Advance: Flights and train tickets can sell out quickly during holidays and peak seasons.
Tip: Flights and train tickets from Hanoi to Lijiang can be searched and booked online in advance.