1. Vietnam to China
2. Train Tickets for China
3. Border crossings
4. Tourist Visa Policy
5. Travel routes to China
6. Travel routes in China
7. Book Tickets Online
Discovering China: Your Gateway to Adventure and Culture
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- China (中国) – a global powerhouse and the world’s fourth-largest country, renowned for its economic prowess and rich cultural heritage. Nestled in northern Vietnam, lies a gateway to China, offering seamless travel opportunities by train or plane. Three major border crossings cater to tourists, situated in Lao Cai (40 km from Sapa) in the north, and Mong Cai and Dong Dang (Lang Son) in the east. The northern route via Lao Cai in Vietnam and Hekou in China leads to the captivating Yunnan mountain province.
Exploring China’s Vast Railway Network.
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- China boasts an extensive railway network, excluding the western regions, with high-speed modern trains providing efficient travel options. The country is adorned with a plethora of landmarks, making meticulous itinerary planning essential for a rewarding experience. From historical marvels to breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant cities, shopping extravaganzas, scenic hikes, and luxurious retreats, China offers something for every traveler.
Popular Travel Routes from Vietnam to China.
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- Embark on an unforgettable journey from Vietnam to China via two popular railway routes, seamlessly connecting through Vietnam Railways and China Railways. One favored route is from Hanoi to Nanning, with a train journey of approximately 12 hours via the Dong Dang border crossing in Lang Son. Another sought-after option is from Hanoi to Kunming via Lao Cai in Vietnam and Hekou North Railway Station in China, with a train travel time ranging from 14 to 22 hours. There are also direct flights from Hanoi to Shanghai or Beijing.
Your Journey from Vietnam to China: Transportation Options.
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- Embark on your voyage from Vietnam to China with three convenient transportation modes: train, plane, or tourist bus/minivan. Enjoy a plethora of direct flights to various Chinese cities, including Nanning, Shanghai, Beijing, Kunming, Chengdu, Macau, or Hong Kong. Vietnam’s key airports catering to China flights include Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang, and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
| Transfer Mode – Vietnam to China: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi to Nanning | 1 hour by plane 12 hours by train 8-9 hours by bus/van |
$120-150/pp by plane $45-55/pp by train |
| Hanoi to Hekou | 9 hours by train or bus via Lao Cai | $8-80/pp by train |
| Hanoi to Kunming | 1.5 hours by plane 14-22 hours by bus/train via Lao Cai |
$120-180/pp by plane $20-40/pp by train |
How to book and buy train tickets or flights for China?
Now it is very easy to book train tickets or flights for China online. You can search and book train/bus tickets or flights online at 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. Valid ID is required when buying a ticket online and boarding a train > foreign passengers: passport / Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passengers: Mainland travel permit. Easy booking process – customers can purchase tickets online, and then receive a payment receipt which they change for a ticket at the train station. Payments can be done with international credit cards, different currencies applicable. Read carefully all the information before you book your tickets to China.
👮 Border crossings between Vietnam and China:
1. Lao Cai (Vietnam) – Hekou (China) Border Crossing
Located in northern Vietnam and southern China, this border crossing connects the Vietnamese town of Lao Cai with the Chinese town of Hekou. Lao Cai is a major railway terminus on the Vietnamese side, providing access to the Vietnamese railway network. The railway line connecting Lao Cai to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is an important transportation route. Hekou serves as a gateway to Yunnan Province in China and further inland to other parts of China. From Hekou, travelers can access the Chinese railway network, including trains to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, which serves as a major hub for transportation and trade in southwestern China.
2. Dong Dang (Vietnam) – Pingxiang (China) Border Crossing
Situated in northeastern Vietnam and southern China, this border crossing links the Vietnamese town of Dong Dang with the Chinese town of Pingxiang. Dong Dang is strategically important as it connects Vietnam with Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China. Nanning serves as a vital economic and transportation hub in southern China. This border crossing facilitates trade and travel between Vietnam and China, contributing to economic cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries.
3. Mong Cai (Vietnam) – Dong Hung (China) Border Crossing
Located in northeastern Vietnam and southern China, this border crossing connects the Vietnamese town of Mong Cai with the Chinese town of Dong Hung (also known as Dongxing). Mong Cai is known for its bustling border trade activities, including the trading of goods and commodities between Vietnam and China. Dong Hung is a key entry point into Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China. From here, travelers can access transportation networks leading to major Chinese cities such as Nanning and Guangzhou. The border crossing at Mong Cai – Dong Hung facilitates both road and waterway transportation, with ferry services operating across the nearby Beilun River, which forms part of the border between the two countries.
📜 Visa Policy for Tourists Traveling from Vietnam to China:
For tourists visiting China from Vietnam, the visa policy depends on several factors such as the purpose of visit, duration of stay, and nationality. Here’s an overview of the visa policy for tourists from Vietnam:
1. Visa-Free Transit:
China offers visa-free transit options for travelers from certain countries, including Vietnam, who are transiting through specific airports or ports for a limited duration. The duration of visa-free transit typically ranges from 24 to 144 hours (1 to 6 days), depending on the city and specific transit conditions. Travelers must meet certain requirements, such as holding valid onward tickets to a third country and having sufficient documentation for their onward journey. It’s essential to check the specific eligibility criteria and transit cities before planning travel under the visa-free transit policy.
2. Tourist Visa (L Visa):
For tourists planning to stay in China for leisure purposes for a longer duration, obtaining a tourist visa (L visa) is necessary. Tourist visas allow visitors to stay in China for a specified period, usually ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. Applicants need to submit required documents, including a passport with remaining validity, completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photo, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and financial means to support their stay. The visa application process can be completed at the Chinese embassy or consulate in Vietnam or through an authorized visa application center.
3. Online Application for Group Tourist Visa:
China also offers an online application process for group tourist visas (G Visa) for organized tour groups. This visa is suitable for tourists traveling in a group with an organized itinerary arranged by a registered Chinese travel agency. The group visa application is typically processed through the travel agency, which coordinates the visa issuance process on behalf of the group members.
It’s essential for tourists from Vietnam to familiarize themselves with the specific visa requirements, application procedures, and regulations before planning their trip to China. Consulting the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate or accessing official visa information online can provide up-to-date guidance on visa policies and procedures.
Popular travel routes from Vietnam to China:
Popular travel routes in China:
Baolau – search, book and buy tickets online
– a company specializing in train and bus tickets mainly for Vietnam (also a tickets for Cambodia and Laos)
– company offers also a tickets of the bus companies (Mai Linh, Hoang Long, Futabus, TheSinhTourist, Hung Thanh…)
– company offers flights of Vietnamese airlines as well as flights to neighboring countries
– ferry tickets in Vietnam, Cambodia… (eg. ferry to Cat Ba, ferry to Phu Quoc, ferry to Phnom Penh, Quan Lan…)
– tickets for Malaysia (eg. Kuala Lumpur to Penang, Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands…)
– you can use online train e-ticket in mobile phone in Vietnam (I recommend to print a ticket)
– the price of tickets or flights is from the official price of transport company or airlines
– the final price you will see before making of payment transaction
– read other information about ticket in your order, read also frequently asked questions on Baolau
12go.asia – search, book and buy tickets online
– a specialist for tickets mainly in Thailand (also tickets for Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia…)
– from 2018 you can book train tickets for China online (Beijing to Shaghai, Beijing to Xian, Shanghai to Nanjing..)
– company offers also a tickets of the bus companies (Mai Linh, Hoang Long, TheSinhTourist, Kumho Samco…)
– ferry/boat tickets in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, eg. ferry to Vung Tau, Koh Rong, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Chang, Koh Lanta…
– tickets for Thailand (eg. Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Phuket, Bangkok to Surat Thani…)
– you can use an online train ticket in Vietnam and Thailand in your mobile phone
– if you buy a ticket of private trains in Vietnam to Sapa on 12go.asia or Baolau (Orient Express, Sapaly…), you must pick it up at the station
– information about 12go.asia read in article about transportation in Vietnam
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Transfer from Vietnam to China:
1. How to book bus + train tickets or flights from Vietnam to China?
2. How long does it take to get from Vietnam to China?
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- Travel from Hanoi to Nanning in China takes about 1 hour by plane and about 12 hours by train.
- Travel from Hanoi to Hekou in China takes about 9 hours by train or bus via Lao Cai.
- Travel from Hanoi to Kunming in China takes about 1.5 hour by plane and about 14-22 by bus/train via Lao Cai.
3. How much does it cost to travel from Vietnam to China?
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- To get from Hanoi to Nanning in China costs about $120-150/pp by plane and about $45-55/pp by train via Lang Son.
- To get from Hanoi to Hekou in China costs about $8-80/pp by train via Lao Cai.
- To get from Hanoi to Kunming in China costs about $120-180/pp by plane and about $20-40/pp by seat train.
4. What is the travel distance from Vietnam to China?
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- Travel distance from Hanoi to Nanning in China is about 450 km by train or bus.
- Travel distance from Hanoi to Hekou in China is about 300 km by bus or train.
- Travel distance from Hanoi to Kunming in China is about 720 km by train and about 530 km by plane.
5. What is the best and fast way of transport from Vietnam to China?
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- The best and fastest way how to travel to China from Vietnam is to travel by plane and also by train. There are various direct flights between Hanoi to Nanning, Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming… There is also a train of Vietnam Railways + China Railways from Hanoi to Nanning via Lang Son and Pingxiang in China.
6. What is the cheapest option of transport from Vietnam to China?
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- The most cheapest way how to reach China from Vietnam is to travel by tourist bus or private minivan. There are some buses or private minivans between Hanoi and Nanning or Kunming. Another option is to travel by train.
7. Is it possible to travel by train from Vietnam to China?
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- Yes, it is possible to travel by train from Vietnam to China. You can take a train of Vietnam Raiwlays + China Railways from Hanoi to Nanning. This train goes via Dong Dang border crossing in Lang Son.
8. Are there direct flights from Vietnam to China?
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- Indeed, there is a diverse array of direct flight options offered by various airlines connecting Vietnam to China. These flights provide travelers with convenient access to numerous destinations across China from key Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi. For instance, travelers departing from Hanoi can choose from direct flights to major Chinese cities including Nanning, Kunming, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Macao, among others. These flights are operated by a range of reputable airlines, ensuring flexibility and convenience for passengers seeking to explore or conduct business in China.
9. What are the most important international airports in China?
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- In summary, Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, along with others such as Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, play pivotal roles in China’s aviation landscape. These airports not only serve as crucial gateways connecting China with the world but also contribute significantly to the country’s economic development and global connectivity by facilitating a vast network of domestic and international air travel.
10. What is the best time to visit China?
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- China is a vast and diverse country with varying climates and landscapes, making the best time to visit dependent on the region and personal preferences. Generally, spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time to explore popular destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. Summer (June to August) is suitable for northern regions like Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, while winter (December to February) allows for unique experiences in places like Harbin and Tibet. Off-peak seasons offer lower prices and fewer crowds, but it’s essential to check local weather and events when planning your trip.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in China ➜
🎫 Book your train tickets or flights from Hanoi to Nanning + Schedule:
(You can search another routes, e.g. Hekou North > Kunming, Nanning > Shenzhen…)