Hanoi to Nanning by train: service resumes

Since international passenger rail services between Hanoi to Nanning were suspended on 5th February 2020, due to Covid-19 restrictions, travelling overland between the two countries was challenging, requiring different bus services on either side of the border.

The Vietnam Railways Corporation is resuming this international passenger train service between Vietnam and China in coordination with Chinese partners to implement the train service relaunch on 25th May 2025, with trains operating between Gia Lam Station in Hanoi and Nanning, China.

Trains will travel along the Gia Lam (Vietnam) – Nanning (China) railway line via the Dong Dang (Vietnam) – Pingxiang (China) border gates, also known as the Friendship gates. The first train services in Vietnam began at the start of the 1900s, on tracks built by the French in 1902, which are still in service.

There are two rail crossings between Vietnam and China. Apart from the Đồng Đăng – Pingxiang crossing, servicing the Hanoi to Nanning-line, you can also travel to Kunming in Yunnan Province via the Lào Cai – Hekou crossing, where the  Hanoi–Lào Cai railway crosses the Nanxi River over a bridge and meets China’s Kunming–Hekou railway. You can see some of the line, which was opened in 1902, from the road.

The Vietnamese parliament has recently (February 2025) approved the upgrading of this old French built line under China’s Belt and road initiative.

Do I need a visa?

China has recently relaxed it’s entry requirements for foreigners travelling for tourism purposes. Passport holders of Australia, Malaysia and Germany, for example, get 30 days visa free, but UK citizens , who get entry free access to Vietnam, will need to apply for a visa to China and US citizens can apply for an e-visa.

Entering Vietnam, citizens of Australia and US need an e-visa, but UK passport holders can enter visa free. Citizens of Malaysia and other ASEAN countries also have visa free entry. Make sure you have a printed copy of any e-visa or visa you have had approved before you travel. Allow at least three days for approval.

You can check if you need a visa on this site, we are not affiliated with this site, but find it a useful first resource. It is always helpful to check with the nearest embassy to ensure the information is current. Find more information here.