Crossing from Vietnam into China at the Lao Cai–Hekou border is one of the easiest ways to travel between the two countries. Whether you’re heading from Sapa to Kunming, planning a longer trip through Yunnan Province, or simply looking for an overland route into China, this border crossing is straightforward and well used by both locals and international travelers. While we originally crossed this border in 2014, this post is updated after our 2026 visit to China. There have been a few changes over the years, but this post is now updated for today’s travelers, and I’ll cover everything you need to know about crossing the border from Lao Cai to Hekou, including transportation from Sapa, immigration procedures, visas, money, onward travel, and practical tips to make your journey as smooth as possible.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER
The Lao Cai–Hekou crossing is located on the border between northern Vietnam and China’s Yunnan Province and avoids the need for flights. Once across the border, you’ll have access to China’s extensive high-speed rail network, making destinations such as Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La easily accessible. This border crossing is still not particularly busy and is usually a quick and easy crossing to make.
PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS
- 🛡️ Get Travel Insurance: Civitatis includes medical expenses, repatriation, theft, luggage delays. No deductibles or upfront payments. Get a quote here.
- 🛏️ Breakfast Included? Laundry? Private bath? Book a Room.
- 🔌 Be ready for the plug, socket & power situation.
- 📶 Get online EASILY & cheaply – Get a China eSIM
- 🚄 Book trains in China – quickly easily. Use Trip.com
However, the first thing that you’re going to want to do is read this guide thoroughly – ask any questions you might have and plan out your onward travel from Hekou. This is especially the case if you do not have a VPN. China is currently blocking access to all HTTPS websites ( so that means this site as well as all the sites where you’d book your accommodation, trains, and other onward travel ) Read more about VPNs and other things you should do BEFORE you get to China in our article.
Why Cross the Border at Lao Cai and Hekou?
If you’re exploring northern Vietnam and southern China, then the Lao Cai–Hekou border crossing is by far the most convenient overland route between the two countries. It connects the popular destination of Sapa with China’s Yunnan Province and provides easy access to cities such as Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. We chose this route so that we could visit the rice terraces of Yuanyang, and then head towards Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang, and Shangri-La (and I recommend all of them!)
The Main Border Crossing Between Vietnam and China
The Lao Cai–Hekou border crossing is one of the busiest and most important land borders between Vietnam and China. On the Vietnamese side, you’ll find the city of Lao Cai, while Hekou is directly across the border in China’s Yunnan Province. The two cities are separated by the Nanxi River and connected by an international border crossing that can be crossed on foot.
I do think there is something fabulous about walking across borders, and this is a simple border to walk across.
Is the Lao Cai Hekou Border Open?
I’m including this high up in this blog post, because the Lao Cai Hekou border was closed for several years, and it was the most asked question I got here on ASocialNomad. (It was a COVID closure.
However, yes, the Lao Cai–Hekou border is open to international travelers. This border was closed for a significant time during COVID, but is now fully open.
In normal circumstances, the border crossing process is straightforward and can usually be completed in less than an hour.
Where is the Lao Cai Hekou Border Crossing?
The Lao Cai–Hekou border crossing sits between northern Vietnam and China’s Yunnan Province and is the most popular land crossing for travelers moving between Sapa and southern China.
Map of Crossing the Border from Vietnam to China at Lao Cai Hekou
You can also see the full map for crossing the Lau Cai to Hekou border here
Where is Lao Cai?
Lao Cai is a city in northern Vietnam, located close to the Chinese border. The train station here is the last stop in northern Vietnam (travel here from Hanoi easily on the overnight train), and is most commonly used by those visiting Sapa. (Read my guide to Sapa here)
Most international visitors pass through Lao Cai on their way to or from Sapa, which is approximately 35 kilometers (21 miles) away in the mountains. While many travelers don’t spend much time in Lao Cai itself, it serves as the main transport hub for trains, buses, and border crossings in the region.
If you’re arriving on the train from Hanoi into Lao Cai and planning on going straight to the border, then the Lao Cai border crossing is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Lao Cai train station.
Where is Sapa with regard to the Chinese Border Crossing?
Sapa is approximately 35 kilometers (21 miles) from the Lao Cai–Hekou border crossing. You will have passed through Lao Cai on your way to Sapa.
The journey between Sapa and Lao Cai usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on traffic and your chosen mode of transport. Buses, shared minivans, private cars, and taxis all operate regularly between the two destinations. You can check the bus, shuttle, and taxi options to go from Sapa to Lao Cai and the border here.
Where is Hekou?
Hekou is a border town in Yunnan Province, China, located directly across the river from Lao Cai. There are several cities and towns in China called Hekou. The Hekou that you are heading to is Hekou, Yunnan Province.
Most travelers who make this border crossing from Vietnam into China are heading to Kunming, and try to get there the same day (it is entirely possible). However, Hekou is a useful place to spend a night if your train connection doesn’t line up with your border crossing time. If you’re heading to the rice fields of Yuangyang, then you may need to spend the night, as the transport heading there does NOT always line up with the border opening times.
Hekou, Yunnan, is a decent-sized town with a connection to the Chinese fast train network at Hekou North. There is also a good choice of hotels, restaurants, banks, ATMs, and shops. It is an easy and somewhat laid-back introduction to China.
Once you’re here in Hekou, you can access China’s high-speed rail network via Hekou North Railway Station and continue your journey deeper into Yunnan Province. Booking your onward train is something you’re going to want to do ASAP, as these pretty much all Chinese trains get booked out quickly.
How to Get from Sapa to the China Border
If you’re traveling from Sapa to China, the first step is getting from Sapa to Lao Cai. This route is well served by buses and taxis, making it easy to reach the border crossing regardless of your budget or travel style.
Sapa to Lao Cai by Bus
The cheapest and most popular way to travel from Sapa to Lao Cai is by bus. Local buses and tourist shuttle buses operate throughout the day between the two destinations. The journey typically takes between 45 minutes and 90 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Most buses drop passengers close to the center of Lao Cai, from where it’s a short taxi ride or walk to the border crossing, although some (like this one) will take you right to the border crossing.
Sapa to Lao Cai by Taxi
Taxis provide the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Sapa and Lao Cai. The journey usually takes around 40 minutes and offers flexibility if you’re trying to reach the border at a specific time. This option is particularly useful if you’re traveling with heavy luggage, in a small group where the fare can be shared, or, my current favorite, just can’t be bothered with the hassle of the local bus. Grab, the ride-hailing service, is available in Sapa, but services are particularly limited. I would NOT rely on it to get to the border. Book yourself a transfer, taxi, or bus instead.
Crossing the Border from Lao Cai to Hekou
Crossing from Vietnam into China at Lao Cai and Hekou is relatively straightforward, but it can feel a little intimidating, even if you’ve crossed land borders in Asia before. Chinese immigration is a tad intimidating. However, the process is well organized and clearly signposted once you arrive.
When we made the crossing, the biggest challenge was the paperwork. In 2014, when we first used this border crossing, we needed a physical visa, which meant a trip to the Chinese embassy in London. Now it’s a whole lot easier with visa-free entry for so many countries, including the UK. If you need a visa (Americans, I’m looking at you… then make it easy and use iVisa here)
That said. No matter how easy it is, border crossing is always slightly daunting, so here’s a step-by-step guide to how it goes. It’s important to note that there is a time zone change – China is one hour ahead of Vietnam. China runs on a single timezone, aka Beijing time.
Arriving at the Vietnamese Immigration Checkpoint
Once you reach Lao Cai, make your way to the international border crossing. Most taxi drivers and local bus operators know exactly where to drop passengers heading into China. And once you arrive here its pretty obvious too. Depending on the time of day, there can be queues to enter the immigration area. Weekends, holidays, and peak travel periods can be particularly busy.
It’s always best, when crossing borders, to get there as early in the day as you can.
Exiting Vietnam
The first step is passing through Vietnamese immigration, i.e., exiting Vietnam.
After presenting your passport, you’ll receive an exit stamp allowing you to leave Vietnam. Immigration officers may ask a few simple questions about your travel plans, although in many cases the process takes only a few minutes, and they won’t even talk to you at all.
Once you’ve been stamped out of Vietnam, you’ll continue toward the border bridge connecting Lao Cai and Hekou.
Crossing the Bridge into China
After clearing Vietnamese immigration, you’ll walk across the bridge into China.
This, for me, is one of the coolest parts of walking across borders, walking across a river. Well, walking across a bridge over a river. The walk itself is short and straightforward, and you’ll simply follow the signs and the flow of other travelers heading toward Chinese immigration.
Entering China at Hekou
After crossing the bridge, you’ll enter the Chinese immigration complex in Hekou.
Immigration procedures on the Chinese side are generally more thorough than on the Vietnamese side.
There’s usually a health check first. You may be asked questions about your general health, if you’ve been sick, and all that. The best answer, of course, is the truth, but equally, NOT being sick is going to get you into China.
Your passport, any visa requirements, and biometric information will all be checked before you’re granted entry. Once you’ve successfully cleared immigration, you’ll officially be in China.
While border crossings can sometimes feel stressful, we found the Lao Cai–Hekou crossing to be efficient and relatively easy to navigate, making it one of the simplest overland routes between Vietnam and China.
What Documents Do You Need to cross from Vietnam to China?
Before traveling from Vietnam to China via the Lao Cai–Hekou border crossing, make sure you have all the required travel documents. Arriving at the border without the correct paperwork can result in delays or even being refused entry.
China Visa Requirements
While there has been an increase in the number of countries that now have visa-free travel (for a period of time) to China, some travelers will need a valid Chinese visa before arriving at the border.
British Passport holders get 30 days visa-free travel now (yay!), and so do most European passport holders.
If you’re not subject to visa-free travel, then there is no visa on arrival. You need to get it at a Chinese embassy or consulate. You can check the requirements and details here.
Passport Requirements
Your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry into China. Our current British passports were renewed during the time when the British Passport Office was renewing them ahead of time, and so they look as though they’re valid for more than 10 years (they’re not), and they did cause some consternation at the Chinese border in May 2026. Explanations take a long time when someone else has to translate for you. We’ve never had issues with them in any other country. They let us in, though!
Arrival Cards and Immigration Procedures
China is rolling out a digital arrivals card – yay, no more paper.
You NEED to do this ahead of time, and the link is here https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/entry-registation-home
If you haven’t done this, you can do it when you get to the Chinese border. Once you get across the bridge, you’ll see Chinese signs with QR codes. You can scan them and get the digital arrival card. If you haven’t completed the arrival form, then you will be sent back to do it.
The arrivals form asks for some details of your onward travel plans and destinations.
You’ll need to select the province first, and then the city or town.
When you get to the immigration official, you may also be asked basic questions about your travel plans, accommodation, or onward transportation arrangements.
Make sure any answers that you give match what’s on your digital arrivals form!
Having copies of hotel reservations, train tickets, or travel itineraries readily available can help speed up the process if requested. There’s no requirement for onward travel for China, but it helps to have an answer easily to hand for these simple questions.
If you had to apply for a physical visa for China, then you would have needed to submit your itinerary and hotel details. Note that they do NOT expect you to have all of that when you enter, nor do you need to stick to it.
Lines at the Chinese Border
There will be lines at the Chinese border. Lines with Chinese Nationals in are likely to move more quickly, so if you have a choice, pick a line with fewer Western or Vietnamese nationals in.
Money, ATMs, and Mobile Data at Hekou
Cash is still useful here, but China is now massively digital-first, especially with payments (although it is still a legal requirement that you can use cash to pay, you are likely to struggle with people finding change for you!) So this section is all about getting you set up so you’re not stuck at a shop counter, unable to pay, or trying to find an ATM at the last minute.
Exchanging Vietnamese Dong and Chinese Yuan
As you approach the immigration building in Lao Cai, you’ll find people willing to change any leftover VND for Chinese Yuan. The same will happen on the Chinese side, once you’ve gone through immigration.
Sometimes (i.e., most times) it’s just easier to eat any bad rate you get and move on. You do NOT need to worry about having too much cash when you’re traveling in China in 2026 and beyond; they are very heavily into digital payments. And that means that you will want to download and set up Alipay and WeChat/WePay. Preferably, before you get to China. There’s more on what you should do before you get to China in my guide here.
ATMs in Hekou
If you do want some cash, or more than you’ve changed your excess Vietnamese Dong for, then there are ATMs in Hekou. However, not every ATM accepts foreign cards. The best options for getting cash from an ATM in China with a foreign card are
- Bank of China
- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
SIM Cards and eSIMs for China
Mobile and Internet connectivity in China works very differently compared to Vietnam. If you’re going to rely on hotel WiFi and not use mobile data, then you won’t easily be able to use Didi, the ride-hailing app (which is an amazing app), and you’ll struggle to use WeChat, WePay, and Alipay, which, in 2026, I view as essential for a trip to China.
Additionally, most Western apps like Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail are restricted without a VPN, or an eSIM that uses a server OUTSIDE of mainland China. VPNs in China are now somewhat quirky and don’t work as well as they used to. The only VPNs that we found worked consistently in 2026 in China were HideMe VPN and Proton VPN. My usual go-tos of NordVPN and ExpressVPN just plain didn’t work in China.
So having a working data plan is essential for navigation and translation apps.
You’ve got two options: I’ll start with what makes the most sense.
- eSIM (recommended if your phone supports it)
This is the easiest option. You can activate it before you even cross the border, which means you arrive in China already connected. Generally speaking, for this part of the country, the eSIM from China Mobile has the best coverage. The eSIM from Trip.com is generally considered to be the best; you can get it here. (There are two options, a 3Gb a day one – after which you still get data, but it’s super slow, and a 10Gb a day one. Both options allow you to hotspot and share the connection. In our recent trip to China, we hit 3Gb only one day, and we were out ALL day and a lot of the night that day. Get an eSIM for China here.
The eSIM from China Mobile (this link) doesn’t need you to use a VPN to spoof your location. It connects to servers in either Singapore or Hong Kong and lets you use all your Google Services, Facebook, and the like. I would generally assume that all your content IS being tracked, though, and so you should probably fire up a VPN as well if you’re doing anything with sensitive data (like paying for things, or booking things with a credit card.
- Local SIM card in Hekou
You can buy a Chinese SIM card at official telecom shops. You’ll need your passport for registration, and staff usually help with setup. However, if you’re planning onward travel on the same day, then you’ll need to factor in the time taken for this. And it could take upwards of an hour, once you get to the store. You should use Amap.com to find the store that you want. Download the app BEFORE you get to China, the English language version is pretty good and worked well enough for us for a month in China in 2026.
The main providers of SIM cards are:
- China Mobile
- China Unicom
- China Telecom
Onward Transport from Hekou
As I mentioned, most people coming across this border are heading from Hekou to Kunming, but here are some basics on onward transport.
A heads up: While the ride-hailing app is both fabulous and a great app to use for transport in China is does NOT work in Hekou. So you’ll need to use “traditional” taxis here in Hekou. Make sure you agree on a price BEFORE you get in.
Aim for paying 20 CNY to go from the border to Hekou North Railway Station, where the fast trains go from.
Hekou to Kunming
It’s about 400 kilometers (248 miles) from Hekou to Kunming. The easiest way to get there is by train, but you can also take a bus or get a transfer. If you are taking the train, then you need to get to the Hekou North train station. It’s about 15 minutes by car from the border. A taxi will cost you around 20 CNY to get there.
Hekou to Yuanyang
The second most popular place to head to from Hekou is Yuanyang for the rice fields. I’ve written about going from Hekou to Yuanyang here.
Where to Stay in Hekou
If you’re planning on spending the night, or need to because you can’t make a bus or train connection, then there’s a reasonable selection of places to stay here. Compared to Vietnam, you’ll find a lot less English spoken here. Trip.com tends to be the best option for hotels in China.
Practical Tips for Crossing the Vietnam-China Border
The Lao Cai–Hekou crossing is generally smooth, but it’s still a real international border with rules, queues, and a few quirks that can catch you out.
- Arrive Early: If you’ve got onward travel planned, then getting here early is essential.
- Download Offline Maps: Once you cross into China, your usual navigation apps may not work as expected. Do yourself a favor and get an eSIM ahead of time. Trip has a great set of options.
- Download and Set up Payment Apps for China: Mobile payments are key for China in 2026. Alipay and WePay/WeChat are essential.
Our Lao Cai to Hekou Border Crossing Experience
We left Sapa at 09:30. We stayed in the top part of the town for our last night in Vietnam, at a hotel close to the Church, which is where the buses leave for Lao Cai. We headed to the Church at 09:15 to catch the 09:30 tourist bus to Lao Cai, which cost 28k VND in 2014.
From the Lao Cai train station (Ga Lao Cai), we planned to catch an Xe Om (motorbike taxi) each for 20k VND to the China-Vietnam border. Alternatively, we could walk the remaining 2km in about 40 minutes. You can also take the Lao Cai to Sapa bus in the opposite direction. You’ll find it going from the Lao Cai train station to Sapa (there are also many minivan shuttles that will cost about the same).
However, our plan didn’t come to pass. A minibus driver approached us and agreed to take us to Lao Cai for 30k. We further negotiated to get to the border for another 10k VND each. As the minibus was empty when we did this deal, we expected to be sitting around for the next hour while he drummed up trade. We were pleasantly surprised when we set off 10 minutes later, as he had promised, even though we weren’t full.
He operates by setting off a few minutes ahead of the bus – so en route to Lao Cai, we picked up several more folks, who were also waiting for the bus.
We were dropped off just before the border, with a Vietnamese wave in the general direction of “China, China”. You can see on the map where we were dropped off in Lao Cai.
Vietnamese Immigration at Lao Cai: The entrance to Vietnamese immigration is through the exit, because you are exiting Vietnam. It’s a simple process; you stand in a line and get your passport stamped.
Vietnamese Immigration at Lao Cai, Vietnam: There were four folks in front of us, all of whom looked like regular visitors, and we were the only Western tourists. We were through in less than 5 minutes. That included standing by the sensor that checks your body temperature. Most of the folks crossing here are locals, not tourists.
Chinese Immigration at Hekou, Yunnan, China: Then, it was a short walk across the Friendship Bridge over the river, and we were heading into the Hekou immigration building.
There was no one here apart from immigration staff.
First of all, we had a stop at the quarantine section and a passport check. Then it’s onto a small station where your passport is scanned. At the time, they input the visa number and print entry/exit cards.
There was no visa on arrival here then, so we signed our cards and headed to the immigration booth. This is all within a very small area. Scanned our bags through the security, and we were out!
It took us 16 minutes; we’d arrived at 11:44 on a Saturday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lao Cai Hekou Border Crossing
This section pulls together the questions people actually search for before making the journey. Most confusion about crossing the border comes from timing, logistics, and onward travel.
Can you walk from Lao Cai to Hekou?
Yes, you can walk between the two border checkpoints. It is a simple walk across the bridge. The walking distance is short. However, you still need to go through full exit and entry procedures at both borders, and transport may be needed depending on where you’re staying or continuing your journey.
Once you’ve gone through immigration and are in Hekou proper, then most onward travel (like the railway station or hotels) is better done by taxi or local transport.
How far is Sapa from the Chinese border?
Sapa is relatively close to the Lao Cai border crossing. Travel time is usually around 40 minutes to one hour. You can easily stay in Sapa and cross the border the same day. Roads are winding, so timing can vary depending on weather and traffic conditions.
What are the Vietnam & China Border opening times
China is one hour ahead of Vietnam. Vietnamese immigration is open at 07:00 (that’s 08:00 Chinese time). Then you need to walk across a bridge to the Chinese immigration. Chinese immigration is open from 08:00 am until 23:00 (Chinese time).
How long does the border crossing take?
This is a “how long is a piece of string?” question. It depends, is the answer. On average, the full process takes around 1 to 3 hours, depending on queues and time of day. The Vietnamese exit procedures are usually quick (30–60 minutes), and then your walk is really quick. And the entry to China usually depends on how many people are in front of you.
Can foreigners cross from Vietnam to China at Hekou?
Yes, foreigners can cross at Hekou, provided you’ve got visa-free entry, a valid Chinese visa (or a permitted entry document, or a passport with sufficient validity. This is not a restricted “locals only” checkpoint.
Can you travel from Sapa to Kunming in one day?
Technically, yes, but it’s not the most comfortable or reliable plan. If you want to move on from Hekou on the same day, then make sure you have an early departure from Sapa, book a train on to Kunming that gives you enough leeway for a delay at the border. If you’re in any way unsure, then get to the border as it opens.
CHINA TRAVEL RESOURCES
STAY CONNECTED
WhatsApp with tour guides, get online easily and quickly.
Buy an eSim
HOTELS
Reserve a room here
Best city hotel? Need a laundry service? The best choice of hotels & places to stay.
TOURS & TRIPS
Most excursion choices, small groups, beach resort days passes, free cancellation, local guides.
Check options here.
TRAINS IN CHINA
Book now
Book trains in China easily, quickly and get the seats and berths you need.
Final Thoughts on Crossing from Vietnam to China at Lao Cai and Hekou
Crossing from Lao Cai to Hekou is one of the most practical overland routes between Vietnam and China, and once you understand the flow, it’s far less intimidating than it first appears. The border closed for some considerable time during COVID, but it’s open again, and it’s an easy border crossing. The key is simple: arrive prepared, allow time for both sides of the border, and plan your onward journey from Hekou in advance.
ASocialNomad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, and amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
53 thoughts on “How to Cross the Border from Lao Cai to Hekou (Vietnam to China)”
Hi guys, I did the same trip a few days ago in the opposite direction. From Kunming to Lao Cai, Sapa and Hanoi. You should know that since the beginning of 2015 the train line from Kumning to Hekou is running again (6 hours journey). More informations on seat61.com.
You are right, the border crossing in both direction is to much easy ; 20 minutes from China to Vietnam, no queue and helpful officers. For a nice place to stay in Hekou, but still affordable, I recommand Xin Du Hotel, Binglang road N°1, close to the center. Typically chinese hotel with no english speaking ; the room is about 120 RMB (20 $).
Great, thanks for letting us know! The train would have made it much easier!
I’m about to do this trip tomorrow. Thank you so much for the info!
No worries! good luck and enjoy China, it’s amazing there.
Hello from Thailand,
We are looking for the info on travelling from Vietnam to Kunming by train (also how to cross the border), and your blog is really helpful.
I have read it thoroughly.
Thanks
Thanks for the kind comments, I hope your trip goes well. We bought our train tickets in Vietnam from Hanoi railway station and our train tickets in China in person from railway stations. CTrip now allows you to buy train tickets online (what a HUGE relief – as the lines are huge in China, and you usually end up in the wrong line!). It also helps with planning your travel, as we never quite knew if we’d be able to travel on the day we wanted to, or on the train we wanted!. Let us know if there’s anything else we can help with!
Thank you guys, this post is super helpful and written with great detail (appreciate the humour too heehee) so appreciative of your effort in doing this – I am planning to make a border crossing and hope it will be just as smooth! BTW the exit/entrance cards (for rest of China) are yellow-coloured and i wonder if that’s the same for this crossing too? Thanks again xx
Hi ! thanks for the comment – we actually found all our China border crossings easy – Mongolia > China, this one and China > Hong Kong too (although I guess that doesn’t count so much!). I’m pretty sure out entrance/exit cards were white, but I’m going to dig back through photos and see what I took – just as soon as this internet connection winds up above walking speed!!
I surfed into your blog as I was researching the Vietnamese border crossing with China and this was extremely helpful and detailed! I live in China (Kunming) and know southern Yunnan quite well. Thanks for the accurate information!
Your blog is fantastically helpful. One question, which website did you buy your online bus ticket from Hekou to Kunming on?
We’re planning to go by train but it seems like they only allow 20 days booking in advance, which is too risky for us as we’re applying for visa 1 month prior our departure. Again, thanks for your blog!
Hallo there and thanks for your comment – when we used the bus from Hekou we went to Xinjie and booked the bus at the bus station the day before we travelled. For train travel you can use Ctrip – but the you can’t book Chinese trains more than 30 days ( some overnight sleepers are 20 days) in advance. I’ll comment separately on how to deal with the visa. Sarah
We need some train/bus booking documents to apply for a visa first so we really need some kind of itineraries ha ha. Look forward to your reply <3
Hallo! When it comes to your visa for China you will need an accommodation booking and travel and sometimes (depending on where you are applying from) your transport in and out of the country even back to your home country. But don’t worry, the details that you submit for the visa do NO have to be the trip that you take. View this as a paperwork exercise. Get the visa by creating an itinerary that you can book, print the bookings to PDF and then cancel those bookings that you do not want. Once you have your visa NO ONE checks that you are doing the route that you put in your visa application and it is Not referenced on your visa. We used booking.com to make bookings ( go for 4-5 nights in places it makes booking for the visa process easier ) and be sure to pick ones that have free cancellations. Write a letter to accompany your visa application detailing your (fake) route and submit it with your application. Stare that you will be booking a train / bus from x to y as soon as the bookings open. We’ve applied for and Received long stay tourist visas so far using this method. BUT we also had to include a “flight ticket” back to our home country – even though we planned to leave China overland. So we did this https://asocialnomad.com/travel/proof-of-onward-travel/ – we used the free option in there. And it worked both times ( and in other countries too). Getting a Chinese visa is a painful process but that’s all it is – just jump through the hoops and follow their rules. The country is fabulous. Drop us an email [email protected] if we can help further and Good Luck!
Thanks – just what was needed !
Thank you for all this very useful information. I’ve just bought my tickets to Xinjie at Hekou bus station for tomorrow and knowing about the green buses to get there was very helpful. The green bus fare is now 2 yuans. As for the Hekou-Xinjie bus timetable, it hasn’t changed: the only two daily buses leave at 6.10 and 9.00. Best regards, a fellow X-gen traveller
Thanks so much for the update! I will update the post – and its great to hear from another Gen Xer on the road!
I think no one knows how important is to have a good VPN in China. I used to live in Beijing, and I remember I had a hard time finding a well-performing service. So, please remember, if Facebook, Google or other social apps is essential to you – do some digging on reviews online and make sure to purchase a service before leaving. If someone would want my opinion, I managed to get the best results with NordVPN. One thing, their price could be lower, but I purchased it with discount deal75, so it reduced about 3-4 times. Hope that helps.
A massive thank you for such a detailed guide. We are currently in Sa Pa and cross the border tomorrow so it’s extremely helpful to have such a detailed guide available to help.
Many thanks,
Meegan
Good Luck! Hope you love that part of China as much as we did!
thanks. the little green bus was the missing piece.
harwood
Just did this in March 2019. All accurate information here. Well done. However, it cost only 20 Yuan to take the taxi from the border to the Hekou train station. Fixed price. The cabbies will not use the meter.
Great, glad it was useful! I’ll update the taxi fare, thank you1!
Hello Sarah!
I’m so glad I stumbled across ASocialNomad!
I have a question..
I plan on entering China from Vietnam (via Lao Cai) and flying out of China (from Beijing).
Would it be okay If I showed a train ticket (from Hekou to Kunming) and a flight ticket out of Beijing for my visa?
Do i Have to book a flight from Hanoi to China even though I have proof of departure (flight out of Beijing)?
Hi there! Remember that the visa process is a paper exercise – and that they want you to show that how you will get in and how you will get out. (and preferably they prefer you to show that you are flying to your home country (!!! – I guess the paperwork process doesn’t understand people don’t just travel from their home country!!) – for your outbound that sounds ok. It depends on where you are applying for your visa from – we applied in London, (twice), which is VERY strict, but have had readers apply from all over the world, it appears to be less strict in the countries around China. They do, in all cases, appear to want to know how you are getting in – so you can book a cancellable flight in and out – the US carriers do a 24 hour no fee cancel deal. I would recommend something like this. Book it, PDF it and cancel it. There does not need to be any correlation at this time between what you say on your visa and what you actually do! Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Lao Cai is the central tourist area of the North with scenic Sa Pa town in the clouds, charming market, the top of Phan Xi Pang and Lao Cai International Border Gate. Lao Cai has many historical places, natural caves, specialties and is a place bearing the unique cultural characteristics of many ethnic groups.
A very helpful entry as we are planning on crossing border on Feb 2020. Very informative. TQ in advance. Hope our journey will be smooth. By the way, is there any bus or train direct from Hekou to Lijiang ? Or we still have to transit in Kunming?
Hi there – for Hekou to Ljiang you’ll still need to go via Kunming.
Hello. Is anyone aware if the border is over right now due to the coronavirus? We know air travel from Vietnam is not possible but is the road border still possible?
It seems that the Vietnamese government has ordered open the Chinese-vietnam border crossings that were closed for Tet (although LaoCai Hekou was not one of those), so it seems likely that they border IS open. However, you’ll need to be aware that virtually ALL the countries surrounding mainland China are either imposing a 14 day quarantine on people coming over the border, or not accepting foreigners. the UK Government has advised “only essential travel to mainland China” and have evacuated all but essential embassy staff – so you’d also want to check if your travel insurance would be valid if you travel into the country.
Hi..your write up is very useful to those who want to do the vietnam/ china border crossing.
Thanks so much for the relevant informations.
We want to travel to China from Vietnam by train. But the problem is how to get China visa without a Flight ticket.
Please guides.
You can book a ticket that has a full refund, or some airlines have the ability to book a ticket and cancel for free within 24 hours. All you need for the visa is to get a print of the ticket or booking to go with the visa application. There is no checking when you enter China that you are entering China or doing the itinerary that you said on your visa aplication in the way that you said.
With the difficulties of obtaining green health code to travel via air, can I cross into China through the land border at also Cai – Hekou right now in 2022 thanks.
The best source for the current border crossing details is the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam (or indeed the country from where you want to travel from) – – they’re pretty strict on where you’ve been recently (and by recently, they mean in the last month!) The embassy also says “1. Given the potential risk of Covid-19 and travel cost, please stick to the principle of Do Not Travel Unless Urgent or Necessary. If you must go to China via flights, please avoid unnecessary outdoor activities after medical tests, be aware of personal hygiene and self-protection, thus lowing the risk of getting infected before boarding.”. There were several reports of the border being closed in January (https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnam-urges-china-urgently-reopen-border-gates-trade-stalls-2022-01-02/) – but also check with your country of citizenship to see what they say about whether you will be allowed in. Sorry it’s not better news!
Can you cross the border now? I have a visa for China that is a work visa. If I cross the border can I quarantine there before heading back to Shanghai?
Hi.thanks for the info.
Its the border open now.? With the new updates of restrictions maybe will be open for early january??
Hi there – I’d expect the land border to open when the other borders do, this has been an important border for Vietnam/China trade. I’ll update when I hear more
Hi I have read today that its is going finally reopened for January 8.
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/china-to-resume-operation-of-border-gates-with-vietnam-in-lao-cai/246567.vnp
Anyone can confirm.
Thanks
Thanks for the great info.Do you think if you leave Vietnam at 7am you can make the 8.45am train to Kunming at Hekou North station?
That might be a bit tight Fionna, everything would have to go really smoothly. If you don’t have any other options, I’d be waiting at the border for them to open. You’ll also need 1) the train station name written in Mandarin 2) cash ready to pay the driver.
China is one hour ahead of Vietnam. So you’d actually be approaching the Vietnamese border exit at 8 am Chinese time. You have to exit Vietnam and then enter China, and then it’s at least a 15 taxi ride to the station.
Good luck! And please do let me know how you get on.
Thank you so much for this wonderfully detailed post! Am seeing if I can plan a trip (from Singapore) to kill two birds with one stone, going to Fansipan as well as crossing over the border to visit some places in Yunnan province.
This guide just gave me so much confidence that it can be done :’) Thank you!
(just hope not too much has changed since this was well before the Covid pandemic)
Thanks for your kind comments. We do try to keep the content up to date, so have had comments from recent travelers that we add back into – and would love to hear how your trip goes when you arrive, then everyone who reads it can also benefit! Safe travels!
Hi Sarah,
Excellent information and I had the same question as previous lady about crossing the Vietnam border at 7am (8am in China) and getting the 10.00am train at Hekou North to Kunming! We’re a group of 6 Aussies travelling to Dali for my eldest sons wedding. Would it be better to cross the border the day before our train, stay the night in Kekou at a hotel and then go to train station?
Thanks kindly,
Tracey & Frank
Hi Tracey, I would go the night before, in case there are any problems, as you’ve obviously got a hard stop deadline for the wedding! While the border may not be busy, you’ve a big group to get through and sods law indicates that if something can go wrong it will go wrong!
Thanks Sarah,
I’m pretty sure that’s what we’ll do and book one nights accomodation in Hekou North and get the first train to Kunming.
Still looking at either booking a private minibus or the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai.
Cheers Tracey
Can someone recommend a travel agency in Hanoi who will offer a Hekou visa run with same day return? I don’t need any visas, just bus and bike/taxi to/from bordergate.
Hi there, thanks for the info. I just want to confirm that it is still doable to walk across the border into china from lao cai, and then bus/taxi to the bus or train station? I have a chinese visa and speak basic mandarin. thanks!
Yes its still doable.You can still walk across the border and also take a taxi or the bus to the bus or train station.
Hello Sarah,
I have a German passport and since Dec 2023 Germans can stay up to 15 days without visa. We only get a stamp at passport control (no problems in Chengdu in December). Can I use the Lao Cai – Hekou border crossing as well from VN to CN?
Official statement:
“China has decided to apply unilateral visa-free policy to more countries on a trial basis, which involves extending visa-free treatment to travelers holding ordinary passports from six countries, namely France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. From December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, citizens from the above-mentioned countries holding ordinary passports can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes.”
Thanks!
Hi Stan – wow that’s an amazing visa situation! From what I can see there are NO restrictions on which entry you can use, (therefore ALL), and also no itinerary requirements! Brilliant! Let me know how it goes! Sarah
Hi. In about a week, I would like to cross the border from China (where I reside on a work visa) to Vietnam using the Hekou-Lao Cai border crossing. Firstly, can I get a visa for Vietnam at this crossing or should I do it online in advance? Secondly, once I am in Vietnam, can I travel without making arrangements for hotels in advance? (In other words, is this region still untravelled enough to get off a bus or train and make arrangements on the spot?)
Thank you!
Melissa
Hello there
Visa requirements depend on where your passport is from. Many nationalities now can get visa free travel for up to 45 days in Vietnam. Check with the Vietnam Government whether you need one or not. If you do need a visa, then some countries can get an evisa (and evisas are accepted in Lao Cai).
At this time of year (and indeed most of the year), then you’ll be able to find somewhere to stay easily without prebooking. Most likely someone will find you at the border, or the train station, depending on where you’re going. It depends on where you’re going, but certainly at this time of year in the north you’ll have a good choice of places to stay.
Hope this helps and enjoy Vietnam.
Sarah