Kunming to Hanoi by Rail: 7 Days Along the Yunnan–Vietnam Line

From Kunming, through the southern Yunnan old towns to the Hekou border, then via Sa Pa and an overnight train to Hanoi.

Heading south along the Yunnan–Vietnam Railway, you'll visit the old town of Jianshui and Bise Zhai station, walk across the bridge at Hekou into Vietnam, trek to Sa Pa, and take the overnight train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. The trip is mainly by rail and never doubles back, which suits Chinese travelers setting out from Yunnan. Apply for your Vietnam visa well in advance. The Yuanyang rice terraces and Ha Long Bay are left out.

Sa Pa's rice harvest peaks from late September to October. Summers are rainy.

Day by day

Day 1 · Kunming to Jianshui by Train

Yuanyang Terraces & Jianshui（Jianshui Old Town & Chaoyang Tower、Jianshui Confucian Temple、Zhu Family Garden）

A high-speed train from Kunming to Jianshui takes about 2 hours. From the station, take a taxi into the old town and explore on foot.

Stay: Jianshui Old Town

Day 2 · Bise Zhai to Hekou

Yuanyang Terraces & Jianshui（Bisezhai Railway Station） → Hekou

Jianshui to Mengzi takes about half an hour. Take a taxi to Bise Zhai, then a train to North Hekou, about 1.5 hours.

Hekou has few departures, so check the 12306 timetable in advance.

Stay: Hekou

Day 3 · Crossing at Lao Cai to Sa Pa

Sa Pa（Sa Pa Stone Church、Sa Pa Market、Cat Cat Village）

Walk across the Sino-Vietnamese Friendship Bridge in about 10 minutes, then take a minibus from Lao Cai to Sa Pa, about 1 hour.

Bring your passport and Vietnam visa. Vietnam is one hour behind Beijing time.

Stay: Sa Pa Town Center

Day 4 · Cable Car up Fansipan

Sa Pa（Fansipan）

Take the small train from the town center to the cable car station, then ride the cable car up the mountain, about 15 minutes. Round trip, all day.

The summit is often cloudy and cold. Check the weather before you set out and bring a jacket.

Stay: Sa Pa Town Center

Day 5 · Valley Trek and Night Train

Sa Pa（Muong Hoa Valley Rice Terraces、Lao Chai – Ta Van Trek）

Hike from Lao Chai to Ta Van during the day. In the evening, take a car to Lao Cai station, about 1 hour, and catch the 9:30 p.m. night train.

Day 6 · Early Arrival in Hanoi and the Old Quarter

Hanoi（Hanoi Old Quarter、Hoan Kiem Lake、Temple of Literature）

Arrive at Hanoi station around 5:30 a.m. Take a taxi to the Old Quarter to leave your luggage, then explore on foot or by taxi all day.

Stay: Old Quarter (36 Streets)

Day 7 · Imperial Citadel and Ba Dinh, Then Departure

Hanoi（Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum、Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long）

Explore the Ba Dinh district on foot in the morning. In the afternoon, travel to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight, about 1 hour.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is usually closed on Mondays and Fridays, so go early in the morning.