English
Route Overview
Journey through Southeast Asia on this popular and economical train connection linking Beijing with Hanoi, Vietnam's exotic capital. Two-leg service: Beijing to Nanning on Z5, then Nanning to Hanoi on T8701.
Z5 Train - Beijing to Nanning
- Departure: Beijing West Station, Daily, 8:35 PM
- Arrival: Nanning Station, Daily, 4:10 PM (+2 days)
- Duration: ~34 hours
- Route: Beijing → Baoding → Anguo → Shixiazhuang → Xingtai → Handan → Hebi → Xuchang → Zhumadian → Xinyang → Macheng → Wuhan → Yueyang → Changsha → Zhuzhou → Liuyang → Leiyang → Chenzhou → Guilin → Liuzhou → Nanning
T8701 Train - Nanning to Hanoi
- Departure: Nanning Station, Daily, 7:30 PM (same evening after Z5 arrives)
- Arrival: Hanoi (Gia Lâm Station), Daily, 7:00 AM (+1 day)
- Duration: ~12 hours
- Route: Nanning → Pingxiang (China-Vietnam Border) → Hanoi
- Border: Crosses at Pingxiang-Lao Cai. Check-in begins around 4:00 PM for evening departure.
Ticket Pricing (USD, as of April 2026)
| Segment | Service Type | Seat Class | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing-Nanning | Z5 Express | Hardsleepr (Grade 6) | $157 | 34 hours |
| Beijing-Nanning | Z5 Express | Softsleeper (Grade 5) | $207 | 34 hours |
| Nanning-Hanoi | T8701 Int'l | Hardsleepr (Grade 6) | $30 | 12 hours |
| Nanning-Hanoi | T8701 Int'l | Softsleeper (Grade 5) | $40 | 12 hours |
| Total Beijing-Hanoi | Combined | All Classes | From $207 | ~48 hours |
How to Ask About Tickets
This route requires manual ticket confirmation. We do not take direct online payment or instant booking on this page.
Please email your travel date, direction, passenger names, nationality, passport details and visa status to:
Journey Highlights
- Scenic Route: Travel through central China's heartland, past mountains and rivers, into tropical Vietnam.
- Affordable: Lowest cost international train from China at under $250 total for standard service.
- Authentic Experience: Mix of Chinese comfort and Southeast Asian atmosphere.
- Convenient Connection: Short overnight layover in Nanning (7:30 PM departure gives adequate rest time).
Visa Requirements
- Chinese Passport: No visa required for flight segments between Beijing and Nanning.
- Vietnamese Visa: Required for entry into Vietnam. E-visa available online (cost: ~$25) or obtainable at border (not recommended).
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your journey.
- Border Documentation: Customs forms completed on train or at border. Declare any restricted items.
What to Pack
- Light clothing for tropical Vietnam climate
- Toiletries and any required medications
- Phone chargers and universal adapters (110V-220V)
- Face masks for air quality protection (optional)
- Vietnamese Dong currency (exchanged in Nanning or at arrival)
- Comfortable shoes for platform walking
Important Travel Information
- Luggage Allowance: 20kg (44 lbs) free per passenger. Excess baggage: ~10 CNY/kg.
- Meal Service: Restaurant car on Z5. Vendors at Nanning station during layover. Limited food options on T8701 (bring snacks).
- Sleeper Service: Bedding included. Sheets, pillows, and blankets provided for comfort.
- Booking Deadline: Book 15-60 days in advance, especially during peak season (April-May, August-September).
- Cancellation: Nonrefundable within 48 hours of departure. Full refund possible for cancellations >7 days prior.
Why Board the Beijing-Hanoi Train?
- ✓ Most budget-friendly China-Vietnam rail option
- ✓ Access to authentic Southeast Asian travel
- ✓ Perfect for backpackers and budget tourists
- ✓ Beautiful scenery through diverse regions of China
- ✓ Cultural immersion on short layover in Nanning
FAQs
Q: Do I need to change trains in Nanning?
A: Yes. You exit Z5 in afternoon, have several hours in Nanning, then board T8701 same evening. Minimal hassle as both are major stations.
Q: What's the border crossing like?
A: Immigration occurs on train. Expect 30mins-1 hour delay as officials board and check documents.
Q: Can I visit Nanning for longer?
A: Yes! Book Z5 and T8701 separately to allow multi-day Nanning stay. Excellent city for exploring.