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 |
Quick Booking
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.