About the ride from Hanoi to Nanning
Bustling Hanoi’s charm is unmistakable. From its buzzing Old Quarters to its eclectic mix of architecture, it’s a must-see place in Vietnam. On the other hand, modern Nanning, with its cloud grazing skyscrapers and busy malls, presents a striking contrast to Hanoi.
Nanning is known as the gateway for travelers to and from Vietnam. It’s the starting point to exploring Southern China.
Despite all the modernization and development, there are plenty of green spaces and attractions in the city. The Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Spot Zone is a beautiful place to unwind and capture iconic images of the city. Take a walk around Nanhu Lake or pack a picnic lunch and watch the day go by at Nanhu Park.
Downtown Nanning has plenty to offer.
History buffs will love a visit to the Guangxi Museum of Nationalities, noted for its impressive collection of artifacts from the ethnic minorities of the region. The Guangxi Ethnic Relics Center is worth a visit too.
Delicious soups, pancakes, and regional specialties await gourmands at Zhongshan Road, the food hub of the city.
The distance from Hanoi to Nanning is around 200 miles (328 km) and can be covered by bus, minivan, or train.
Buses and minivans are the fastest and most cost-effective option. Travel time is about nine hours, and the ticket price is around $35 per passenger.
You also have the option of booking a night train with sleeper beds. The travel time is a little longer and the ticket price a little more expensive, but the plus side is that the journey is a scenic one.
The Hanoi to Nanning flight takes more than 10 hours and involves more than one transfer.
What to see when traveling from Hanoi to Nanning
The train journey from Hanoi to Nanning is a treat for the eyes, with wide-open fields and limestone karsts standing tall in the distance.
If you are taking the bus or minivan, you’ll have the opportunity to view Vietnam and China’s idyllic countryside. You will have to disembark from your vehicle at the border crossing and complete all immigration-related formalities before boarding your vehicle back again on the China side.
How to get from Hanoi to Nanning
Taking a bus from Hanoi to Nanning
With ticket prices starting from $35 per person, taking a bus is an economical way to travel from Hanoi to Nanning. The bus takes around eight hours, and the journey involves a border crossing as you travel from Vietnam to China.
The Hanoi to Nanning buses are air-conditioned and have cushioned, reclining seats so that you can take a nap or just relax. Some operators offer snacks and bottled water. The buses do not have attached washrooms, but they do make stops along the way. Most operators allow one big and one smaller piece of luggage per passenger.
Hongai Son Duc, The Sinh Tourist, and Son Duc Transportation are well-known operators running buses from Hanoi to Nanning.
Border crossing information
- Please keep passport, visa, and all travel documents ready
- Immigration will take place at the Huu Nghi Border Cross – also known as the Friendship Border Station
- You will have to get out of the bus and walk or take a golf cart to the Vietnam border control building
- Next, you’ll have to cross the border (by foot or golf cart) into China, fill out an arrival card, and get their documents inspected by an official
- From here, you will either have to walk or take another golf cart ride to your bus
- Depending on your operator, you might board the same bus (on the China side) or take a different bus
Taking a train from Hanoi to Nanning
A scenic journey makes taking a train one of the best ways to get from Hanoi to Nanning. The Hanoi to Nanning train takes twelve to thirteen hours. In addition, the night departure makes the sleeper train an excellent overnight hotel replacement option. Ticket prices range from $45 to $60 per passenger.
Seating is in the form of sleeper cabins with 2 lower beds and 2 upper beds. The cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with soft beds, and passengers are provided with clean sheets, pillows, and blankets. Washrooms are located at the ends of each carriage.
The train is operated jointly by Vietnam Railways and China Railways.
The train departs from Gia Lam train station in Hanoi and arrives at the Nanning train station in Nanning city.
Border crossing information
- Since the journey involves crossing an international border, all passengers must have the necessary visa and travel documents.
- Travelers will have to produce their passports and get them stamped at Dong Dang, the Vietnam border city/station.
- Once the train crosses into China, you will have to get off the train and complete immigration procedures at Pingxiang.
- There is no need to transfer to any other train. The entire journey is on a single, direct train from Hanoi to Nanning.
Taking a minivan from Hanoi to Nanning
Another option for transport from Hanoi to Nanning is by taking a minivan. With a capacity for six to seven passengers, these luxury minivans are a comfortable choice and an excellent option if you are traveling with friends. And with a price tag of around $35 per person, they are, along with buses, one of the most budget-friendly options to travel this route.
The minivans are air-conditioned and equipped with cushioned reclining seats. Stops for restrooms and food are made according to the convenience of the passengers. Hongai Son Duc is a well-known minivan operator on this route.
Travel time is around eight hours, and border crossing formalities are similar to those when you travel by bus.
