Getting to Tibet from Vietnam is easier than you may think. Although there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Tibet, you can conveniently transfer via popular cities such as Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming, Beijing and Shanghai. These cities have direct flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and from there, you can take a flight, train or even travel overland to Lhasa.

In this guide, we will introduce in detail how to get to Tibet from Vietnam. Read on to explore different routes, as well as travel documents you need to prepare, and get inspired for your next adventure!

How Far is Tibet from Vietnam? Is There a Direct Flight?

Tibet is located in the southwest of China, while Vietnam borders China to the south. The distance from Hanoi (Vietnam’s capital) to Lhasa (provincial capital of Tibet) is about 3,400 kilometers. From Ho Chi Minh City to Lhasa, it is about 4,000 kilometers.

Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Tibet. However, you can first fly to a nearby city in mainland China, and then transfer to Tibet by train, flight, or overland. This may take more time, but it offers a more enriching travel experience and more flexible route options.

The classic Mount Everest Base Camp tour is popular among tourists from Vietnam.

Vietnam to Tibet via Chengdu: The Most Recommended Way

The most popular route for traveling from Vietnam to Tibet is via Chengdu. Located in Sichuan Province in southwest China, close to Tibet, Chengdu is a major gateway to Tibet. It offers frequent direct flights, trains, and overland travel options to Tibet.

1. Fly from Vietnam to Chengdu

Currently, you can take a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Chengdu. Operated by Vietjet and Sichuan Airlines, the non-stop flights depart twice a day, and takes only about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The arrival airport is Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, which is located about 80 kilometers from downtown Chengdu.

Once you arrive in Chengdu, you can continue your trip to Tibet. While you can also stay for a night or a couple of days to explore the city. Popular attractions include the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, and Mount Qinghaicheng, etc.

2. Travel from Chengdu to Lhasa by Train, Flight, or Overland

Depending on your preferences and available time, you can choose from three options to travel to Lhasa from Chengdu: by train, flight or overland.

The quickest and most popular way is to take a flight. There are over 20 direct flights from Chengdu to Lhasa every day - far more frequent than many other departure cities. Departing as early as 6:20 am and as late as 9:25 pm, these flights take only about 2 hours to reach Lhasa Gonggar Airport.

Besides, you can take a Tibet train from Chengdu to Lhasa to appreciate the breathtaking scenery along the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The train departs at 9:11 pm every other day, and takes about 34.5 hours. It is recommended to choose a soft sleeper berth to enjoy a more comfortable and restful journey.

For adventurous travelers, an overland trip from Chengdu to Lhasa via the G318 Highway is another great option. This world-class overland route can take you through various landscapes such as vast plains, deep gorges, high mountains, winding rivers, lush forests, glaciers and more. The journey normally takes 7-10 days and includes popular stops like Kangding, Litang, Ranwu and Nyingchi.

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Vietnam to Tibet via Guangzhou: Another Popular Option via South China

Located in the south of China and relatively close to Vietnam, Guangzhou is also an excellent choice for transferring to Tibet. With excellent connections to both Vietnam and Tibet, the city itself is also worth exploring.

1. Fly from Vietnam to Guangzhou

Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have non-stop flights to Guangzhou, making it an easy choice for travelers. The flight from Hanoi to Guangzhou departs six to seven times per day, and takes only about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Guangzhou also departs six to seven times per day, and takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

While in Guangzhou, you may need to stay overnight to catch the appropriate connecting flight to Lhasa. You can take this chance to explore this city’s charming attractions, such as the Guangzhou Tower, Chimelong Paradise, and more. You can also indulge in delicious Cantonese cuisine, including Dim Sum, Char Siu, Wonton Soup, etc.

2. Travel from Guangzhou to Tibet by Train or Flight

The flights from Guangzhou to Lhasa depart twice every day and take about 5 hours and 45 minutes. Operated by Eastern Airlines and Southern Airlines, these flights all leave in the morning around 8:00 am. One flight has a stopover in Diqing, while the other stops in Chongqing.

On the other hand, the train from Guangzhou to Lhasa is the longest route of all Tibet train routes. Departing at 9:15 am, the train takes about 53 hours to reach Lhasa Railway Station. While it may be time-consuming, it allows you to witness landscapes in different provinces of China and enjoy scenic views along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Vietnam to Tibet via Kunming: Convenient Transfer with Closer Location

Kunming is geographically closer to both Vietnam and Tibet, making it a great choice for a shorter route. As the provincial capital of Yunnan Province, Kunming is known for its mild climate and offers many unique sights to explore.

1. Fly from Vietnam to Kunming

You can choose to fly directly to Kunming from either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The non-stop flight from Hanoi to Kunming departs every day, and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Kunming also departs every day, and takes about 3 hours.

When staying in Kunming, you can explore natural scenic spots like the Stone Forest, Green Lake Park, West Hill Park, Dian Lake, etc. There are also cultural sites like Yunnan Nationalities Village, where you can experience the exotic customs and traditions of Yunnan Province.

2. Travel from Kunming to Tibet by Flight or Overland

The most recommended way to reach Lhasa from Kunming is by flight. There are around 5 non-stop flights from Kunming to Lhasa every day, with a duration of only about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Operated by Eastern Airlines, Changlong Airlines and Xiangpeng Airlines, these flights depart as early as 8:20 am or as late as 4:45 pm.

If you prefer a more thrilling experience, you can also travel overland from Kunming to Lhasa. Covering about 2,293 km, the journey first follows the Yunnan to Tibet Highway (G214) to Markam before entering Tibet, and then continues along the G318 Highway to Lhasa. The route is known as the ancient Tea Horse Road with amazing landscape along the way.

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Vietnam to Tibet via Beijing/Shanghai: Alternative Choice with Easy Access

Despite the long distance, both Beijing and Shanghai are major international hubs, with frequent and affordable flights from Vietnam. Besides, these two cities are well-connected to Lhasas by both train and flight.

1. Fly from Vietnam to Beijing/Shanghai

To get to Beijing, you can either fly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The flight from Hanoi to Beijing departs three times per day, and takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Beijing leaves twice per day, and takes around 5 hours.

Since flights to Beijing land at different airports in Beijing (either Beijing Daxing International Airport or Beijing Capital International Airport), it is suggested to double-check your airport information before boarding.

To get to Shanghai, you can also choose to fly from either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai departs five to six times per day, and takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes. While from Hanoi, the flights to Shanghai leave eight times per day, taking about 3 hours and 15 minutes.

2. Travel to Tibet from Beijing/Shanghai by Flight or Train

From Beijing to Lhasa, both flight and train options are available. The flight from Beijing to Lhasa departs three times per day and takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes. The train from Beijing to Lhasa, on the other hand, leaves daily at 7:53 pm and takes about 40 hours to reach Lhasa Railway Station.

From Shanghai, you can also take a flight or train to Lhasa. The flight from Shanghai to Lhasa departs daily, and takes about 7 hours and 40 minutes with a stopover in Xi’an. The train from Shanghai to Lhasa runs every day at 6:33 pm, and takes about 44.5 hours to reach Lhasa.

Required Permits for Travelling from Vietnam to Tibet

Before you can travel to Tibet, it is necessary to obtain a Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit. Chinese Visa. The Chinese Visa is obtained on your own from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country or a third country. However, if you are from a country that enjoys a visa-free policy with China, you will only need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit.

The Tibet Travel Permit is required for all international tourists to enter Tibet. As long as you book your Vietnam Tibet tour with us, we will guarantee you the Tibet Travel Permit as part of the tour package. Just make sure to contact us at least 20 days in advance to allow enough time for the permit application.

We guarantee your Tibet travel documents as long as you book your tour with us!

Conclusion

While there is no direct flight from Vietnam to Tibet, there are several convenient options for you to make a transfer. The most recommended route is via Chengdu, followed by Guangzhou, Kunming, Beijing and Shanghai. No matter which route you take, be sure to obtain the required documents before your trip to Tibet.

If you still have any questions about traveling from Vietnam to Tibet, please feel free to contact us. As the leading tour operator with years of experience, we are always here to make your journey smooth and worry-free!