How to Travel from Vietnam to Tibet: A Complete Guide
If you’re planning to travel from Vietnam to Tibet, there are two main routes to consider:
Option 1: Entering Tibet via Mainland China
To take this route, you must first hold a valid Vietnamese passport and apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa (Type L Visa). Once you’ve obtained your visa, you can fly from Vietnam to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu, and from there, continue your journey to Lhasa by flight or train, with a Tibet Travel Permit.
🛂 Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for all foreign travelers entering Tibet, regardless of the entry point. Our agency can assist you in obtaining this permit.
Flight Options from Vietnam to China
There are several direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the major cities in China. Below are some options:
Hanoi to China
Beijing
Vietnam Airlines VN512: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | 10:15–14:45 | ~$400
Air China CA742: Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | 05:45–10:25 | ~$250
Shanghai
Vietnam Airlines VN530: Daily | 10:15–14:25 | ~$350
Guangzhou
Multiple daily flights by China Southern, Vietnam Airlines, and Jetstar Pacific | ~$100–300
Chengdu
Vietnam Airlines VN552: Wed, Fri, Sun | 12:05–15:15 | ~$300
Ho Chi Minh City to China
Shanghai
3 daily flights by China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines, and China Southern | ~$350
Guangzhou
6 daily flights by Jetstar Pacific, China Southern, and Vietnam Airlines | ~$100–300
✈️ You may also fly from Da Nang, Nha Trang, or Phu Quoc to Chinese cities depending on availability.
Continuing from China to Lhasa
Once you reach a Chinese city, you can travel to Lhasa either by flight or train. Here’s a breakdown of options:
From Beijing to Lhasa
Flight: 3 flights daily | ~RMB 3,320 (approx. USD 450)
Train: Z21 (20:00–12:40 next 2 days) | ~40 hrs 40 min | Soft berth: RMB 1,200
From Shanghai to Lhasa
Flight: 2 daily flights | ~RMB 3,420
Train: Z164 (20:10–19:30 next 2 days) | ~47 hrs 20 min | Soft berth: RMB 1,300
From Guangzhou to Lhasa
Flight: 1 flight daily | ~RMB 2,990
Train: Z264 (11:45–16:19 after 2 days) | ~52 hrs 34 min | Soft berth: RMB 1,500
From Chengdu to Lhasa
Flight: Multiple flights from early morning to late evening | ~RMB 1,850
Train: Z322 (21:37–09:55, every other day) | ~36 hrs 18 min | Soft berth: RMB 1,100
🚄 Train tickets, especially soft berth class, are difficult to obtain during peak seasons (July–September). We recommend booking in advance through a trusted agency.
Option 2: Entering Tibet via Nepal
If you’re planning to visit Nepal as part of your journey, entering Tibet from Kathmandu is also an excellent option.
Vietnam to Kathmandu
No direct flights are available. One-stop flights (via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur) take about 7.5 hours and cost around USD 350.
From Kathmandu to Lhasa
There are two main ways to enter Tibet from Nepal:
By Flight
Only international direct flights to Lhasa depart from Kathmandu.
Daily flights:
Air China CA408: 12:10–16:00
Sichuan Airlines 3U8720: 11:30–15:10
Duration: ~1.5 hours | Cost: ~USD 275
By Overland Tour via Gyirong Port
This scenic route includes traveling from Kathmandu to the Gyirong Border, then continuing by road to Lhasa via EBC (Everest Base Camp) and Shigatse.
You’ll enjoy views of Himalayan peaks, sacred monasteries, and experience authentic Tibetan culture.
A gradual ascent helps you adjust to the high altitude.
Our Nepalese partners can accompany you to the border or help arrange a private transfer.
Tibet Travel Permit Requirements for Vietnamese Citizens
If Entering from Mainland China:
You will need:
A valid Vietnamese passport
A Chinese Tourist Visa (Type L)
Tibet Travel Permit, applied at least 30 days in advance
If your Chinese visa is not a tourist visa, you must also provide:
Employment certificate
Invitation letter
By Train: A scanned copy of your permit will be emailed to you. Print and bring it with you when boarding.
By Flight: The original permit must be delivered to your transit city in China (e.g., Beijing, Chengdu) before departure to Lhasa.
If Entering from Nepal:
You need a Chinese Group Tourist Visa, even if you already have a Chinese visa (which becomes invalid at this border entry). Our agency will:
Arrange the Group Visa Invitation Letter
Send it to our partners in Kathmandu
Assist you with the visa application at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu
Documents needed:
Scanned copy of valid passport (no visa required in advance)
🧭 Why Choose Us?
As a senior Tibetan travel agency, we provide end-to-end support:
Tibet Travel Permit & Group Visa application
Flight & train ticket booking
Custom itinerary design
Local Tibetan guides and support staff
Assistance in Vietnam, Nepal, and China
Let us make your journey to Tibet smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
