After 5 years, China Vietnam International passenger trains resume operation

According to a report by Vietnam Daily on May 26th, a Sino Vietnamese international intermodal passenger train arrived at the Tongdeng Railway Station in Langshan, Vietnam on May 25th. This marks the resumption of international intermodal passenger trains between China and Vietnam after a five-year hiatus, once again operating

On the evening of the 25th, Vietnam Railway Corporation held a ceremony at Tongdeng Railway Station to welcome tourists taking the train. According to Vietnamese media reports, the resumed international passenger trains between Hanoi (Jialin) Station and Nanning Station run twice a day, departing from Hanoi Jialin Railway Station and heading to Nanning Railway Station in China. After arriving, return to Jialin Railway Station from Nanning Railway Station.

In terms of ticket prices, the one-way ticket price from Hanoi to Nanning is about 1 million Vietnamese dong (approximately 277 yuan). Children under 4 years old are free of charge, children aged 4 to 12 are half price, and groups of 6 or more can enjoy a 25% discount. Hanoi, Jialin, Beijiang, Tongdeng and other railway stations under the Vietnam Railway Corporation can purchase international intermodal passenger train tickets on site.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Chinese tourists can purchase tickets at ticket counters at stations such as Guilin North, Nanning, Chongzuo, and Pingxiang with their passports. Passengers need to apply for a paper visa or prepare visa free documents in advance, and handle customs clearance at the Pingxiang and Tongdeng Port stations in China and Vietnam respectively.

It is reported that international passenger trains between Nanning, China and Hanoi (Jialin) Station in Vietnam began operating on January 1, 2009, and were temporarily suspended in early February 2020. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam, as well as the "China Vietnam Cultural Exchange Year".

The Vietnam Railway Corporation stated that the resumption of international intermodal passenger trains between China and Vietnam will provide support for strengthening economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, improving railway infrastructure utilization, and promoting tourism.

The Vietnamese People's Daily said that the resumption of the Sino Vietnamese international intermodal passenger train not only marks an important progress in railway cooperation between the two countries, but also provides more convenient, safe and environmentally friendly travel options for the two peoples, which will promote bilateral trade, tourism, cultural exchanges and non-governmental exchanges.

On the 25th, Travel and Tourism World magazine reported that the restoration of passenger railways has simplified the business travel process and encouraged cross-border investment and cooperation. Convenient transportation is crucial for maintaining people to people friendship and helps strengthen diplomatic relations and mutual understanding.

According to Travel and Tourism World, during the suspension of international passenger trains between China and Vietnam, both Vietnam and China upgraded their infrastructure to improve the efficiency and safety of cross-border railways. Hanoi Jialin Railway Station has undergone modernization to improve passenger facilities and simplify boarding procedures. The upgrade of Nanning Railway Station and border checkpoint in China has also been completed.