Can Vietnamese Citizens Travel to Tibet? A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Yes — Vietnamese citizens can travel to Tibet. However, the journey requires advance planning because independent travel is not permitted for foreign visitors. All travelers must join an organized tour arranged by a licensed Tibet travel agency, which will handle permits, transportation, accommodation, and a professional guide throughout the trip.
Whether you choose to enter Tibet via mainland China or Nepal, understanding the permit process and travel routes will help ensure a smooth and unforgettable journey to the “Roof of the World.”
How Vietnamese Travelers Can Enter Tibet:
To enter Tibet, Vietnamese travelers typically choose between two gateway regions: mainland China or Nepal. While both routes are accessible, most visitors from Vietnam prefer traveling through China due to lower airfare, more frequent flights, and easier connections to Tibet.
Discounted flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to major Chinese hubs such as Chengdu or Guangzhou make the journey especially convenient. From these cities, extending your trip to Tibet is straightforward, whether by air or train.
Option 1: Flying from Vietnam to Tibet via Mainland China
Traveling through mainland China is the most popular and practical route for Vietnamese tourists heading to Tibet.
Fly from Vietnam to a Major Chinese City
Start by booking an international flight from Vietnam to one of China’s large aviation hubs, such as:
- Chengdu – the primary gateway to Tibet
- Beijing – ideal for combining cultural sightseeing
- Kunming – a convenient southwestern transit city
- Guangzhou – well-connected to Southeast Asia
Thanks to competitive fares, many travelers find it both affordable and efficient to fly into Chengdu before continuing onward to Tibet.
Apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa
Unless Vietnam becomes eligible for China’s visa-free entry at the time of your trip, you must apply for a Chinese tourist visa through the Chinese embassy or consulate serving Vietnam.
This visa is required before your travel agency can apply for your Tibet Travel Permit.
Take a Domestic Flight to Lhasa
Once you arrive in China, you can board a domestic flight to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, the main airport serving Tibet.
Major airlines operating routes to Lhasa include:
- Air China
- China Eastern Airlines
- Sichuan Airlines
Continue from China to Lhasa or Nyingchi
After receiving the original Tibet permit (usually mailed to you or delivered at your hotel in China), you can continue your journey into Tibet.
From Chengdu, multiple daily direct flights reach Lhasa in about 2 hours and 20 minutes, with economy fares often starting around USD 160 depending on season. Flights to Nyingchi are also available, allowing you to explore eastern Tibet before traveling overland to Lhasa.
From cities like Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing, you may find direct or one-stop flights based on schedules.
Private vs Group Tours for Vietnamese Travelers
Vietnamese visitors are free to choose between private tours and group tours.
- Private tours provide flexibility, customized itineraries, and greater privacy.
- Group tours are typically more affordable, as transportation costs in Tibet can be high.
Since 2015, there have been no restrictions based on nationality or group size, and even solo travelers can visit Tibet — provided they join an organized tour.
Independent travel is not permitted, but travelers can still enjoy some flexibility. For example, you may arrange your own hotel in Lhasa and spend free time exploring the city. However, trips outside Lhasa require a licensed guide and often a private vehicle.
Enter Tibet by Train from Major Chinese Cities
For travelers seeking scenic landscapes and gradual altitude adjustment, the Qinghai–Tibet Railway offers one of the world’s most remarkable train journeys.
Train – Scenic and Better for Altitude Adjustment
Long-distance trains operate from major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai along the legendary Qinghai–Tibet Railway via Xining. Although slower, the train journey offers spectacular landscapes and helps travelers acclimatize gradually to Tibet’s high altitude.
The flight from Chengdu to Lhasa takes just over two hours, with approximately 14 nonstop flights daily, making it one of the fastest ways to reach the Tibetan Plateau. Chengdu is more than just a transit city — it is famous for Sichuan cuisine and the beloved giant pandas, offering a worthwhile stopover before your high-altitude adventure.
Important: All foreign travelers must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit, which can only be arranged through a licensed Tibet travel agency.
Travel Times at a Glance
- Guangzhou → Lhasa: Over 53 hours (longest route)
- Xining → Lhasa: About 21 hours (shortest and most manageable)
- Chengdu → Lhasa: Around 36 hours
The Xining–Lhasa route is especially popular because Xining is the starting point of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway and has the highest number of departures into Tibet.
Even travelers using a hard seat often find the 21-hour journey comfortable enough due to the train’s modern facilities.
Important Ticket Tips
Train tickets to Tibet are in extremely high demand, particularly from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.
To avoid disappointment:
- Reserve your tour early
- Ask your travel consultant to secure tickets in advance
- Consider departing from Xining if tickets from other cities are unavailable
The Chengdu–Lhasa train (Z322) typically departs every other day at 21:37, arriving around 09:55 after roughly 36 hours. Always confirm schedules when planning your itinerary.
Option 2: Flying from Vietnam to Tibet via Nepal
Entering Tibet through Nepal is an excellent choice for travelers wishing to combine two Himalayan destinations in one trip.
Fly from Vietnam to Kathmandu
There are currently no direct flights between Vietnam and Nepal. Most routes connect through regional hubs such as:
- Bangkok
- Kuala Lumpur
Plan to arrive in Kathmandu at least five days before your Tibet departure to complete visa procedures.
Step 1 – Fly to Kathmandu
Book a flight from Vietnam to Kathmandu, usually via regional hubs such as Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. Airlines that commonly operate on this route include:
- Vietnam Airlines
- China Southern Airlines
- Nepal Airlines
Travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Once your documents are ready, you can enter Tibet by air or road.
Flight Option
The Kathmandu–Lhasa flight takes about 1.5 hours when operating and is one of the few international routes directly into Tibet.
Expect breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas on clear days.
Overland via Gyirong Border
For a more adventurous approach:
- Drive from Kathmandu to the Gyirong border
- Cross into Tibet
- Continue overland toward Lhasa
Many itineraries include scenic stops to help with altitude acclimatization while showcasing monasteries, lakes, and Himalayan landscapes.
Your travel agency will organize vehicles, guides, and the entire route.
Tibet Travel Permits for Vietnamese Citizens
Before flying from Vietnam to mainland China, you must secure a Chinese visa, usually the Tourist (L) visa.
Many travel experts recommend not mentioning Tibet during the visa application process. Doing so may trigger additional documentation requirements, including a special invitation letter from a Tibet travel agency. Once your visa is approved, your agency can proceed with the Tibet Travel Permit application.
Chinese Group Visa (from Nepal): What Vietnamese Travelers Should Know
The China Group Visa is a special single-entry visa issued only by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. It is mandatory for travelers entering Tibet from Nepal and is completely different from a standard Chinese tourist visa.
This visa is issued on a separate sheet of paper, not as a sticker in your passport. It is usually valid for up to 30 days, and all travelers listed on the same visa must enter and exit Tibet together, following the exact same itinerary.
Once the China Group Visa is issued, any existing normal Chinese visa becomes invalid for this trip. You cannot apply for the Group Visa yourself. Your Tibet travel agency in Kathmandu will collect your passport and application forms and submit them on your behalf. Processing normally takes about three working days. This visa is used only if your travel route is: Vietnam → Kathmandu → Tibet (Lhasa or via Gyirong border)
A Journey of a Lifetime: From Hanoi to Lhasa
Traveling from Hanoi to Lhasa is more than just a trip — it is an unforgettable cross-Asia adventure. The journey carries you from Vietnam’s lush landscapes to the snow-covered peaks of the Tibetan Plateau.
Along the way, you may encounter vibrant cultures, taste diverse regional cuisines, and witness some of the continent’s most spectacular scenery. Routes that combine flights, trains, and overland travel reveal Asia’s geographic diversity — from terraced hills and ancient towns to vast high-altitude plains.
The final approach to Lhasa, whether by rail across the world’s highest railway or by air over the Himalayas, is a moment many travelers never forget.
Best Time to Visit, Destinations, and Tour Types
Best Time to Visit Tibet
Tibet can be visited year-round, but conditions vary significantly by season.
- April to June – clear skies, mild temperatures, excellent for sightseeing
- September to October – stable weather, sharp mountain views, peak season
- July to August – warmer but wetter due to monsoon influence; occasional clouds and rain
- November to February – cold but quieter, fewer tourists, lower prices, and often clear skies in Lhasa
Best Train Option for First-Time Travelers
Xining → Lhasa
This is often considered the shortest and most comfortable rail route across the plateau, offering an excellent balance between travel time, scenery, and altitude adaptation.
Most Scenic Sections
The most breathtaking views appear after Golmud, especially:
- Kunlun Mountains
- Kekexili Nature Reserve
- Nyenchen Tanggula range
- Vast grasslands, salt lakes such as Cuo Na Lake, and high-altitude deserts
Train Z8991 (Xining → Lhasa) is frequently recommended because much of the most scenic plateau section is crossed during daylight hours, making it ideal for photography and wildlife viewing.
On-Board Experience
- Soft sleeper and hard sleeper cabins
- Oxygen supply available in cabins and corridors
- Views of Qinghai Lake, snow-capped peaks, wild yaks, Tibetan antelope, and endless open landscapes
For Vietnamese travelers, a practical option is to fly from Vietnam to Chengdu or Xining, then continue by train from Xining to Lhasa for scenery and gentler altitude adjustment.
Step 5 – High-Altitude Preparation
Tibet’s elevation requires awareness and preparation. Lhasa itself sits at about 3,650 meters, and many routes go significantly higher.
Health Considerations
If you have heart conditions, lung disease, or serious blood pressure issues, consult a doctor before booking a Tibet tour.
Medications (With Medical Advice)
Some travelers use altitude sickness medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox), usually starting one day before ascent. Always follow medical guidance.
Bring all regular prescriptions in original packaging and in sufficient quantity for the entire trip.
Acclimatization Tips
- Take your first 1–2 days in Lhasa slowly
- Avoid running, heavy exercise, and alcohol initially
- Drink plenty of water and eat light meals
- Sleep early and keep warm at night
If you experience strong headaches, nausea, or breathing difficulty, inform your guide immediately. Tibet travel agencies are experienced in managing altitude-related issues and can adjust itineraries or arrange descent if necessary.
