Tibet holds a special allure for many Thai travelers. Snow-capped mountains, Tibetan Buddhist culture, sacred lakes, and vast grasslands offer a truly unique experience. However, visiting Tibet as a foreign national is not as simple as traveling to other parts of China. In addition to a standard Chinese tourist visa, Thai travelers must also obtain a Tibet Travel Permit and plan their travel route carefully through designated transit cities.
This guide walks you step-by-step through the process — from departing Thailand, transiting through China, and finally arriving in Tibet — ensuring a smooth and well-prepared journey to this sacred land.
Required Documents for Thai Citizens Traveling to Tibet
1. Chinese Tourist Visa (Type L)
Where to Apply: Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Thailand
Who Needs It: Thai passport holders or third-country passport holders residing long-term in Thailand
Required Documents:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months remaining validity)
- Two passport-size photos with a white background
- Completed Chinese visa application form
- Flight booking or travel itinerary (e.g., flights to Chengdu or Chongqing)
- Hotel reservation (if unavailable, a travel agency can provide a mock reservation)
- Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statement)
Processing Time: Usually 3–5 business days
Suggested Application Time: At least 1 month in advance
Note: Tibet does not allow entry with a Chinese visa on arrival or transit visa. A standard tourist visa is mandatory.
Thailand to China tourist visa
2. Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
Issued By: Licensed travel agencies in China (based in Chengdu, Xi’an, Lhasa, etc.)
Cost: Usually included in tour packages; not charged separately
Documents Required:
- Passport scan (photo page)
- Chinese visa scan
- Intended travel dates, route, and group members’ information
Processing Time: 7–10 working days
Note:
Independent travel into Tibet is not allowed for foreign nationals; the Tibet Travel Permit is required at all airport check-ins and border checkpoints.
Upon arrival in cities like Chengdu, the travel agency will deliver the original permit to your hotel or the airport.
Tibet Travel Permit
3. Border Permit (Only for Special Border Areas)
Required If Visiting:
Mount Everest, Ngari (Ali), Medog, Zayu, or any area near the India/Nepal border
How to Get It: Your Tibetan travel agency will arrange it after arrival (usually free of charge)
Recommended Travel Routes from Thailand to Tibet
Step 1: Fly from Thailand to a Chinese Gateway City
| Departure City | Recommended Transit Cities | Example Airlines | Flight Time |
| Bangkok | Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming | Air China, Sichuan Airlines, Spring Airlines | 3–4 hrs |
| Chiang Mai | Kunming, Chengdu | Kunming Airlines, Lucky Air | 2–3 hrs |
Pro Tip: Chengdu and Chongqing are top choices due to frequent flights to Lhasa, a wide range of tour agencies, and convenient services for Tibet-bound travelers.
Step 2: Travel from Gateway City to Lhasa (Tibet)
Option 1: By Plane (Fast & Convenient)
| From City | To City | Duration | Frequency |
| Chengdu | Lhasa | ~2 hrs | Multiple daily |
| Chongqing | Lhasa | ~2.5 hrs | Multiple daily |
| Kunming | Lhasa | ~3 hrs | Moderate |
| Xi’an/Xining | Lhasa | ~3–4 hrs | Moderate |
Pros: Fast and time-saving
Cons: Sudden altitude change may trigger altitude sickness
Option 2: By Train (Gradual Altitude Acclimatization)
| Departure City | Arrival City | Distance | Duration | Remarks |
| Xining | Lhasa | 1,956 km | 21–22 hours | Most scenic route on Qinghai-Tibet Railway |
| Chengdu | Lhasa | 3,070 km | ~36 hours | Long but ideal for slow travelers |
| Beijing/Shanghai | Lhasa | 4,000+ km | 40–50 hours | Longest route with rich scenery |
Pros: Better altitude adjustment, stunning scenery
Cons: Long duration; book tickets in advance (especially soft sleeper)
Tourist photos
Getting Around in Tibet
1.Private Car or Small Tour Group (Recommended)
- Best choice for foreign travelers
- Travel agencies arrange car + licensed Tibetan guide
- Custom itineraries: Lhasa → Namtso / Shigatse / Nyingchi / Everest Base Camp
- Experienced drivers with high-altitude expertise
2.Intercity Buses
- Long-distance buses available between Lhasa, Nyingchi, Shigatse
- Cheaper, but less comfortable and less reliable
3.Lhasa ⇌ Shigatse Train
- Short ride (~3 hours), scenic and affordable
- Ideal for short-distance travel within Tibet
Suggested Itinerary Outline
Route A：10-Day Flight-and-Train Deluxe Tibet Tour: Lhasa, Everest, Namtso & More $ 1464
Route B：13-Day Tibet Peach Blossom Tour: Bomi, Nyingchi, Lhasa, Namtso & EBC $ 2011
Travel Tips
- Book in advance: Flights and permits during peak seasons (July–October) sell out quickly
- Altitude awareness: Rest on Day 1 in Lhasa, drink water, avoid intense activity
- Sun protection: UV is very strong — bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Health prep: Consider taking Rhodiola or herbal remedies to prevent altitude sickness
- Tibet Travel Permit: Double-check your agency’s qualifications and permit status before booking
Traveling from Thailand to Tibet requires two main steps: securing the necessary documents (Chinese visa + Tibet Travel Permit) and planning an efficient travel route. The most recommended path is flying from Bangkok to Chengdu, then continuing on to Lhasa via plane or train.
Once your paperwork is ready, Tibet’s sacred mountains, turquoise lakes, and deep-rooted spiritual culture await. This isn’t just a journey through geography — it’s a journey through the soul.
