Tibet, with its breathtaking natural landscapes and profound Tibetan Buddhist culture, continues to captivate travelers from around the world.
For Vietnamese visitors, a journey to Tibet is more than just travel—it’s a spiritual awakening.
Not sure how to plan your Tibet trip from Vietnam? Leave it to us!
China Dragon Travel specializes in in-depth Tibet tours and has years of experience serving international travelers. We provide full-service support, including airport transfers, licensed guides, and attentive assistance, ensuring your journey is smooth and worry-free.
From the Potala Palace to Mount Everest, from Lhasa to Nyingchi—we take you deep into the heart of Tibet.We walk every step with you, so that you can truly encounter the Tibet that speaks to your soul.
Potala Palace
Transportation Guide: From Vietnam to Tibet
1.Vietnamese Travelers Flying to Lhasa
Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) to Lhasa. We recommend transiting via Chengdu, which offers several key advantages:
- Convenient Flights: There are direct flights from Hanoi to Chengdu with short flight times and smooth connections.
- Multiple Entry Options into Tibet: As a major transportation hub in southwest China, Chengdu offers the most flight options to Lhasa. You can also travel to Tibet via the Qinghai–Tibet Railway or take a road trip along the scenic G318 (Sichuan–Tibet Highway South Route) for a more immersive experience.
- Rich Travel Experience in Chengdu: Known as the “Land of Abundance,” Chengdu is famous for its giant pandas and world-renowned cuisine.
Before heading to the plateau, consider staying 1–2 days in Chengdu to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can see these adorable creatures up close. You can also enjoy authentic Sichuan hotpot, skewers, and street snacks—a great way to relax after your flight and start adjusting to high-altitude conditions.
2.Train Travel to Lhasa for Vietnamese Tourists
Currently, trains to Lhasa depart from major cities in mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou, and Xining.You may choose to fly to any of these cities first, then take the train to Tibet.Approximate Train Travel Times:
- Guangzhou → Lhasa: The longest route, taking approximately 53 hours or more.
- Xining → Lhasa: The shortest and fastest option, taking only around 21 hours.
- Chengdu / Chongqing → Lhasa: Trains depart every other day, so please check the schedule in advance
Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Entry Permits & Travel Documents for Vietnamese Travelers Visiting Tibet
1.Apply for a Chinese Visa
Vietnamese citizens planning to visit Tibet via mainland China must first obtain a Chinese tourist visa.
Due to relatively complex procedures (such as the need to provide round-trip flight tickets and a full China itinerary), we are happy to assist you by providing invitation letters or supporting travel documents—feel free to contact us for help.
If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal (via Kathmandu by air or land), you do not need to apply for a Chinese visa in advance. Instead, you will need to obtain a Group Visa through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, which we can help arrange.
2.Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
All foreign travelers—including Vietnamese citizens—must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to enter Tibet. This can only be arranged by an authorized local travel agency in Tibet and cannot be applied for individually.
If you plan to visit border-sensitive areas such as:Mount Everest Base Camp (EBC)，Mount Kailash (Gang Rinpoche)Lake Manasarovar (Mapam Yumtso)you will also need to apply for additional documents such as the Alien Travel Permit (ATP) and Military Permit.
Let us help you handle all required documents, so you can travel worry-free.
Travel Permit Process for Vietnamese Citizens Visiting Tibet
Estimated Processing Time for Travel Documents
Recommended Travel Routes from Vietnam to Tibet
1.Classic Group Tours in Tibet (8–15 Days)
Lhasa + Shigatse + Yamdrok Lake + Mount Everest + Namtso Lake（8 Days / 7 Nights）
Price:$965
Yamdrok Lake
Namtso Lake
Lhasa + Nyingchi + Shigatse + Everest + Namtso Lake (11 Days)
Price:$1,243
tourist group photo
Mount Everest
Sacred Mountains & Lakes + Kora Pilgrimage + “One Lake After Another” (15-Day Ali Circuit)
Price: $1930
Mount Kailash
Jokhang Temple
2. Customized Tibet Tours (4–15 Days)
Route 1:
Ali Northern Photography Tour — Lhasa + Yamdrok Lake + Everest + Mount Kailash (16 Days / 15 Nights)
Route 2:
Lhasa + Yamdrok Lake + Namtso Lake — Group Tour for Foreign Visitors (4 Days / 3 Nights)
Route 3:
Nyingchi + Lhasa + Yamdrok Lake + Qinghai-Tibet Railway Soft Sleeper (10 Days)
Note: Prices for our customized tours are negotiable and will be confirmed after consultation.
Best Seasons for Vietnamese Tourists to Visit Tibet
1.Best Time for Scenic Beauty: April – October
- April to May: Spring blooms, especially peach blossoms in Nyingchi; pleasant climate.
- June to August: Moderate temperatures and sufficient oxygen levels; the easiest season for Vietnamese visitors to adapt to the plateau.
- September to October: Clear skies and crisp air; ideal for photography and in-depth tours.
2.Great for Budget & Photo Lovers: November – March
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Fewer Crowds: Enjoy quiet attractions and hassle-free photo opportunities
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Lower Prices: Great discounts on hotels, flights, and tour packages
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Stunning Snow Views: Potala Palace, Namtso Lake, and Mount Everest in magical white
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More Authentic: Experience Tibetan culture at a slower, deeper pace
Important Notes for Vietnamese Tourists Traveling to Tibet
Tibet Entry Permits: You must apply for a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) or get assistance from a travel agency to obtain it.
Altitude Sickness: First-time visitors should consult a doctor in advance and prepare relevant medications, such as Diamox.
Health Conditions: Those with serious illnesses (heart, lung, liver, kidney, etc.) are advised not to travel to high altitudes.
Clothing Preparation: The climate in Tibet is changeable; bring warm clothes, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Dietary Habits: Pay attention to food hygiene, avoid raw or cold foods, and drink plenty of water.
Respect Local Culture: Show respect for Tibetan religious beliefs and local customs.
Others: It is recommended to bring common medicines such as cold medicine and anti-diarrheal drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling from Vietnam to Tibet
1.How much does a trip from Vietnam to Tibet usually cost?
According to our travel routes and visitor needs, the approximate cost ranges between $980 and $2,800
2.What Tibetan snacks should Vietnamese visitors try?
Tibetan specialties are a must-try and offer a unique experience. Recommended dishes include local Tibetan noodles, yogurt, yak meat, and sweet tea. If you can tolerate the taste of butter tea, it is also recommended as it helps relieve altitude sickness.
3.Where can I exchange Vietnamese Dong in Tibet?
Currently, the Bank of China in Tibet does not exchange Vietnamese Dong for RMB. Please exchange your money for US dollars at Vietnamese airports beforehand and bring USD with you to Tibet.
4.Are there Vietnamese-speaking guides in Tibet?
There are no Vietnamese-speaking guides in Tibet, but English-speaking guides are available. You can join our English-speaking Tibet tours. If you require a Vietnamese-speaking guide for a special group, you will need to join a tour with a leader who speaks English or Chinese.
5.If Vietnamese tourists get a Tibet Travel Permit, can they travel independently in Tibet?
Vietnamese tourists cannot travel independently in Tibet. Except for Chinese mainland tourists holding Chinese ID cards and Hong Kong/Macau residents with Home Return Permits, all foreign passport holders visiting Tibet must travel in organized groups.
Private custom tours can be arranged according to your ideal schedule and routes, allowing a more flexible and personalized travel experience.
6.Which is better for traveling in Tibet: joining a group tour or organizing your own group?
