Overland from China to Vietnam

Youyi Guan (or Huu Nghi Quan or Friendship Pass)

• Near Pingxiang (China) and Dong Dang (18km of Lang Son - Vietnam).
• By bus: from Nanning, take bus to Pingxiang and 20-minute drive by bus or shared taxi to the border. 600m walk across to Dong Dang, taking minibus or xe om (VND30,000 per person) to Lang Son then bus to Hanoi (US$3 per person - depending on the number of people in the minivan, and the price agreed upon, 3 hours, frequently).
• By train: a twice-weekly international train Beijing - Hanoi takes about 48 hours, including a 3-hour delay at the border checkpoint (maybe more if you are unlucky) and pricy (for entire route);
• To save time and money, you should take train to Pingxiang, get off, cross the border and bus to Hanoi. On Vietnamese side, buy ticket Hanoi - Dong Dang only (6 hours), cross the border by your arrangement and buy another ticket when you are in China.

Hekou (or Lao Cai)

• Near Hekou (468km south of Kunming - China) and Lao Cai (Vietnam).
• Bus from Kunming to Hekou border gate (490km, 10 hours). From Hekou to Lao Cai railway station is 10 minutes by motorbike (VND10,000 per person, 3km). You can buy train ticket to Hanoi (300km, 9 hours, 2 or 3 daily departs at 9-10pm). Price is about US$12-15 per person (per bed), depending on 4 or 6-bed compartment (and with / without AC).

Dongxing (or Mong Cai)

• Connects Dongxing (China) and Mong Cai (Quang Ninh - Vietnam).
• Direct bus from Nanning to Halong Bay (100 yuan, 9 hours, departs at 8am from River South Bus Centre (Jiang Nan Ke Yun Zhong Xing). The bus crosses the border at DongXing border town instead of Gate of Friendship.
• You can also go by express boat from Mong Cai to Halong then by bus to Hanoi.