The cross-border self-drive route from Guilin, China to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, along the golden tourism corridor, opened on June 1, allowing travelers to drive to Ha Long Bay themselves. According to relevant regulations, the Dongxing border crossing permits a maximum of 50 vehicles to exit China for self-drive trips to Vietnam per day, with visitors allowed to stay in Vietnam for no more than five days. Additionally, in the second half of this year, a self-drive route from Pingxiang, Guangxi to Lang Son Province, Vietnam, is also expected to open.
Guangning is the most tourism-rich province in northern Vietnam. Ha Long Bay, known as the “Maritime Guilin,” is a top destination for both domestic and international tourists visiting Vietnam. Statistics show that in 2016 and 2017, the number of entries and exits through the Dongxing border crossing reached 7.156 million and 9.965 million respectively. From January to April this year, the number has already hit 4.0802 million. Especially between March 13 and 22 this year, the daily entry-exit record was broken four times within just ten days.
Limited Appeal of Original Route
In November 2016, the cross-border self-drive tours between Dongxing, China and Mong Cai, Vietnam, became a regular service, making Dongxing the only border port city along the China-Vietnam border with such normalized cross-border self-drive services. The “go-anytime, stop-anywhere” style of cross-border self-drive tourism gained popularity among many travelers, emerging as a new highlight in mutual tourism development between the two countries. However, due to the limited scope and narrow routes of the cross-border self-drive program, the route failed to develop strong product appeal.
To address this, authorities at various levels in both China and Vietnam have been actively working to expand the Dongxing-Mong Cai cross-border self-drive route. On May 9 this year, the two sides held a special working meeting in Dongxing City regarding the extension of the Dongxing-Mong Cai cross-border self-drive tourism route. Both parties reached a consensus to officially launch the Guilin-Ha Long Bay Golden Tourism Corridor self-drive route on June 1.
In addition, based on the successful launch of cross-border self-drive tours at the Dongxing border crossing, the two sides will strengthen communication and strive to open cross-border self-drive services between Chongzuo City in Guangxi and Lang Son Province in Vietnam in the second half of the year.
Vehicles Exiting Must Have Fewer Than Eight Seats
According to the itinerary and regulations, Vietnamese cross-border self-drive vehicles entering via the Dongxing border crossing may travel to Guilin City and along the route (including Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Nanning, Liuzhou, Laibin, and Guilin). During their stay in Guangxi, cross-border self-drive tour groups are not permitted to enter restricted areas such as military zones, or to drive, stop, park, or take photographs in unauthorized locations. They are also not allowed to enter other cities in Guangxi or other provinces, municipalities, or autonomous regions without prior approval. Individuals driving out of Dongxing to Ha Long City, Vietnam, can only stay along the highway and must not leave Guangning Province in Vietnam.
It is specified that vehicles exiting to Vietnam must have fewer than eight seats, while those entering Guangxi must have fewer than nine seats, with a maximum load capacity of eight passengers. Within the validity period of their visas, Vietnamese cross-border self-drive tour groups entering Guangxi can stay for no more than 10 days. In cases of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, or other force majeure events, the stay may be extended by up to three days, unless otherwise required by public security authorities.
Chinese travelers exiting via Dongxing for self-drive tours must go through travel agencies authorized to handle outbound services to arrange the necessary procedures, and must travel as part of a group. Their stay in Vietnam is limited to five days, extendable by one day in case of emergencies. Cross-border self-drive tours must enter and exit as a complete group, with participants holding valid passports and visas (except those eligible for visa exemption). Each self-drive tour group must consist of at least three vehicles (inclusive), but no more than ten. The total number of self-drive vehicles entering or exiting via Dongxing is capped at 50 per day, and no more than 300 per month.
Mr. Lu, a resident of Dongxing, said he had been following the policy for this self-drive route for years. Previously, he had to take buses to visit Ha Long Bay, so the opportunity to drive there himself is something he is very much looking forward to.
Ms. Qin Feiyan, scheduling manager at the Dongxing branch of Guangxi YunDe International Travel Agency Co., Ltd., noted that since the regular cross-border self-drive route between Dongxing and Mong Cai was launched, many travelers have been asking when they could drive to Ha Long Bay. Industry insiders believe this self-drive route will definitely become a popular option. Travelers just need to submit their vehicle registration, ID, visa, and insurance documents to a travel agency, and the process can be completed within two days.
Possible Increase in Quotas in the Future
Ms. Qin also mentioned that, considering the current visitor capacity limits in Ha Long Bay and the need to accommodate tour groups, the number of vehicles allowed to exit via Dongxing each day will be capped at 50 for the time being. Quotas for this self-drive route may be in high demand initially. The 50 daily quotas are not always available—for example, if 50 vehicles go to Vietnam on June 1, the next 50 won’t be allowed until June 5, after the first group returns. She believes that depending on future demand from both sides, the quota may be increased.
Mr. Fan, head of a travel agency based in Dongxing for many years, commented that although this self-drive route is indeed attractive to tourists, factors such as time and cost—including expenses for documentation, fuel, accommodation, meals, and visas, which are currently relatively high—will significantly influence the route’s popularity.
Is Five Days Enough for a Trip to Ha Long Bay?
For travelers going on a self-drive trip to Ha Long Bay, is five days enough? Traditionally, group bus tours from Dongxing to Ha Long Bay lasted four days and three nights. Driving from Dongxing to Ha Long now takes about three and a half hours, with three rest stops along the way. Compared to the bus tour, travelers now have an extra day and can even take a boat trip to Cat Ba Island. For most self-drive tourists, five days should generally be sufficient. Moreover, Vietnam is currently constructing a highway that, once completed, will reduce the travel time from Dongxing to Ha Long City to just one and a half hours.