Are there buses from the Vietnamese border at Hekou to Kunming?

Hi,

Well, I think the title says it all! I'm currently in Sapa and want to get to the Lao Cai border to head toward Kunming. For this route, I only see trains—one at 8:20 AM and the other at 9 AM. Are there any other means of transport to get to Kunming or go directly to Dali or Lijiang? Thanks for your quick replies since I'm leaving soon! Magos

Hi there, From what I remember, I think there are. Another option: Take the bus that leaves for Nan Sha at 9 AM, and from Nan Sha there are buses to Kunming. Hekou to Nan Sha takes about 3 hours following the Red River.

The 9 AM train is doable. You need to be there when it opens at 7 AM on the Vietnam side. The formalities go quickly. Then walk to the China side (+1 hour) and fill out the small form. After that, jump in a taxi. They wait at the exit. It takes 15 minutes max to get to the station. Last time, in July, I was out by 8:20 AM and arrived at Hekou bus station by 8:30 AM. But I was going to Nansha.