Vietnam adds rail links to China, Laos and Cambodia

Photo courtesy of VietnamNet

Vietnam has approved a major revision of its national railway plan, adding new standard-gauge routes that will strengthen domestic links and create direct rail connections towards China, Laos and Cambodia.

The updated master plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, was approved in Decision No. 1093 signed by Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy. It expands the future network while retaining investment plans for the country's seven existing routes, which cover about 2,510 kilometres.

Sixteen new standard-gauge routes

Vietnam plans 16 new lines built to the 1,435 mm standard gauge. Ten are scheduled for investment before and after 2030, including the 363-kilometre Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong line, the 156-kilometre Hanoi-Dong Dang route and the 187-kilometre Hai Phong-Ha Long-Mong Cai railway.

Southern projects include Bien Hoa-Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City-Loc Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho-Ca Mau and An Binh-Saigon-Tan Kien. Central Vietnam is set to receive the Vung Ang-Mu Gia and Thap Cham-Da Lat lines.

Six further routes are planned after 2030. The longest is a 555-kilometre corridor linking Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Lam Dong and Dong Nai. Other later projects include Ho Chi Minh City-Moc Bai, My Thuy-Lao Bao and Thai Nguyen-Tuyen Quang-Lao Cai.

High-speed and cross-border priorities

The plan also identifies two high-speed projects: the 1,541-kilometre North-South railway and a Hanoi-Quang Ninh line. The North-South project is scheduled in phases before and after 2030, while the Quang Ninh link is prioritised for development before 2030.

International connectivity is a central aim. The Hai Phong-Ha Long-Mong Cai route is intended to connect with China, the My Thuy-Lao Bao line with Laos, and the Ho Chi Minh City-Tay Ninh railway with Cambodia. By 2050, authorities also intend to modernise existing lines, increase passenger and freight capacity, and complete connections at major rail hubs.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

For expatriates, tourists and businesses, the plan points to broader travel and freight options over the long term rather than immediate timetable changes. Better rail access could make journeys between major cities, ports, industrial centres and border areas more practical, while new international links may support trade and regional tourism.

Most of the projects remain subject to phased investment extending beyond 2030, so travellers should continue to rely on current routes and official transport announcements. Businesses considering locations near proposed stations or logistics corridors should also treat the master plan as strategic direction, not a guarantee of near-term service.

23 July 2026