Longbang & Tra Linh Border Crossing

Important Note: A Local and Restricted Crossing

The border crossing at Tra Linh in Cao Bang Province, Vietnam, which connects to the Chinese port of Longbang, is a secondary border. While it has been upgraded and there are plans to develop it further, its current status as a designated international crossing for foreign tourists is not consistently guaranteed. It primarily serves commercial trade and local residents. It is essential for any traveler to verify the current operational status for their nationality before attempting to use this crossing. This guide is for informational purposes about this developing gateway. For a guaranteed crossing, the main Huu Nghi-Youyi Guan border is the most reliable option.

The Tra Linh-Longbang Crossing: A Gateway to the Karst Country

The border crossing at Tra Linh is located in the heart of the spectacular limestone karst landscape of Cao Bang Province in northern Vietnam. This is the region famous for the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall, which lies directly on the border with China. The Tra Linh-Longbang crossing is a gateway to this stunningly beautiful and remote part of the country. It is not a major highway crossing but a developing trade route, a passage through a world of dramatic, cone-shaped mountains, lush green valleys, and winding rivers. The atmosphere here is one of a rural frontier on the verge of significant change. New infrastructure is being built as part of a plan to create a new economic corridor, but for now, it remains a relatively quiet crossing. For the traveler, it offers a potential entry or exit point for a deep exploration of one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and least-visited provinces, a journey into a landscape that feels like a traditional Chinese painting brought to life.

A History on a Revolutionary Path

The history of this border is the history of the Vietnamese revolution. The Cao Bang province was the cradle of the modern Vietnamese state. It was here, at the Pac Bo cave just a short distance from the Chinese border, that Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam in 1941 after thirty years in exile to lead the independence movement against the French. The porous, mountainous border with China was his lifeline, a route for supplies, training, and sanctuary. The Tra Linh-Longbang crossing is located in this historic revolutionary heartland. For decades, it was a simple, informal crossing point, a trail used by revolutionaries and smugglers alike. Its development into a formal, modern land port is a recent phenomenon, driven by the desire of both Vietnam and China to boost trade and to bring economic development to their remote and often impoverished border provinces. It is a border that is moving from a past of revolutionary secrecy to a future of open commerce, a physical manifestation of the changing relationship between the two countries and the shifting economic priorities of the region.

The Border Crossing Procedure: A Developing Gateway

The facilities at this crossing have been upgraded, but it is not as accustomed to foreign tourists as the main gateways. The process should be straightforward if the border is open to your nationality, but you should be prepared for potential delays or confusion. You must have a valid Chinese visa obtained in advance.

Exiting Vietnam (Tra Linh): You will arrive at the Vietnamese border post. It is a functional, modern building. You will present your passport and your Chinese visa to the immigration officer and get your exit stamp. The customs check is likely to be a simple formality for a tourist. The officials may be less familiar with processing third-country nationals, so a degree of patience may be required.

The No-Man’s-Land: You will then cross a short neutral zone to the Chinese side. The area is scenic, surrounded by the characteristic karst peaks of the region.

Entering China (Longbang): You will enter the Chinese port of entry. The facilities on the Chinese side are typically very modern and can seem oversized for the current traffic. You will need to fill out an arrival card and have your fingerprints scanned. An immigration officer will carefully check your passport and visa before stamping you in. Your luggage will then be put through an X-ray scanner for a thorough customs inspection. The process on the Chinese side is always professional and security-focused, regardless of the size of the crossing.

Route, Onward Travel, and the Cao Bang Geopark

The main reason for a traveler to be in this region is to visit the stunning sights of the Cao Bang Geopark, including the Ban Gioc Waterfall and the Pac Bo Cave. The city of Cao Bang is the main base for exploring the region. From Cao Bang city, it is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to the Tra Linh border. On the Chinese side, from the Longbang border, the nearest major city is Jingxi in Guangxi province. From Jingxi, you can get buses to the larger city of Nanning. The main challenge of using this crossing is the uncertainty of its status and the limited public transport. You would likely need to hire a private car or motorbike to get to the border, and then rely on finding a shared taxi or local bus on the other side. This requires a degree of flexibility and adventure. The main tourist route remains the Huu Nghi pass, which has direct international bus services and is the guaranteed option for all foreign travelers.

Final Planning Advice for a Karst Country Route

The Tra Linh-Longbang crossing is a potentially exciting option for the experienced overland traveler who wants to explore the incredible beauty of Cao Bang province. However, it comes with significant risks. The most critical step is to get reliable, up-to-the-minute confirmation that the border is officially open to your nationality. This is not a crossing to just show up at. You must have your Chinese visa in advance. Be prepared for limited transport options and the need to be self-reliant. If you can confirm its status, this crossing offers a unique and beautiful passage through the heart of the stunning karst landscapes of the Sino-Vietnamese border. If not, the safe and reliable option is to travel via the main Friendship Pass at Huu Nghi. This border remains a tantalizing but uncertain gateway for the adventurous explorer.