The Hanoi–Dong Dang Railway is a dual-gauge railway, with a metre-gauge line for Vietnam Railways and a standard-gauge line for China Railways. There is a passenger service operated by China Railways that connects Hanoi to Nanning and Beijing.

[Dual-gauge track of the Hanoi-Dong Dang Railway at Bac Ninh.]

The current line is 162 km, but it takes 3.5 hours to travel from Gia Lam (Hanoi) to Dong Dang. The line is a single track and at grade, and the trains use diesel locomotives. The new line will be a double-tracked, standard-gauge, electric railway.

The upgrade is part of a plan to connect Vietnam to China with three railway lines. The upgrade of the Hanoi-Lao Cai Railway is currently underway, and a plan for the Hai Phong-Ha Long-Mong Cai Railway is also in development.

The Hanoi-Lao Cai Railway is planned to be a semi-high-speed railway (160 km/h). The speed of the new Hanoi-Dong Dang Railway hasn’t been announced, though it has been referred to as high-speed in local media. Some news sites in Vietnam refer to 160 km/h as high-speed, so it could be either.

There is a high-speed railway from Pingxiang to Nanning (250 km/h), so another possibility is that the line is built to accommodate this train.

This page keeps track of news updates, and it will be updated when significant announcements are made about the project.

Hanoi–Dong Dang Railway Map

[Map of Hanoi-Dong Dang Railway]

Links and Resources

Hanoi–Đồng Đăng railway – Wikipedia.

Hanoi–Dong Dang Railway – Travel guide.

News Archive

2026

Vietnam, China sign cooperation agreement on planning two railways – [25/03/26]

“Vietnam and China have signed a technical cooperation agreement on planning two standard-gauge railways Hanoi – Dong Dang and Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai, marking progress in bilateral railway connectivity.”

Vietnam plans two new rail links to China – [20/03/26]

“According to a report by the Ministry of Construction, planning is under way for the 156km Hanoi-Dong Dang line and the 187km Haiphong-Ha Long-Mong Cai route, with both expected to be finalised this year.

The lines will be built as double-track, standard-gauge railways of 1,435mm, with investment targeted before 2030.”

2025

Vietnam, China ink seven transport cooperation deals – [15/04/25]

“Four of the seven agreements relate to railway development. These include a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint committee for Vietnam–China railway cooperation and technical support from China for feasibility studies and planning of several standard-gauge rail lines, including Lao Cai–Hanoi–Haiphong, Dong Dang–Hanoi, and Mong Cai–Ha Long–Haiphong.”

2024

Vietnam and China agree to build three key railway lines – [11/12/24]

“The agreement between the two governments to cooperate on the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong, Lang Son–Hanoi, and Mong Cai–Ha Long–Hai Phong railway projects is seen as a major step forward in infrastructure development.”

President Xi Jinping hastens construction of 3 Vietnam-China rail routes – [19/11/24]

“Last month, the Vietnamese Ministry of Transport said it was drafting plans to invest $13 billion in building and upgrading two rail routes linking with China: the 156-kilometer Hanoi-Dong Dang route and the 187-kilometer Hai Phong-Ha Long-Mong Cai route.”

Vietnam invites China railway builder to join project linking 2 nations, begin in 2025 – [07/11/24]

“He also suggested CRCC join other key traffic projects of Vietnam, including the Hanoi-Lang Son railway, Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong railway, North-South high-speed railway, and border expressways linking Vietnam-China.”

Vietnam plans to invest $13 bln in 2 railways linking to China – [27/10/24]

“The 156-kilometer Hanoi-Dong Dang railway (linking Hanoi capital city with Lang Son province bordering China) is set to have an investment of $6 billion.

Based on its 1,435 millimeter gauge, the passenger train and cargo train can run at 160 and 120 kilometers per hour, respectively.”

PM requests prioritized investment into railways linking with China – [24/10/24]

“He suggested the two sides continue enhancing high-level exchanges and meetings, and foster practical collaboration in all areas, particularly pushing ahead the construction of the three standard-gauge railways of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong, Lang Son – Hanoi, and Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong to promote connectivity between the two economies.”

Vietnam Party chief welcomes China’s engagement in 3 railway projects – [20/08/24]

“…Li showed China’s readiness to improve the rail linkage between Vietnam and Europe via China and accelerate the feasibility study of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway. In addition, he agreed to make planning for the Dong Dang-Hanoi and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong railways.”

Vietnam Railway proposes US$87 million for Hanoi–Dong Dang railway upgrade – [22/07/24]

“The Vietnam Railway is proposing an investment of over VND2.2 trillion (US$87 million) to upgrade the Hanoi – Dong Dang railway line. This project is part of a broader initiative to modernize and enhance the railway network.”

Vietnam plans 3 railway links with China under Belt and Road Initiative – [27/06/24]

“Speaking at the Vietnam-China strategic transport infrastructure development cooperation conference held in Beijing, Chinh said the three railway routes under consideration are Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong, Lang Son-Hanoi, and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong.”

Prime Minister: Prioritize investment in the Hanoi – Lang Son high-speed railway. – [21/04/24]

“Specifically, the Prime Minister emphasized the mobilization of resources; prioritizing investment in key, strategic projects that directly impact socio-economic development goals and have a significant ripple effect, especially the Hanoi-Lang Son high-speed railway connecting with China and the construction of smart border gates.”

Government says high-speed rail route to China priority – [09/04/24]

“The government has decided to prioritize the construction of two high-speed railroad lines in the north before 2030, including one connecting with China.

They are the Hanoi – Lang Son line, which will extend to the Chinese border, and a line connecting Hanoi with Lao Cai Province, home to Sa Pa City, passing through the port city of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh Province, home to Ha Long Bay.”

2023

Vietnam, China to enhance railway connectivity under Belt Road Initiative – [14/12/23]

“The two governments will promote a 1.435m- gauge railway across the Vietnam-China border, study and push for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong standard-gauge line. The port city of Hai Phong is Vietnam’s international gateway in the northern region.

They will also study the Dong Dang-Hanoi and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong standard-gauge routes at appropriate times.”

2016

Vietnam province proposes high-speed rail link with China – [02/11/16]

“The administration of a northern Vietnamese province bordering China has called on the government to consider its plan to build a new high-speed railway, compatible with the rail in the Chinese province of Guangxi.”

The Ha Long – Mong Cai Railway is a proposed railway connecting Ha Long City in Quang Ninh Province to Mong Cai on the Vietnam-China border. There is also a proposed Mong Cai-Van Don high-speed railway, which is a shorter route connecting the Van Don economic zone to the border.

China has built a high-speed railway from Fangchenggang to Dongxing, on the other side of the border of Mong Cai. This railway is also referred to in China as the China-Vietnam high-speed railway.

Van Don is approximately 50 km from Ha Long City, and a proposal has been made for an urban railway (monorail) linking Ha Long to Van Don.

If the railway is built, it will be the third railway connection between Vietnam and China (the others being Lao Cai-Hekou and Dong Dang-Pingxiang on the Hanoi-Nanning Railway).

Ha Long – Mong Cai Railway map

[Map of Ha Long – Mong Cai Railway.]

News Archive

2026

Vietnam, China sign cooperation agreement on planning two railways – [25/03/26]

“Vietnam and China have signed a technical cooperation agreement on planning two standard-gauge railways Hanoi – Dong Dang and Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai, marking progress in bilateral railway connectivity.”

2025

Haiphong – Ha Long – Mong Cai Railway planned post-2030 – [29/09/25]
“The 187-km Haiphong – Ha Long – Mong Cai railway line will be approximately 187 km long is part of the Master Plan for Vietnam’s Railway Network for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050.”

Vietnam, China ink seven transport cooperation deals – [15/04/25]
“Four of the seven agreements relate to railway development. These include a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint committee for Vietnam–China railway cooperation and technical support from China for feasibility studies and planning of several standard-gauge rail lines, including Lao Cai–Hanoi–Haiphong, Dong Dang–Hanoi, and Mong Cai–Ha Long–Haiphong.”

2024

Vietnam and China agree to build three key railway lines – [11/22/24]
“The agreement between the two governments to cooperate on the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong, Lang Son–Hanoi, and Mong Cai–Ha Long–Hai Phong railway projects is seen as a major step forward in infrastructure development.”

President Xi Jinping hastens construction of 3 Vietnam-China rail routes – [19/11/24]
“Last month, the Vietnamese Ministry of Transport said it was drafting plans to invest $13 billion in building and upgrading two rail routes linking with China: the 156-kilometer Hanoi-Dong Dang route and the 187-kilometer Hai Phong-Ha Long-Mong Cai route.”

Vietnam invites China railway builder to join project linking 2 nations, begin in 2025 – [07/11/24]
“He also suggested CRCC join other key traffic projects of Vietnam, including the Hanoi-Lang Son railway, Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong railway, North-South high-speed railway, and border expressways linking Vietnam-China.”

Vietnam plans to invest $13 bln in 2 railways linking to China – [27/10/24]
“The 187-kilometer Hai Phong-Ha Long-Mong Cai is set to link Hai Phong city with Quang Ninh province and with China at the Mong Cai international gateway.

Running on 1,435-milimeter gauge, the project can have an investment of $7 billion and transport cargoes at 120 kilometers per hour and passengers at 160 kilometers per hour.”

Planning for two railway lines connecting China to be completed in 2025 – [25/10/24]
“Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai railway project, about 187km long, belongs to the railway line Quang Ninh – Hai Phong – Thai Binh – Nam Dinh; starting point at Nam Dinh Vu station (Hai An ward, Hai Phong city), ending point at the rail junction near Bac Luan bridge area (Mong Cai city, Quang Ninh province). The route connects the northern coastal provinces and international transit connection with China through Mong Cai international border gate.

Estimated investment scale: 1.435mm track gauge, electrification, passenger and cargo transport; passenger train speed 160km/h, cargo train about 120km/h; total estimated investment about 7 billion USD.”

PM requests prioritized investment into railways linking with China – [24/10/24]
“He suggested the two sides continue enhancing high-level exchanges and meetings, and foster practical collaboration in all areas, particularly pushing ahead the construction of the three standard-gauge railways of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong, Lang Son – Hanoi, and Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong to promote connectivity between the two economies.”

Vietnam Party chief welcomes China’s engagement in 3 railway projects – [20/08/24]
“…Li showed China’s readiness to improve the rail linkage between Vietnam and Europe via China and accelerate the feasibility study of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway. In addition, he agreed to make planning for the Dong Dang-Hanoi and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong railways.”

Vietnam plans 3 railway links with China under Belt and Road Initiative – [27/06/24]
“Speaking at the Vietnam-China strategic transport infrastructure development cooperation conference held in Beijing, Chinh said the three railway routes under consideration are Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong, Lang Son-Hanoi, and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong.”

[Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the Vietnam-China strategic transport infastructure development cooperation conference in Beijing, June 27, 2024. Photo courtesy of the government’s news portal.]

Chinese giants keen on Vietnam metro railway projects – [25/06/24]
“Chinh also mentioned current bilateral cooperation in building transnational railway routes, including one connecting Hanoi, Lao Cai province and Hai Phong city; another linking Lang Son province and Hanoi; and yet another between Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city.”

‘Determined to implement the Northern high-speed railway project – [25/06/24]
“Vietnam wishes to exchange and find opportunities for cooperation, and hopes that China will support Vietnam in design, construction, and technology transfer, especially in developing railway projects from Yunnan through Lao Cai to Hai Phong, Lang Son route to Hanoi, Dong Hung route to Mong Cai, to Hai Phong.”

Vietnam encourages Chinese investment in railway, energy projects – [24/06/24]
“In particular, the two sides agreed to connect standard gauge railways across the border by developing standard gauge railway routes of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong; Dong Dang – Hanoi; and Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong, so as to create an important infrastructure system to promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation.”

2023

Vietnam, China to enhance railway connectivity under Belt Road Initiative – [14/12/23]
“They will also study the Dong Dang-Hanoi and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong standard-gauge routes at appropriate times.”

Ha Long-Mong Cai railway proposed – [25/10/23]
“The northern province of Quang Ninh has just proposed to the Ministry of Transport to add a railway project connecting Ha Long and Mong Cai cities into the list of projects to be carried out by the Vietnam Railway Authority.”

PM calls for expansion of railway links between Vietnam, China – [16/09/23]
“He suggested that the Power China explore cooperation in Vietnam’s priority areas, including infrastructure – one of Vietnam’s three strategic breakthroughs. Specifically, he proposed exploring the possibility of investing in China – Quang Ninh – Hai Phong and Lang Son – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway lines, with the commitment to translating these ideas into concrete actions and achieving tangible results.”

China begins construction of high-speed railway link to Vietnam – [09/08/23]
“The railway between Fangchenggang and Dongxing, in South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, spans a distance of 46.9 kilometers (km), and has a designed speed of 200 km per hour. Infrastructure is being built with conditions to upgrade the travel speed to 250 km per hour in the future.”

Quang Ninh will have 3 urban railway lines – [27/03/23]

China-Vietnam high-speed railway to be completed before end of year – [24/02/23]

2021

China’s first high-speed railway connecting port bordering Vietnam cuts through all tunnels – [10/11/21]

2019

Adjusted master plan of Ha Long city to 2040, vision to 2050 – [30/06/19]
“Exploiting and using Yen Vien – Cai Lan railway, arranging corridors to reserve Ha Long – Mong Cai railway along Ha Long – Van Don – Mong Cai expressways to develop passenger and cargo transport.”

Billion-USD projects make 2019 promising for property market – [04/01/19]
“In the northeast province of Quang Ninh, the Vision Transportation Group (VTG), Hai Dang JSC, and Sunny World Property Development Corp Businesses proposed three large-scale projects with total investment amounting to 10-15 billion USD, in Van Don island, which is targeted to become a special economic zone.

Those include a high-speed railway route linking Mong Cai and Van Don, the Hon Net – Con Ong complex of seaport, industrial and urban areas, and the urban complex in the north of Cai Bau island.

The proposed Van Don – Mong Cai railway will have a length of 100km, connecting Mong Cai border gate with Van Don special economic zone, with the central station located at the North Cai Bau urban complex. It will be used for passengers and improve transportation.”

2018

$15-billion projects proposed for Van Don – [02/05/18]
“The three super projects in Van Don Special Administrative-Economic Zone are Mong Cai-Van Don high-speed railway, Hon Net-Con Ong deep seaport and industrial urban zone, and complex urban area in the north of Cai Bau Island.”

“…the Van Don-Mong Cai high-speed railway project will have the length of 100km, connecting Mong Cai border gate to Van Don special administrative economic zone with the central station located at an urban complex in the north of Cai Bau Island. It will be used for passengers and cargo transportation, as well as strengthen connectivity of transportation and urban infrastructure not only in Van Don but also across provinces.”

2017

Current status and strategy to development Viet Nam railway by 2020, vision to 2050 – [13/06/17]
This report from Vietnam Railway Authority mentions the railway in the section for the national railway network 2020-2030.
“To study the plan on building new routes connecting seaports, industrial parks and tourism”.
Ha Long – Mong Cai 150 km.

The Vientiane – Vung Ang railway is a proposed railway connecting Vientiane in Laos to the Vung Ang seaport in Vietnam. Vung Ang is the closest feasible seaport to Vientiane, thus the railway would enable landlocked Laos access to a deep seaport for shipping. The railway would also interchange with Vietnam’s North-South railway, opening up the prospect of a Hanoi-Vientiane railway service.

If the line connects to the Laos-China railway in Vientiane, the catchment area for freight shipment will extend into Northern Laos and Southern China.

The proposed line is 555 km in total – 452 km in Laos and 103 km in Vietnam. Each country has pledged to finance and build their own section. The total estimated cost is over 5 billion USD.

The Vung Ang seaport in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province will be jointly developed by the two countries. Laos will hold a 60% stake in the project, and Vietnam with 40%.

A feasibility study was commissioned in 2015 by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and in 2017 it was announced that the project was viable.

In 2019 an Indonesian consortium announced it begin work on the Laos section in 2021. The leaders of Laos and Vietnam met in August 2021 and pledged to accelerate the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway, though no dates were given.

In March 2022 it was announced that Laos would assume management of Vung Ang seaport in July, and then it was announced that the railway would begin construction in November 2022.

The project will now be built as a public–private partnership between Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PTL) and Vietnam’s Deo Ca Group JSC. The new construction timeline is to begin construction in 2026 and be completed by 2030.

This line will also form the first section of the proposed Vientiane – Champasak Railway.

Vientiane – Vung Ang Railway Map

This map shows the locations that are part of the project but not the actual station locations.

[Map of Vientiane – Vung Ang railway.]

Links And Resources

Feasibility Study for Railway Link between Laos and Vietnam

News Archive

2026

Signing of Concession Agreement for Laos-Vietnam Railway Project (Thakhek-Mu Gia), an important step in transforming Laos into a regional and international connectivity hub – [06/04/26]

Lao–Vietnam Railway project: a new phase development strategy for regional connectivity (article in Thai) – [25/03/26] Translated article here.

Laos seeks approval for USD 1.3 billion railway to Vietnam – [24/03/26]

“The Lao government has submitted a proposal to the National Assembly to move forward with a planned railway linking Laos to Vietnam’s Vung Ang Port.”

2025

Laos–Vietnam railway construction to begin in 2026, operations targeted for 2030 [07/12/25]
“The strategic route will connect Vientiane to Vietnam’s Vung Ang Port, giving Laos critical access to maritime trade routes for the first time. The project is being implemented as a public–private partnership between Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PTL) and Vietnam’s Deo Ca Group JSC.”

Enhanced cooperation to boost Laos’ connectivity with Vietnam’s central coastal ports – [04/12/25]
“At the meeting, the two ministers also reviewed progress on other key transport infrastructure projects linking the two countries, including the Hanoi – Vientiane expressway and the Vung Ang – Vientiane railway.”

Laos, Vietnam agree to forge ahead with transport projects – [14/11/25]
“The governments of Laos and Vietnam have agreed to speed up joint ventures that will boost regional connectivity and economic growth, especially the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway, the Laos-Vietnam railway, and the Vung Ang seaport.”

Major infrastructure push targets road, rail, and waterway upgrades in Laos – [30/09/25]
“Feasibility studies and design work are currently underway for the Vientiane–Thakhek–Naphao line connecting to Vietnam’s Vung Ang port, the Kaisone Phomvihane City–Dansavanh route in Savannakhet province, and the Vientiane–Champasack Railway Project.”

Vietnam – Laos Prime Ministers agree to promote high-speed and railway projects – [30/05/25]
“…both PMs emphasised the need to strengthen connectivity between their economies in terms of transport infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and tourism, including accelerating the construction of Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway and the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway.”

Vietnamese PM meets with Lao counterpart on ASEAN Summit sidelines – [26/05/25]
“Economic cooperation took centre stage in their discussion as both PMs emphasised the need to strengthen connectivity between their economies in terms of transport infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and tourism, including accelerating the construction of Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway and the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway”.

Laos, Vietnam review bilateral cooperation, discuss plans for 2025 – [10/01/25]
“According to a report from the committee, infrastructure projects, such as the joint development of Vung Ang Port in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province, a railway to link Laos with the port and Vientiane-Hanoi Highway, will be prioritised to strengthen connectivity.”

2024

Laos, Vietnam take steps to complete agreed upon construction projects – [18/12/24]
“The two ministries also agreed to source funding to implement strategic projects such as the construction of an expressway between Vientiane and Hanoi, a railway linking Thakhaek, the capital of the central Lao province of Khammuan, to the Vung Ang seaport in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province, and other key transport projects.”

Lao, Vietnamese leaders advance plans for rail, road connections – [29/10/24]
“On 23 October, during a meeting at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Laos’ President Thongloun Sisoulith and Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh agreed to expedite the Thakhaek-Vung Ang seaport rail link.”

Laos-Vietnam highway, high-speed railway face funding issues – [21/10/24]
“Laos’ large national debt has stopped progress on the railway and held back plans for a Vientiane-Hanoi expressway.”

S. Korea pleased to support Laos as vital logistics hub – [17/10/24]
“South Korea is pleased to consider Laos’ proposal for assistance with the construction of the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway and the Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway.”

The Prime Minister talked about the cooperation plan to build highways and railways connecting Vietnam – Laos – [07/01/24]

2023

Lao officials, villagers in the dark about impacts of new railway – [24/10/23]
“The project to construct a route to a Vietnamese seaport is expected to be completed by 2028.”

Vietnam-Laos joint venture allowed to develop railway project – [19/10/23]
“A joint venture between Vietnamese infrastructure developer Deo Ca Group JSC and Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PetroTrade) has been allowed to develop a railway project linking the two countries.”

Investors to do pre-feasibility study for Vietnam-Laos railway section – [17/10/23]
“The Ministry of Transport has allowed a joint venture between Laos Petrotrade and Deo Ca Group to conduct a pre-feasibility study for a section of the Vietnam-Laos railway project.”

Laos-Vietnam railway set to open for service in 2028 – [04/09/23]
“The Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PTL), in cooperation with Yooshin Engineering Corporation and Korea National Railway, will conduct a detailed design study of the railway before construction begins.”

Railway proposed to link Vung Ang to Laos – [24/08/23]
“A consortium has put forth a proposal to develop a 103-kilometer section of the Vietnam-Laos railway project with an investment cost of VND27,485 billion.

The consortium, consisting of Deoca Group and Petroleum Trading Lao Public (PetroTrade), has sought the Ministry of Transport’s permission to explore a railway route passing through Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces, which share a border with Laos.”

How Vietnam’s infrastructure incapacity undermines its geoeconomic ambitions – [03/08/23]
“The lack of progress on the 555-kilometer railway linking Vung Ang to the Lao capital Vientiane contrasts starkly with the recently completed Kunming-Vientiane line.”

Laos-Vietnam railway construction could begin by year end: developer – [21/04/23]
“It is expected that the first section of the railway to be built will be the 139.18-km track between the Vietnamese border and Thakhaek – the capital of central Khammuan province.”

The Laos-Vietnam Railway will bring more convenient transport conditions for Asia-Potash – [17/03/23]

Deo Ca Group, Petro Trade join hands in Vietnam-Laos railway project – [01/03/23]
“As part of the deal, Deo Ca Group and Petro Trade will construct a 103-kilometer section of the railway between Vung Ang Port and Mu Gia Pass in Quang Binh Province costing VND27,485 billion.”

Deoca, PetroTrade plan $6.3 bln railway connecting Vientiane with Vietnam port – [01/03/23]
“Vietnam’s Deoca Group said on Wednesday it had set up a joint venture with Laos’ Petroleum Trading Lao (PetroTrade) to study the possibility of jointly building a railway connecting the two countries, with a possible price tag of 149.55 trillion dong ($6.31 billion).”

2022

Construction of Thakhek-Vung Ang seaport railway link expected to begin early next year – [22/12/22]

Vietnamese group Deoca, foreign partners aim to build railways in HCMC, Laos – [10/07/22]
“Deoca Group is working with foreign partners to study construction of Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 2 and a railway connecting Vung Ang Economic Zone in central Vietnam to Vientiane.”

Laos-Vietnam railway project to link Vientiane with Thakhek – [01/07/22]

FLC Group to help build $5bn railway From Vientiane to Hà Tĩnh – [23/03/22]

FLC and Petrotrade sign investment and construction contract for railway project connecting Laos and Vietnam – [23/03/22]

Work on Vientiane-Vung Ang railway expected to start in November – [18/03/22]

Work on Vientiane-Vung Ang railway expected to start in November – [17/03/22]
“The railway, estimated to cost US$5 billion, is a proposed line that the Lao and Vietnamese governments have agreed to jointly develop…A feasibility study on the 554km railway has been completed, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PetroTrade), Mr Chanthone Sitthixay, told the President of the National Assembly, Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, recently.”

2021

Laos-Vietnam friendship and solidarity year to be celebrated next year – [10/08/21]
“Laos and Vietnam have agreed to celebrate 2022 as Laos-Vietnam Friendship and Solidarity Year.”

Vietnam, Laos ink series of agreements – [10/08/21]
“In the working session with Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh on the same day, the two leaders talked about measures to promote trade and investment, and the acceleration of some projects including Vung Ang No.1, 2, 3 port projects, the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway, Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway, Lao-Vietnam Friendship Park in Vientiane, Nongkhang Airport and hospitals in Lao Houaphan and Xiangkhouang Provinces.”

[Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh on August 9. Photo: VNA]

Laos: Vientiane Logistics Park project prepares for soft opening, linking with Laos-China railway – [24/07/21]
“The TDP and VLP are set to connect to a number of mega trade infrastructure projects that are also part of the Laos Logistics Link. These include the Vung Ang seaport in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province, which the Lao and Vietnamese governments have agreed to jointly develop, the planned railway to link the Lao capital of Vientiane with the Vung Ang seaport”.

Viet Nam, Laos agree to seek investments for strategic transport projects – [26/06/21]
“Viet Nam and Laos have agreed to work together to seek investments for strategic transport connectivity projects, including the Ha Noi-Vientiane expressway and Vientiane-Vung Ang railway.”

Vietnam’s tug of war with China over Laos – [12/05/21]
“…Laos also has a strategic interest in maintaining a warm relationship with Vietnam. Being landlocked, Vietnam provides the best route for Laos to access the sea for trade. Infrastructure projects to connect Laos with Vietnam’s key economic centres, including a proposed railway from Vientiane to the central Vietnamese deep-water port of Vung Ang, are being considered. Chinese infrastructure financing has also left Laos with a heavy burden of debt and vulnerable to Beijing’s manipulation. Vietnam offers a counterweight to this trend. The best strategy for Laos is to walk the line between its two bigger neighbours and benefit from both.”

2020

Study set for Laos-Vietnam Railway Project – [13/10/20]
“Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PetroTrade) has signed an agreement with the National Consulting Group Sole Co Ltd to conduct an environmental and social impact assessment to ensure the Laos-Vietnam Railway Project is developed in compliance with international environmental and social standards.”

2019

3rd Meeting of Working Group on Dry Ports [PDF] – [13-14 November 2019]
Logistics Strategy and Logistics Development Plan in Lao PDR.

Indonesia announces start date for $1.9bn Vietnam-Laos rail link – [22/10/19]
“The Indonesia Railway Development Consortium has announced plans to begin work in 2021 on a 400km rail line between Vietnam and Laos for a price of $1.9bn”

Indonesian consortium plans $2 billion Vietnam-Laos railway link – [22/10/19]

Laos plans to begin work on Laos-Vietnam railway in 2021 – [17/10/19]
“The Lao Government has entrusted the Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PetroTrade) to conduct a feasibility study on a Laos-Vietnam railway project, the Vientiane Times reported.”

Lao, Vietnamese PMs push for mega infrastructure projects – [05/06/19]
“The governments of Laos and Vietnam have agreed to jointly develop the Vung Ang seaport in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province.

It was reported previously that Laos would hold a stake of up to 60 percent in the project, while Vietnam will hold the remaining 40 percent. The Lao government envisages that the seaport will be a key trade route for the landlocked nation. 

The two sides signed an agreement earlier this year pledging to work together to fuulfil the planned project, known as the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway.

The 555-km railway will cover 452km in Laos and 103km in Vietnam.

Each side pledged to seek financing to build the section of railway on its soil, according to the agreement on exploring potentials to realise the railway project.”

Experts question need for proposed Laos-Vietnam rail link – [08/03/19]
“A railway connecting the Lao capital Vientiane with the port of Vung Ang on Vietnam’s coast may have trouble finding lenders to finance the project, plans for which were announced at the end of February by Lao and Vietnamese leaders, experts say.”

Laos, Vietnam seek funds for cross-border railway – [27/02/19]
“The two sides signed an agreement in Vientiane on Sunday, pledging to work together to realise the planned project, known as the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway, local daily Vientiane Times reported yesterday.”

Lao-Vietnamese Presidents agreed to further strengthen ties – [26/02/19]
“The Two sides agreed to further strengthen their great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with the signing of 9 cooperation agreements related to financial cooperation, construction of Vientiane-Vung Ang railway, electricity and mines development and other relevant agreements were also signed.”

2018

Vientiane – Vung Ang railway needs over 5 billion USD – [04/05/18]
“More than 5 billion USD is needed to build a railway linking the Lao capital of Vientiane with Vung Ang seaport in Vietnam, according to research conducted under a technical support project for the railway’s feasibility study.”

2017

Feasibility study says Laos-Vietnam railway doable – [11/12/17]
“Two years ago, Lao, Vietnamese and Korean experts and officials met in the capital of Laos to commence a study on the feasibility of a proposed 555km railway that would link Vientiane, passing through Thakaek (Khammouane) to Vung Ang Port in Vietnam. Last week, that feasibility study was declared complete. The railway was announced to be a viable project, worth pursuing.”

Study recommends 150km speed for Vientiane-Vung Ang railway. – [01/12/17]

Govt takes step to develop VungAng Seaport – [25/05/17]
“During last month’s visit to Laos by Vietnam’s Prime Minister, the two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to work together to develop the Vientiane-Thakhaek-Muya railway, linking Vientiane with the VungAng seaport.”

Plans gather steam for railway linking Vientiane to Vietnamese seaport – [18/05/17]

Vietnamese Prime Minister pays an official visit to Laos – [26/04/17]
“The two Prime Ministers also signed and witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements on a joint venture project to develop Vung Ang Port as a Lao-Vietnamese port; the building of a railway stretching from Vientiane through Thakhek, Mayu, and Ton Ob to Vung Ang”.

2016

A Vietnam-Laos railway could be on the horizon – [10/03/16]
“The study, funded by the International Cooperation Agency of Korea (KOICA), will review the planning, potential railway site, traffic demand forecast, economic analysis and financial feasibility of the proposed railway”.

Feasibility study for Laos-Vietnam railway begins – [25/02/16]
“A feasibility study for a railway linking the Lao capital of Vientiane with Vung Ang seaport in central Ha Tinh province of Vietnam has begun, a senior Lao official has said.”

2015

South Korea to help Laos with rail link plan – [19/10/15]
“The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will provide US$3 million (Bt106 million) in aid to help Laos conduct a feasibility study for a railway link from Vientiane to Vung Ang, Vietnam.”

Vietnam to add new line to China-Southeast Asia rail network – [08/10/15]
“A rail link is now being planned between the central province of Ha Tinh and Laos capital city Vientiane, as part of a network between China and Southeast Asian countries.”

RoK finances 550 km railway feasibility study – [22/07/15]
“The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has provided a grant of US$3 million for a two-year feasibility study for the proposed 550 km railway. The study will be conducted through 2017.”

2010

The Study on the Development Plan of Thakek-Vung Ang Gateway between Lao PDR and Vietnam – [March 2010]
(The New East-West Corridor for North-Eastern Thailand, Lao PDR, and Vietnam) Study Report

Thailand is spending billions of baht in double tracking its antiquated metre-gauge railway network, which will not significantly improve train speeds. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s grand master plan is making Thailand’s plan look mediocre by comparison. Here is what Thailand is planning, and what they should do instead.

In 2017, the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) unveiled a 20-year master plan for rail development. The PDF report can be found here:

Rail Development Master Plan to Facilitate Special Economic Zones, Tourism and Local Area Development

Bangkok Post published a summary if you don’t feel like slogging through a 158-page report: OTP unveils 20-year master rail plan.

The plan involves converting the metre-gauge single-track railway network to a double-track network, as well as building standard-gauge high-speed railways.

At the time of the report, the single-track network was 3,763 km, while the double and third-track networks were 280 km. The plan proposes reducing the single-track network to 770 km while increasing the double and third-track networks to 5,625 km. The plan also includes 2,506 km of high-speed railway.

My biggest issue with Thailand’s railway development plan is that they are building this dual-gauge railway system when they should have phased out the metre-gauge railway completely and invested in a modern standard-gauge railway.

I’ve already written about the mixed-gauge mess of Thailand’s railways, so I will be ploughing some old territory here. There have been some recent developments and regional news stories that have got me thinking about Thailand’s rail development plan again.

The Chiang Mai high-speed railway and the Lopburi Bypass

The 20-year master plan includes the Bangkok-Chiang Mai high-speed railway. The Bangkok-Phitsanulok section was proposed to be built in the middle-term phase (between 2022 and 2026), and the Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai section in the long-term phase (from 2027 to 2036).

We are now in the final year of the middle-term phase, and the Chiang Mai high-speed railway is technically still alive, but the probability of it being built is low.

While the prospects of a standard-gauge railway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai are slipping away, the State Railway of Thailand are continuing their plan to double-track the current metre-gauge railway on the Northern Line.

The double tracking of the Lop Buri-Pak Nam Pho section is a 145-kilometre line which includes a 19km elevated section (the longest elevated railway in Thailand). The elevated section bypasses Lopburi, and a new station (Lopburi 2) has been built to serve trains that use the bypass. The old Lopburi station is still used for local trains.

The Lopburi bypass opened in December 2025, and I took the train from Chiang Mai to Lopburi so I could see the bypass for myself.

Lopburi 2 Station is on the elevated section, about 8 km west of Lopburi city. Most of the express trains on the Northern Line use this station, and a free shuttle service operates between Lopburi 2 Station and Lopburi Station.

I took the shuttle to Lopburi Station, and after staying in Lopburi, I took the commuter train from the old Lopburi Station to Bangkok.

The line that goes through Lopburi is still used for some through services, but what surprised me more was that the line is still used for freight. What was the point of building a city bypass if freight trains are still going through the city?

The Lopburi bypass is a substantial amount of concrete that resembles a structure that would serve a high-speed railway, but this is for diesel trains on the metre-gauge railway.

If Thailand were still considering building a high-speed railway to Chiang Mai, it would need to construct another viaduct for the high-speed railway.

Thailand is currently building a high-speed railway from Bangkok to Nong Khai, and it is also double-tracking the existing single-track metre-gauge railway in the same corridor. If the Bangkok-Chiang Mai high-speed railway were ever to be built, then the Northern corridor would also have the same duplication of railways as the Northeastern corridor is currently undergoing.

Vietnam is planning what Thailand should have done

Vietnam’s economy shifted up a gear in 2025, and the rest of Southeast Asia is taking notice. The rise of Vietnam has been acknowledged at the highest level in Thailand, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stating that it is a “nightmare” to see Thailand’s economy lagging behind Vietnam’s.

While reviewing Thailand’s unambitious 20-year master plan, I can’t help but compare it to Vietnam’s ambitious high-speed railway plan. Vietnam plans to build a high-speed railway from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. 

The line will be a standard-gauge double-track railway with a top speed of 350 km/h. It will reduce travel time between the two cities from 35-40 hours to about 5.5 hours, and it will make flying between some cities redundant.

Like Thailand, Vietnam currently has a single-track metre-gauge railway system with trains powered by diesel engines. Vietnam did consider upgrading the metre-gauge line, but a report in 2013 concluded that it would be cheaper to build a new line than to rehabilitate the old line. 

To be fair to Thailand, Vietnam is talking big, but they have no track record of building any new national railway lines. The high-speed railway plan has been talked about since 2005, and the last time they tried to rebuild a railway, they gave up halfway through. 

Cities in Vietnam have also been slow to build urban railways, with Hanoi breaking the record in Asia for the longest time to complete a first metro line, while Ho Chi Minh City took 12 years to build the first metro line that was supposed to take 6 years.

What Thailand’s 20-year master plan for rail development should have looked like

The current 20-year master plan involves double-tracking the current metre-gauge network while planning to build high-speed railways in the same corridors. 

To quote the master plan:

“Development of master plan. It will help to transport passengers and rail freight faster, safer and more punctual. The dual system will reduce delays and uncertainty. Because of waiting It also increases the frequency of service. It is expected that the train will be able to service at an average speed of 90 km / hr. and the car can be served at an average speed of 70 km / hr. The hourly rate of all services is expected to increase to 80%.”

The double tracking will improve service frequencies as trains will no longer have to wait at passing loops for other trains to pass. There will be some speed improvements, but ultimately, it won’t be enough to shift travellers from air travel to train travel.

What the master plan for rail development in Thailand should have done was to systematically phase out the metre gauge railways, one region at a time. 

All the lines should be standard-gauge, with a high-speed railway in the Nong Khai-Bangkok and Bangkok-Padang Besar corridor, as well as Bangkok-Chiang Mai. For the other lines, a semi-high-speed railway (160 km/h) like the Laos-China Railway would have been sufficient.

Thailand needs to be more ambitious

Renovating the old system instead of building a modern railway is symbolic of the malaise that Thailand currently finds itself in.

There has been a lot of self-flagellation in the local media over the last year about how Thailand’s economy is adrift. In February 2026, the Financial Times published an article about how Thailand became the ‘sick man’ of Asia, and the title has stuck. That title is unfair (I would say it is the Philippines), but the article got more people talking about the economy.

Articles in the local media continue to compare Thailand’s lagging economy with Vietnam’s rise, but this article’s headline mentions the bigger problem:

Thailand is spooked by Vietnam’s ascent – but what’s scarier is Bangkok’s lack of big ideas

Economic rivalry with your regional neighbours is good, as it keeps your own economy competitive. Thailand’s tourism industry has been coasting on its “Land of Smiles” reputation for decades, so the rise of Vietnam has been a wake-up call. The Bangkok Post ran with the headline, “war room touted amid Vietnam rivalry“, which could have been more tastefully written given the two countries’ history.

Bangkok has been throwing around some big ideas, but those ideas have been like throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks. Some ideas include casinos, a Disney park, and the Land Bridge project.

Build the high-speed railway instead of the Land Bridge

I have already written about why the Thailand Land Bridge is a bad idea. As an alternative, I would suggest fast-tracking the proposed high-speed railway from Bangkok to Padang Besar.

The Land Bridge is being championed as an economic boost for the south, but a high-speed railway passing through the major cities will be more beneficial. For example, Hat Yai is still recovering from the catastrophic flood of 2025. There was the usual post-disaster talk of how to help Hat Yai recover, but one thing that will not help it recover is the Land Bridge.

If Thailand is prepared to spend one trillion baht on something, then spend it on the high-speed railway.

The current train from Bangkok to Hat Yai Junction takes between 14 and 16 hours to cover the 945 km distance.

When I calculated the travel times of the Vietnam high-speed railway, I used the Beijing-Shanghai HSR as an example. It has an operating speed of 350 km/h, and averaged out, it takes 291.9 km/h.

Using this metric, a high-speed railway at 350 km/h would travel from Bangkok to Hat Yai in about 3 hours and 15 minutes. Not only would this be competitive with air travel, but it would also transform the cities in the path, such as Hua Hin, Chumphon, and Surat Thani. With a high-speed railway to the south, why not make a branch to Phuket instead of the proposed metre-gauge railway?

In the master plan document (3.4.4 Necessity of High-Speed Rail System Development in Thailand), it states:

“The high-speed rail system will bring a new era for travel and new experience to passengers. It will be also an important key to national development as it will decentralize growth and prosperity countrywide.”

A high-speed railway would be more beneficial for the south than the Land Bridge, and it would make train travel fast enough for people to consider switching from air travel.

Details of the proposed Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho Railway, and other railway proposals in the Mekong Delta.

Map of Mekong Delta and proposed railway stations

This map includes possible stations on the Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho railway, as well as other stations mentioned in this guide.

[Map of Mekong Delta and proposed railway stations.]

Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho Railway

There is currently no railway operating in the Mekong Delta region; however, a railway did run from Saigon to My Tho from 1885 to 1958. The line was beset with difficulties throughout its operation, and it was never extended to Can Tho. Read the full history of the Saigon-My Tho railway.

[Saigon – My Tho Railway.]

Plans to build a new railway to Can Tho were published in the mid 2000’s, and since then, the cost, route, and start date have changed over the years.

Originally, the railway was planned to begin at the current Saigon station in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. There is no land reserved for a railway through the city, so this option would have been prohibitively expensive.

Another was for the terminal station to be located to the north of the city at Di An Station (formerly Binh Duong Province). The railway would then travel to Binh Chanh District, in the southwest corner of HCMC and continue to My Tho and Can Tho. This route totals 173 km with 14 stations.

A revised route was proposed to reduce costs that would start the railway at Binh Chanh instead, bringing the total length to 134 km.

The railway would run on a double-tracked standard-gauge electric railway. Passenger trains would run at 200km/h, and freight trains would have a speed of 120 km/h. At that speed, the journey from Saigon to Can Tho would be about 45 minutes, but you would also need to account for getting from central Saigon to the terminal station. Phase 2 of Line 3A of the HCMC Metro would be extended to Binh Chanh, providing a direct metro connection to Ben Thanh Station.

Another proposal was to extend the proposed high-speed railway to Can Tho and Ca Mau, but that didn’t consider where the line would branch off to the Mekong Delta.

The most recent proposal is for a single-track railway with a length of approximately 175.2km and a top speed of 160 km/h. The line would begin at An Binh Station in Di An Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, and end at Can Tho Station in Hung Phu Ward, Can Tho City.

Other Railways

Can Tho – Ca Mau

The HCMC – Can Tho Railway has been proposed to be extended to Ca Mau.

Can Tho – Phnom Penh

A Can Tho – Phnom Penh railway was proposed in 2015 as part of a greater Mekong railway that would be included in the HCMC-Can Tho railway. The plan even suggested extending the line to Siem Reap, though at this point, we can leave that section for Cambodia Railways.

The proposal makes the third route that has been proposed for a Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh railway. The first route is the most direct option, travelling via the current Moc Bai/Bavet border crossing. The second route option is along the defunct rubber line that went to Loc Ninh on the Cambodian border.

A Can Tho – Phnom Penh railway would then provide a new domestic railway along the Hau River from Can Tho to Long Xuyen and Chau Doc.

If these railways were to be built, then Can Tho would become a lively little railway hub deep in the Mekong Delta. On my Ho Chi Minh City Metro Concept Map, I also made a map of a future Ho Chi Minh City Metropolitan Area and Mekong Delta railway system.

[Southern Vietnam and Cambodia Railways Concept Map. View full size here. ]

News archive

Ongoing news updates about railway projects in the Mekong Delta.

2026

Phase 1 of the Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho railway is a single-track line with a speed limit of 160 km/h. – [09/06/26]
“Based on research, the My Thuan Project Management Board proposed that the Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho railway, phase 1, be a single track with a design speed of 160 km/h for transporting both passengers and goods.”

Vietnam ministry orders careful review of $9bn Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho railway project – [24/02/26]

Private group proposes $10B railway linking Ho Chi Minh City to Vietnam’s southern tip – [27/01/26]
“A private group has proposed a 280 km railway linking Ho Chi Minh City with Can Tho and Ca Mau, connecting Vietnam’s largest city with the Mekong Delta and the country’s southernmost point.”

Vietnam to build $1.1B bridge to connect key Mekong Delta expressways – [01/01/26]
“Vietnam is preparing to build Can Tho 2, a major road-and-rail bridge across the Hau River with an investment of more than US$1.1 billion, with construction expected to start in late 2026 and take about five years to finish.”

2025

Vietnamese firm proposes $12bn Ho Chi Minh City–Can Tho–Ca Mau railway project – [12/10/25]

HCMC–Can Tho Railway proposed to start construction in 2027 – [06/10/25]
“The My Thuan Project Management Board has submitted a pre-feasibility study report for the Ho Chi Minh City–Can Tho railway project, proposing to begin construction in 2027 and put the line into operation by 2035.”

HCMC promotes key railway projects to boost regional connectivity – [03/10/25]
“The HCM City – Can Tho line is expected to serve as a crucial link for transporting goods and agricultural products from the Mekong Delta to industrial centers and international seaports.”

Proposal to build a fast railway line connecting the center of Ho Chi Minh City to Cai Mep, Bau Bang, Can Tho – [06/08/25]
“Becamex Group proposed building a fast railway line connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Cai Mep, Bau Bang and Can Tho, which would save up to 2.2 billion USD in logistics costs.”

Early investment in HCM City-Can Tho high-speed rail project requested by voters – [14/07/25]
“The Ministry of Construction has announced its support for a proposal from voters in the Mekong Delta province of Can Tho for accelerating the projected high-speed railway project that connects Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) with Can Tho.”

Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho Railway will submit a pre-feasibility report in September – [13/07/25]

My Thuan Project Management Board speeds up progress of HCMC–Can Tho Railway – [24/06/25]
“A consortium of consultants is currently finalizing the pre-feasibility study, which is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Construction by mid-July 2025.”

Transit-oriented focus the right strategy – [03/05/25]
“The Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho railway project will help create transit-oriented development for provinces and cities along the route. NAI Vietnam’s research and investment director Tran Nhat Quang, along with research head Cao Nhat Nam, look at how railway stations can become mixed-use urban centres, develop logistics, and enable the Mekong Delta to grow.”

Prime Minister: Try to start construction of Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho high-speed railway in 2027 – [21/04/25]
“Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh concluded: Try to start the construction of the Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho high-speed railway in 2027 and continue from Can Tho to Ca Mau in 2028 by different methods.”

S Korea’s giant developer eyes urban area projects in southern Vietnam – [13/04/25]
“During a working session with local authorities on Thursday, Park Jin Hong, counselor for construction and transportation at the South Korean Embassy in Hanoi, expressed the Korean side’s interest in industrial park and new urban area projects, as well as the proposed Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho railway project.”

Việt Nam considers 174-kilometre railway linking HCM City, Cần Thơ – [19/03/25]
“The Ministry of Construction is preparing a pre-feasibility report on the railway project, which will be submitted to relevant authorities for approval.”

Vietnam plans high-speed rail expansion to the Mekong Delta – [11/03/25]
“A proposed 174 km high-speed rail link from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho is under review, aiming to enhance connectivity and boost regional development before 2030.”

MoT aims to start HCM City-Can Tho railway construction before 2030 – [24/02/25]

Construction on HCMC–Can Tho high-speed railway expected to kick off before 2030 – [19/02/25]

Ministry to evaluate pre-feasibility study report on HCMC-Can Tho railway – [06/02/25]
“Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang has just signed Decision No. 115/QD – BGTVT on establishing an internal appraisal council for the pre-feasibility study report on the construction of a railway route from HCMC to the Mekong Delta hub of Can Tho.”

2024

HCMC-Can Tho railway needs over US$9 billion of investment – [16/12/24]
“The consortium of consultants TEDI SOUTH – TRICC – TEDI has conducted the implementation of the draft pre-feasibility study report on the Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho high-speed railway project.”

Gov’t mulls over Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho railway project – [15/12/24]

HCMC – Can Tho Railway worth over 9 billion USD to start construction before 2030 – [15/10/24]
“The Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho railway project is over 175km long, with a capital of over 9 billion USD, passing through 6 localities, expected to start construction before 2030 and operate from 2035.”

World Bank to lend $11B to Vietnam over next 5 years – [27/05/24]
“…lending to large and transformative projects such as Hanoi’s metro (Van Cao – Lang Hoa Lac section), the Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho railway, clean energy plants, and the one-million-hectares of high-quality rice initiative.”

Ministry to evaluate pre-feasibility study report on HCMC-Can Tho railway – [06/02/24]
“Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang has just signed Decision No. 115/QD – BGTVT on establishing an internal appraisal council for the pre-feasibility study report on the construction of a railway route from HCMC to the Mekong Delta hub of Can Tho.”

HCMC-Can Tho high-speed railway project needs careful feasibility study – [13/01/24]

Expectations of Ho Chi Minh City high-speed railway – [09/01/24]
“CT Group has just sent the Government a proposal to implement the Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho high-speed railway line according to the public-private partnership (PPP) method.”

USD9.98 billion proposed for HCM City-Can Tho railway route – [04/01/24]
“Under the group’s proposal sent to the government, the railway route would be 174 kilometres long and have 12 stations, running HCM City, Can Tho City and the provinces of Binh Duong, Long An, Tien Giang and Vinh Long. It will transport both passengers and goods.”

HCMC firm wants to build $10B high-speed rail to Can Tho – [03/01/24]
“CT Group has proposed to invest US$9.98 billion in a high-speed railway between Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta’s capital Can Tho City.”

2023

Approval of HCMC – Can Tho railway expected before 2025 – [20/06/23]

Government prioritizes high-speed railway in Mekong Delta – [15/05/23]

HCMC-Can Tho railway direction adjustment proposed – [13/04/23]
“The Institute for Regional and Urban Studies (IRUS) has proposed building the HCMC-Can Tho rail line along the HCMC Beltway No. 3 to optimize land use and cut costs.”

[A map shows the directions of the HCMC beltway network. The red line indicates the Beltway No. 3 planned direction, whereas the green line represents the Beltway No. 2.]

Ministry accelerates proposed HCMC-Can Tho high-speed railway plans – [16/03/23]

Thorough research required for HCMC-Can Tho railway project – [16/03/23]

Mekong Delta region in need of railway line – [16/02/23]

PM calls for focus on developing railroad network – [27/01/23]
“The PM said Thursday that the preparations would start with the section between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho City in the Mekong Delta.

The section will run 174km through Binh Duong, Long An, Tien Giang, and Vinh Long Provinces, according to the feasibility study that the Railway Project Management Board submitted to the Ministry of Transport earlier this month.”

Some $9bn needed for Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho express railway project – [08/01/23]

Proposed investment capital for HCMC-Can Tho railway at US$9 billion – [08/01/23]
“According to preliminary calculations, the Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho railway line, with a total length of 174.42km, has a total investment of about US$9 billion, equivalent to VND213.95 trillion.”

2022

Master plan for Mekong Delta focuses on infrastructure development – [03/10/22]
“Along with the development of expressways, experts also stressed the need to soon form a high-speed railway connecting Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam’s largest economic hub – with the Mekong Delta, thereby improving freight transport capacity in the region.”

Nostalgia for historical Saigon-My Tho railway – [04/09/22]

HCMC – Can Tho railway project set to cost over US$7 bln – [18/06/22]
“Reporting at the meeting, the joint venture consultant contractor Tedi-Tricc-Tedisouth said that the project would be constructed with a double-track railway with a track gauge of 1,435 millimeters and the designed speeds for passenger train of around 190 kilometers per hour and the freight train of 120 kilometers per hour.”

Express railway through HCMC likely to be elevated – [18/06/22]
“The 33-kilometer express rail section that runs through Ho Chi Minh City, operated by the HCMC-Can Tho railway project, is proposed to be elevated for ease of implementation.”

Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho High-speed Railway to boost development – [07/06/22]
“CT Group – with its desire to invest in traffic infrastructure and particularly a high-speed train to the Mekong Delta – shared information about this projectat the Workshop on Clearing Highways and Promoting the Advantages of the Mekong Delta on May 31.”

High-speed railway connecting HCMC and Can Tho contributes to the West’s “makeover” – [04/06/22]

Economist underlines railway necessity for Mekong Delta development – [31/05/22]

PM orders sped-up launch of HCMC-Mekong Delta railway – [21/05/22]

Construction of HCMC – Can Tho railway line proposed – [18/05/22]
“The Ministry of Transport, on May 17, informed that the Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho railway project, with a total investment of about US$7 billion, has been prepared for a pre-feasibility study.”

Can Tho wants rail link with HCMC to be kicked off before 2030 – [13/05/22]

Hồ Chí Minh – Cần Thơ railway route project passed – [18/03/22]

2021

VN’s HCMC-Can Tho high-speed railway to further development – [08/11/21]

Pre-feasibility study for HCM City – Cần Thơ high-speed rail commissioned – [08/03/21]

5 km, $200 mln could be cut for high-speed HCMC-Mekong Delta rail – [23/01/21]
“The route will then run from Tan Kien station in HCMC’s Binh Chanh District, which borders Long An Province, to Cai Rang District in Can Tho City, the capital of the Mekong Delta.”

MAUR to carry out pre-feasibility study report on HCMC-Can Tho railway project – [14/01/21]
“The Ministry of Transport on January 13 delegated the HCMC Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) to build the pre-feasibility study report on the construction of a railway route from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta hub of Can Tho which is among the middle-term plans for public investment in the 2021-2025 period.”

2020

quyhoachdbscl.vn/documents/59/link REPORT: Mekong Delta Integrated Regional Plan – [16/11/20]
“There is currently no railway network in the Mekong Delta. There are external proposals for a railway to be developed between HCMC and Can Tho, with a possible extension to Ca Mau and Long Xuyen. Can Tho has the intention to develop rail-based city public transport (e.g. metro) and other cities could connect to this system in the future. Soc Trang and Bac Lieu Provinces are also considering railway connections in relation to the proposed development of any deep-sea port.”

2019

HCMC-Can Tho high speed train to cost $10 billion – [26/07/19]
“The route from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolis, and Can Tho, the Mekong Delta’s economic hub, is to run 173 kilometers through four provinces – the industrial hub Binh Duong, and the Mekong Delta’s major economic drivers Long An, Tien Giang and Vinh Long.”

“…the project would use double rails and 1,435mm gauge, which is the standard for high-speed rails in the world. The train would have a speed of around 200 kilometers per hour.”

Experts call for high-speed HCM City – Can Tho railway to ease delta congestion – [23/02/19]
“A high-speed rail route between HCM City and Can Tho was approved by the Ministry of Transport in 2013. It will be 140km long and have nine stations, and passenger trains will run at 200km/h and freight trains at 120km/h.”

“The project would be key to fostering the delta’s economic development, especially if the route is extended to the southernmost province of Ca Mau”.

First power plant for HCMC-Can Tho express railway project to kick off in April – [27/02/19]
“Work will start in April on one of nine power plants serving the HCMC-Can Tho high-speed railway project, Thanh Nien Online newspaper reported, citing Ha Ngoc Truong, head of the Metro-Railway Division of the HCMC University of Transport and the express railway project.”

“…seven waste-to-energy plants will be built at seven stations along the railway and two solar power plants will be set up at the first station called Tan Kien in HCMC and the terminus (Cai Cui station in Can Tho City)”.

Experts call for high-speed HCM City – Can Tho railway to ease delta congestion – [23/02/19]

2018

HCMC proposes adjusting HCMC-Can Tho express railway project – [24/09/18]
“…the railway was planned to be nearly 173,700 kilometers long with 14 stations, starting from An Binh station in Binh Duong Province and running through the urban areas of HCMC and four Mekong Delta provinces.

However, representatives of HCMC and four localities in the Mekong Delta region later agreed to the Southern Institute of Science and Technology’s proposal to reduce the route’s length to 139 kilometers, shortening the travel time between HCMC and Can Tho City to roughly 45 minutes. The railway would then run parallel with the HCMC-Trung Luong-My Thuan expressway.

The HCMC-Can Tho high-speed railway will stop at 10 stations, beginning at Tan Kien station in HCMC and running through stations in Long An, Tien Giang and Vinh Long provinces before ending at Cai Cui Port in Can Tho City.”

HCMC secures $5 billion from Canadian fund for Mekong Delta rail link – [08/03/18]
“Construction of a railway connecting Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong delta capital of Can Tho is expected to start later this year using nearly $5 billion from a Canadian investment fund, insiders said.”

2017

Vietnam mulls 45-minute Saigon-Can Tho train service – [18/07/17]

Vietnam mulls 45-minute Saigon-Can Tho train service – [17/07/17]
“A construction of a railway route from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta hub of Can Tho is being reviewed, which is expected to have positive contribution to the regional development if really launched.”

Revived rail link to hook up Saigon and the Mekong Delta – [06/07/17]
Video – “Saigon to Can Tho in just 45 minutes, for $3.6 billion.”

HCMC-Can Tho railway in the offing – [05/07/17]
“Cargo transport between HCMC, the country’s economic center, and the Mekong Delta will be significantly improved as the city government is pushing for a rail link with the delta.”

Ho Chi Minh City plans $3.6 billion rail connection with Mekong Delta – [02/07/17]
“Ho Chi Minh City is planning to build a rail link to Can Tho City in the Mekong Delta at an estimated cost of $3.6 billion.”

2015

China firm wants to build railway in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta hub – [14/03/15]
The railway would connect the Mekong Delta hub with Ho Chi Minh City and the Cambodian cities of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, Kim Hak Min”. The China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) “has proposed building a 180km Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City track, whereas the respective lengths of the services to Siem Riep and Phnom Penh are 320km and 243km”.

Railway strategy to 2020 approved – [11/03/15]
“The Prime Minister has approved a railway development strategy to 2020 and vision to 2050.”

“The railway sector will…research the building of new lines such as…Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho”.

2013

Vietnam’s new railway to link Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho City – [13/11/13]
The Vietnam Southern Institute of Science and Technology and US-based EDES group…signed an agreement to cooperate in building a railway route…connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Can Tho”.

“…the railway line will be 134 kilometers long. The train would depart from Tan Kien station in HCMC’s Binh Chanh District and go through three provinces including Long An, Tien Giang and Vinh Long before reaching Cai Rang station in Can Tho City.”

2009

Railway project mulled to link up HCMC and Can Tho – [10/08/09]
“The Transport Engineering and Design Inc. South (TEDI South) – a design company under the transport ministry, has proposed a plan for building a new express railway line linking HCMC and Can Tho City in the Mekong Delta.”

“The railway is expected to allow trains to reach a maximum speed of 300-350 kilometers per hour.”

“The main terminal in HCMC is planned either at the existing Hoa Hung Station in District 3 or Thu Thiem Station in District 2, before running through the city along the Doi and Te canals to Nguyen Van Linh Street in Binh Chanh District.”

2008

HCM City-Can Tho rail route to wrap up in 2020 – [02/10/08]
“A new railway line linking HCM City and the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Can Tho will become operational in 2020, under a major project initiated by the Ministry of Transport.”

2006

Sai Gon-My Tho railway restoration draws public concerns – [17/07/06]
“According to the Viet Nam Railways (VNR), the VND7,072-billion railway construction project will be launched in 2010 and finished in 2015.”

“The railway system is 87 kilometers in length, of which 56.5 kilometers from An Binh – Tan Kien are dual-track railroad and 30.5 kilometers from Tan Kien – My Tho single-track. Besides, the project’s designing unit also proposes the construction of another railway linking Hoa Hung Station with Tan Kien one.”

“The network starts from Song Than Station, adjacent to Song Than Industrial Zone, passing Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces of Binh Duong, Long An to the terminal in Tien Giang province.”

“In future, the railroad will be expanded 350 more kilometers from Can Tho to Ca Mau”.

2000

The study on the national transport development strategy in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (VITRANSS) [PDF] – [July 2000]
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Ministry of Transport, Socialist Republic of Vietnam (MOT)
Transport Development and Strategy Institute (TDSI)
2.3 Government Plan and Policy
(3) Investigation of new lines: HCM city to Vung Tau, HCM city to Can Tho, Thap Cham to Da Lat, Yen Bai to Tuyen Quang to Bac Thai, and others.

The Den Chai – Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong Railway is an under-construction railway in Northern Thailand. The railway will branch off from the current Bangkok-Chiang Mai Railway at Den Chai, towards Chiang Rai, and then Chiang Khong on the Thailand-Laos border.

This rail was originally proposed in 1960 but nothing came of it. The proposal was revived again in 2010, with numerous reports and announcements of impending construction dates made throughout the 2010s.

The line will be a double-tracked metre-gauge railway (like the current (Bangkok-Chiang Mai line).

There are published reports that show the line connecting with a new line in Laos that would travel to the Laos-China border in Boten. There is no plan for this at the moment, but if the railway starts construction I would expect an announcement of such a railway.

Other reports show a branch line to Wiang and the Golden Triangle area.

Maps

[Map via Skyscrapercity.]

Another map showing an alternative branch line going to Mae Sai, which would provide a connection through Myanmar.

[Map by Gall Zeidler Consultants.]

Links And Resources

srt-denchai-chiangrai-chiangkhong.com – Official project website (in Thai).

Northern Double-track Railway (Den Chai – Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong) – News and discussion (mostly in Thai).

Track Doubling Project, Den Chai – Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong C1 (Den Chai-Ngao Section)

News Archive

2026

Thailand’s longest rail tunnel project passes 53% completion milestone – [15/02/26]
“The Den Chai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong double-track railway project has reached 53.4% completion, which is slightly behind its planned schedule.”

2025

Third tunnel on new line in North nearing completion – [14/11/25]
“Work on the Song Tunnel, which lies on the new railway line currently under construction between Den Chai in Phrae and Chiang Khong at the Lao border, is about 90% complete, according to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).”

2024

Rail work suspended after ancient relics found – [27/04/24]
“The Fine Arts Department has ordered the suspension of construction of the Den Chai-Chiang Khong railway in tambon Toong Kwao of Phrae’s Muang district after the discovery of ancient artefacts aged between 400 and 500 years in the construction site.”

Swiss technology revolutionises Thai railways with first arch culvert – [18/03/24]
“The first of its kind, the arch culvert is under construction in Tambon Pong Pa Wai in the Den Chai district, forming a part of the Den Chai-Ngao railway section. The culvert, which is 33.5 metres in length and 4.2m in height, is expected to be completed in two months.”

2023

Thailand’s ‘most romantic’ railway through Chiang Rai to open in 2028 – [13/11/23]
“The State Railway of Thailand (SRT)’s governor Nirut Maneephan said this will probably be the most romantic route in Thailand.

The 323-kilometre-long railway is set to run through four provinces in the North of Thailand – Phrae, Lampang, Phayao and Chiang Rai – and will have 26 stations.”

Tunnel excavation begins on Den Chai-Chiang Rai tracks – [06/03/23]
“The State Railway of Thailand has started excavating the 6.2-kilometre tunnel which will connect Den Chai in Phrae with Chiang Rai’s Chiang Khong district, which lies on the banks of the Mekong River.”

2022

Post at @ProgressiveThailand – [23/12/22]
“Chiang Rai railway station in the new double-track Den Chai – Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong project of SRT has already started the construction process and will be opened in 2028.”

“Construction site of Chiang Rai railway station has become the new tourist attraction- hope to become a reality in 2028.” – [12/12/22]

2021

State Railway of Thailand backs bids for rail projects – [18/12/21]
“According to SRT Governor NirutManeephan, the approved bids include a 26.5 billion baht contract awarded to the ITD-NWR Consortium to build the 104km Den Chai-Ngao section, a 26.9-billion-baht contract to CKST-DC Consortium to build the 135km Ngao-Chiang Rai section, and a 19.3-billion-baht contract, also awarded to CKST-DC, for the 84km Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong section.”

Complaints hit northern rail projects – [10/07/21]
“Bidding for the two double-track railway projects worth 128 billion baht in the North and Northeast could be marred by alleged irregularities, a seminar was told.”

Rail chief defends bidding process – [15/06/21]
“At the centre of the controversy are the 323-kilometre northern section from Den Chai to Chiang Rai-Chiang Kong and the 355-km northeastern section between Mukdahan and Nakhon Phanom.”

SRT set to call bids for B128bn rail ventures – [20/03/21]
“Construction of the Den Chai-Chiang Rai route is divided into three contracts: the 103km Den Chai-Ngao section (26.5 billion baht), the 132km Ngao-Chiang Rai section (26.9 billion baht) and the 87km section from Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong (19.4 billion baht).”

2 new rail projects on track – [06/01/21]
“The Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong route will be 313 kilometres in length and cost 72 billion baht.

The project will start from Den Chai station in Phrae province and run to Chiang Khong station in Chiang Rai province.”

2020

Den Chai – Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong new double-track railway – [12/12/20]
“The Cabinet on 8 December 2020 approved a draft Royal Decree, designating land expropriation boundaries in certain areas for implementing the new double-track railway between Den Chai, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Khong in northern Thailand.”

Cabinet nod sought for 2 new rail routes worth B153bn – [03/08/20]
“The routes are Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong in the upper North and the Ban Phai-Mukdahan-Nakhon Phanom in the upper Northeast.”

SRT unveils ambitious plans for expansion and boosting revenue – [03/07/20]
“The Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong route is in the process of being proposed to the Cabinet before inviting bids, which will be divided into three contracts. After a review, SRT has found that three contracts are appropriate.”

2 SRT routes up for bids this year – [03/07/20]
“The Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong route project will be resubmitted to the cabinet for confirmation on whether construction and service operations will still be broken into three contracts”.

2018

Northern rail link set for 2023 – [10/08/18]
“An ambitious double-track northern rail route project from Den Chai in Phrae to Chiang Khong in Chiang Rai is set for completion in 2023, two years ahead of schedule….it has faced many delays, including the need to conduct a new study in 2004 on how it will connect with China’s initiative to expand rail networks southward.

Once completed, the new route will link up to a railroad in Laos which will run to Kunming, a transportation hub in China’s southern Yunnan province.”

Northern double-track railway to Mekong to open 2023 – [09/08/18]
“The ministry had asked the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to speed up construction of the much-awaited line so that it could open in 2023, ahead of the originally scheduled 2025, he said.”

Dual-Track Railway Project in the North Wins Cabinet Approval – [03/08/18]
“The dual-track railway project on the Den Chai – Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong route was proposed by the Ministry of Transport. It aims to expand the railway network in the Upper North and connect with Lao PDR, Myanmar, and southern China. Construction is expected to begin in 2019.”

SRT pushes double-track rail proposals – [10/06/18]
“The State Railways of Thailand (SRT) is expected in the next few weeks to table before the Cabinet a plan to build the Denchai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Kong double-track rail line worth Bt76 billion, according to SRT acting director Worawut Mala.”

2017

OTP unveils 20-year master rail plan – [23/09/17]
“Considering the development of metre-gauge rail lines, the urgent plan covers Den Chai-Chiang Khong and Ban Phai-Nakhon Phanom, he said.”

Progress of T.A.R. in Thailand – [13/14 June 2017]
5th Meeting of the Working Group on the Trans-Asian Railway Network
13 – 14 June, 2017 Busan, Republic of Korea.

2016

Prime Minister announces construction of railway from Phrae to Chiang Khong – [29/11/16]
“The Prime Minister said the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) would soon begin the construction of a 323-kilometer railway from Denchai district of Phrae to Chiang Khong district of Chiang Rai after it was shelved 56 years ago.”

2014

Thailand: Improvement of Railway Passenger Services [PDF] – [April 2014]
2.7.2.7 New Lines
(i) Den Chai – Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong.

2013

State Railway of Thailand confident cabinet will approve double-rail tracks linking Phrae and Chiang Rai – [10/07/13]
“The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is confident the cabinet will approve construction of the 325-kilometre line, which has been shelved for 53 years. The long-delayed project to build double-rail tracks linking Phrae and Chiang Rai provinces.”

B2tn rail project ‘will transform Thailand’ – [26/03/13]
“SRT Governor Prapas Chongsa-nguan explained that the plan envisages double track linking Chiang Khong district of northernmost Chiang Rai province to Thailand’s southernmost town of Padang Besar, and the northeastern province of Nong Khai, bordering Laos.”

2010

Connecting Greater Mekong Subregion Railways: A Strategic Framework [PDF] – [August 2010]
This report from the Asian Development Bank show alternative routes that would connect China and Southeast Asia. Route 4 (Bangkok–Kunming (via Chiang Rai–Boten–Mohan)–Nanning and Ha Noi–Ho Chi Minh City) shows the proposed Chiang Rai railway would be extended through Laos to connect with the railway network in China.

The SRT hopes a rail link to Chiang Rai is back on track – [06/07/10]
“A map at the State Railway of Thailand head office shows the present route network and future lines including a link to Chiang Rai.

The track to Chiang Rai, joining the main northern route at Den Chai station in Phrae, has been slated for building since 1960.

Half a century and 17 prime ministers later, no work has been conducted. The only progress is a preliminary feasibility study carried out in 1997.

Now the SRT believes there might be a chance the project will actually go ahead, as the government is showing a keen interest.”

The Vientiane – Champasak Railway would be a continuation of the proposed Vientiane Vung Ang Railway, extending south from Thakhek to Champasak.

In addition to connecting southern Laos to Vientiane Prefecture, the line could also connect to the Vientiane-Boten Railway, forming a true Laos North-South Railway.

The line is proposed to go to Vang Tao on the Laos-Thailand border. This could then connect to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand, opening up the possibility of a Bangkok-Pakse railway service.

A potential interchange is with the proposed Savannakhet – Lao Bao Railway. This project began construction in 2013, but it has since been abandoned. Opposite Savannakhet in Thailand is Mukdahan, where a new line from Ban Phai is being built. Thailand is building a metre-gauge railway, so unfortunately, this would not be a seamless international connection.

Other proposals include extending the Vientiane – Champasak Railway to Veunkham on the Laos-Cambodia border. Veunkham is near the Four Thousand Islands and the Sithandone SEZ project. This could then become part of a Vientiane-Phnom Penh railway.

Vientiane – Champasak Railway map

This map shows the general route and not the station locations.

[Map of Vientiane – Champasak Railway.]

Links and resources

Round Table on Accelerating Digital Transformation of Rail Transport in Asia-Pacific region [PDF]

Daosadeth Soysouvanh, Department of Railways, Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Trans-Asian Railway in the Indo-China and ASEAN Subregion: Volume 3 Section 2 [PDF]

Trans-Asian Railway [Wikipedia]

The Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) is a project to create an integrated freight railway network across Europe and Asia. The project is of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

News archive

2026

Study the feasibility of a railway route from Khammuan-Champasak-Laos-Cambodia border and connect to Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok – [07/05/26]

Champasak province has designated Sanasomboun district as a district that will support the development of the railway to become the central of the southern railway. – [15/01/26]

There is hope for the southern relatives, the railway is pin down south of Vientiane capital to Champasak – [14/01/26]

“On the occasion of participating in the Second Open Government Meeting of 2025 on 12-13 January 2026, Mr. Souksavanh Vilaivong, the president of Champasak Province, gave an interview to the media that: Supporting the development plan of the train from Vientiane to Champasak Province.”

Transport ministry forges ahead with rail expansion (archive) – [09/01/26]

“The government will undertake a feasibility study on the construction of a railway between Vientiane and Pakse city, while also planning to build a rail link between Laos and Vietnam.”

2025

Major infrastructure push targets road, rail, and waterway upgrades in Laos – [30/09/25]

“Feasibility studies and design work are currently underway for the Vientiane–Thakhek–Naphao line connecting to Vietnam’s Vung Ang port, the Kaisone Phomvihane City–Dansavanh route in Savannakhet province, and the Vientiane–Champasack Railway Project.”

2020

New railway proposed for southern Laos – [20/10/20]

A Thai company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Laos for a feasibility study on a new railway line in southern Laos.

The proposed railway line would connect Khammouane, Savannakhet, Salavanh, and Champasack provinces in southern Laos.

2017

Plans put in action to turn Laos into a land link, Asian editors told – [29/08/17]

“In its latest move, the Lao government plans to hold talks with Cambodia to discuss the construction of a 150-km railway linking Pakxe, the capital of southern Champassak province, to Veunkham on the Cambodian border.”

“Elsewhere, authorities in charge are preparing to carry out a feasibility study of the 345-km Thakhaek-Savannakhet-Pakxe-Vangtao railway. This would connect Thakhaek district, the capital of central Khammuan province, with the Thai border at Vangtao via Savannakhet and Champassak provinces.”

2015

Regional road and rail projects inching forward to facilitate greater linkage – [05/10/15]

“Laos will pursue the development of at least four rail lines that will turn the land-locked country into a land-linked nation.”

“The initial study on the fourth project, called 3D, is done, the minister said. The project will link Thakhek in Khammuan province to Vang Tao in Champasak that shares a border with Thailand.”

The Bangkok – Chiang Mai High-Speed Railway (also known as the Northern High-speed Railway) is a proposed high-speed railway that would be built alongside the current Northern Line in Thailand.

Japan has proposed building the railway in partnership with Thailand, and the line would be a Shinkansen-like bullet train similar to that used in Japan.

The project was first proposed in 2011, and a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) was reached in 2015. Japan released its study of the project in 2017, estimating that it would cost up to 420 billion baht to build (approximately $12.9 billion USD). Thailand wanted Japan to be an invester in the railway, while Japan was only interested in providing loans for the project. At that impasse the project has not progressed since 2018, though it still remains on the table as of 2021.

The length of the railway would be 670 km with 12 stations. The top speed would be 300kph, and the trip would take about three and a half hours. For comparison, the current line is 755 km and the journey takes from 11 hours to 14 hours and 20 minutes. The new line shortens the length because it uses tunnels and viaducts, while the old line meanders along the flattest path. The new line also shortens the trip by 8 km by starting at the new Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok.

To reduce the cost of the project, Thailand has also suggested reducing the top speed to 180kph and 200kph (which is technically not a high-speed railway). Such a railway would be comparable to the China-Laos railway and InterCity railways in Europe, and it would still be an improvement on the current railway. A trip of four and half hours would be a competitive alternative to flying.

Another consideration is that the railway would be shared with the planned Chiang Rai Railway, branching off at Den Chai.

Whichever system is built, it would be on a standard gauge railway and separate to the current metre-gauge railway. This duplication of railways is the same scenario with the current metre-gauge Northeastern Line and future standard-gauge Thai-China HSR.

Links And Resources

Bangkok – Chiang Mai High-Speed Rail Development Project – Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Northern High-speed Railway (Bangkok – Phitsanulok – Chiang Mai) – News and discussion at skyscrapercity.com.

Feasibility Study and Definitive Design for the Northern Line High Speed Rail Project Phase 1 and Phase 2

[Lampang HSR Station]

Information Disclosure under JICA Guidelines for Environment and Social Considerations (April, 2010) and the Guidelines revised thereafter

Images

[Lamphun HSR Station.]

[Chiang Mai HSR Station.]

Phitsanulok High-Speed Railway Station – Concept design by Wariyaporn Kittiwangchai.

Chiang Mai High Speed Railway Station – Concept design by Phichak Wirotchanaphirom.

News Archive

2026

Thailand’s first Shinkansen-style high-speed rail line, “Bangkok–Chiang Mai,” awaits a new government to move forward, as the EIA has not yet expired. – [26/01/26]

2024

https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/3979288/ – [16/10/24]
Article in Thai. Headline translation:
“The Bangkok-Chiang Mai high-speed train is folded away. “Suriya” would like to expedite the first line, Bangkok – Nong Khai, to open for service first.”

Chiang Mai transport set for major upgrades – [09/01/24]
“The plan also involves the construction of a light rail transit train project between Nakhon Ping Hospital and Mae Hia Saman Samakkee intersection and a high-speed train system from the province to Bangkok, with the latter being a Thai-Japanese partnership project.”

2023

Thailand and Japan to start first phase of Bangkok – Chiang Mai rail project – [09/03/23]
“The 688-kilometer rail line, which features 12 stations, will be divided into two phases, with the first phase covering over 380 km from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, and the second phase covering a further 288 km from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai.”

Bangkok-Chiang Mai rail project gears up – [08/03/23]
“Years of discussions and planning expected to start bearing fruit soon.”

2021

Joint Press Statement The Fifth Meeting of the Japan – Thailand High Level Joint Commission (HLJC) – [11/08/21]
“Both sides reaffirmed the determination to continue collaboration in the development of the quality infrastructure, including transport system in Thailand through key railways development projects, such as the Red Line Mass Transit System and the Bangkok-Chiang Mai High Speed Rail as well as the Second Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan in Bangkok Metropolitan Region (M-MAP2), the Bang Sue Smart City and the road traffic cooperation.”

2020

An Intercity Freight Mode Choice Model : A Case Study of High Speed Rail Link Northern Line Thailand (Bangkok – Chiangmai) [PDF]

2019

Thailand hopes to have bullet trains running by 2023 – [17/11/19]
“…the government is considering additional HSR lines running north from Bangkok to Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok and Chiang Mai…”

Govt mulls end of fast train plan – [27/09/19]
“The government may scrap three high-speed rail projects after being spurned by private investors, a source at the Transport Ministry said. They are the Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Surat Thani and Rayong-Trat projects.”

2018

Bangkok-Chiang Mai high speed train plans still moving forward – [30/10/18]
“Ministry of Transport, Thailand and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Japan, had signed a memorandum of cooperation to construct the high-speed line but the project stalled pending the resolution of financial and other constraints. However, Sarawut Songsivilai, the director of The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy will continue the effort.”

Japan reaffirms rejection of rail investment proposal – [24/10/18]
“Japan has reiterated its lack of interest in co-investing in a high-speed rail project linking Bangkok with the northern province of Chiang Mai, and suggests Thailand should solely invest in the scheme, a source at the Transport Ministry says.”

Losses predicted for high-speed railway – [25/07/18]
“The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is worried that the planned Shinkansen-like Thai-Japanese high-speed railway from Bangkok to Chiang Mai will run at a loss when it opens, citing a 66% drop in predicted daily passenger numbers.”

Construction of Bangkok-Chiang Mai high speed rail project to start in 2020 – [24/03/18]
“The Thai government is working with their Japanese counterparts on the northern high speed rail route between Bangkok and Pitsanulok in the first phase, and between Pitsanulok and Chiang Mai in the second phase.”

Why the derailing of the Japan-Thailand train deal makes sense – [28/02/18]
“The recent failure of both sides to reach agreement is not all that surprising upon careful examination.”

Japan’s rejection of a Shinkansen deal in Thailand a rational choice – [26/02/18]

Japan rejects calls to invest in Thailand’s bullet train – [08/02/18]
“Thailand wants Japan to invest in the Shinkansen-like high-speed railway from Bangkok to Chiang Mai but Japan insists only on offering loans for the project”.

Thailand looks at slower bullet train to cut costs – [18/01/18]
“The 670km Thai-Japanese high-speed train project stretching from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is to have its maximum speed lowered to reduce the overall cost of the project”

“Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who leads the country’s junta, instructed transport officials to consider reducing the top speed from 300kph to between 180kph and 200kph.”

2017

Bullet train project set to cost B420bn – [16/12/17]
“Japan has concluded its study on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai Shinkansen-like bullet train construction, estimating investment costs to be as high as 420 billion baht and fares of just over 1,000 baht a trip.”

“The plan calls for 12 stations with the whole trip taking about three and a half hours with top speeds reaching 300kph.”

Thailand, Japan shake hands to build high-speed railway – [01/06/17]
“Thailand’s Deputy PM Somkid Jatusripitak will sign an agreement with Japan to implement eight major development projects, including the construction of Bangkok – Chiang Mai high-speed railway line.”

2016

Bangkok-Chiang Mai high speed train project gains headway – [04/09/16]
“Transport minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told Thai media today that the high speed train project from Bangkok to Chiang Mai has made further headway after the Ministry of Transport advised it will submit the project details to the Cabinet for final approval in the next few months.”

Railway route study points to low returns – [03/06/16]
“An estimate of the financial returns for a Thai-Japanese high-speed railway project linking Bangkok and Chiang Mai shows gloomy prospects.”

Somkid nudges Japan on faster rail – [03/05/16]
“Thailand is calling on Japan to speed up joint development of the ambitious high-speed train project linking Bangkok and Chiang Mai and the one-metre gauge double-track railway route linking Bangkok with eastern and western provinces.”

2015

Japan rail projects: Somkid off to Japan to speed up work – [3/11/15]
“Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who is overseeing economic affairs, will lead a delegation to Japan later this month to negotiate three ambitious railway development projects for Thailand.

Japan will invest in railway development projects, consisting of two east-west corridor routes — from Kanchanaburi to Sa Kaeo, and Tak to Mukdahan. Another high-speed train will link Bangkok to Chiang Mai.”

“The second project — the 715km Bangkok-Chiang Mai high-speed train — will undergo a feasibility study by the Japanese government until June next year, with construction starting in 2019.

Japan intends to build railways similar to the Shinkansen in Japan, so it needs a thorough study.”

Japan’s bullet trains may link Bangkok, Chiang Mai – [22/05/15]
“Thailand is expected to adopt Japan’s bullet train technology for a high-speed rail project that could be worth 430 billion baht ($12.8 billion).”

Thai-Japanese rail link to Chiang Mai follows China model – [18/05/15]

Japan to develop Thai high-speed rail links – [13/05/15]
“Both sides will sign a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) this month on joint development of the Bangkok-to-Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi-Bangkok-Laem Chabang and Bangkok-to-Sa Kaew rail lines.”

Japan on Chiang Mai track – [08/04/15]
“Japan has proposed jointly developing a high-speed train project linking Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Transport Minister Prajin Juntong says.”

2014

High Speed Rail Project: Bangkok-Chiang Mai Route, Phase 2 (Phitsanulok-Chiang Mai) – [07/04/14]
“The high speed rail system (Phitsanulok-Chiang Mai) runs 280 km from Phitsanulok passing Sukhothai, Phrae, Lamphun, Lampang and ending up at Chiang Mai. It is Phase 2 of the High Speed Rail Project (Bangkok-Chiang Mai), which will encourage rapid yet safe transportation of passengers to and from the northern region and so consolidate national economy in the context of the AEC. Having conducted a feasibility study for Phase 1 (Bangkok-Phitsanulok), TEAM GROUP was entrusted with the feasibility study of Phase 2 in 2013.”

2013

Thailand plans massive $76bn investment in infrastructure – [12/02/13]
“Foreign investors are expected to play a leading role, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe has reportedly already expressed interest in Japanese firms’ participating in tenders, particularly for the upcoming high-speed rail projects. Chinese officials have shown strong interest in the rail links to Chiang Mai and Nong Khai, as they will eventually connect to the Chinese network.”

2012

High-speed train bids to start in 2013 – [17/08/12]
“The high-speed train system will largely run alongside existing lines.”

“Passengers will travel 3.44 hours on the 745-km of Bangkok-Chiang Mai route.”

Bangkok-Chiang Mai high speed rail ready by 2018 – [22/05/12]
“The Transport Minister has expressed confidence that the first high speed railway connecting Bangkok and Chiang Mai will be ready for service by 2018.”

2011

Japan plans rail link study – [25/10/11]
“Japan is looking for a consultant to work on a joint feasibility study for a proposed 230 billion baht high-speed train service from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the deputy director-general of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning says.”

Japan keen to develop high-speed rail service – [01/08/11]
“Japan is interested in developing a 230 billion baht high-speed train service from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Rayong, says Supoj Saplom, permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry.”

New govt proposed to approve hi-speed rail project – [07/07/11]
“The State Enterprise Policy Office (Sepo) will propose before the year’s end that Yingluck Shinawatra’s Cabinet approve the Bangkok-Chiang Mai high-speed rail project.”

“State Enterprise Policy and Planning Bureau 1 chief Poomsak Aranyakasemsuk said the 745km route would have 13 stations in 11 provinces. The ticket price would be Bt1,200-Bt1,500 with around 29,000 passengers expected per day initially, rising to 40,000 passengers later.”

The new Hanoi–Quang Ninh high-speed line will be approximately 120 km in length and have a top speed of 350 km/h, with an investment of US$5.4 billion.

Vingroup has formed a railway subsidiary, Vinspeed, and has partnered with Siemens to develop the high-speed railway. Vinspeed is also building a high-speed railway in Ho Chi Minh City (Ben Thanh-Can Gio), though they have withdrawn their bid to build the North-South high-speed railway.

Vingroup is one of the largest real estate developers in Vietnam, and the Quang Ninh HSR will serve Vingroup’s Ha Long Xanh urban area project in Quang Ninh province. Ha Long Bay is also one of the most visited tourist sites in Vietnam, so the railway will improve connectivity from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.

[Vinhomes Ha Long Xanh project.]

Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway stations

Proposed stations include:

– National Exhibition Center (Dong Anh commune, Hanoi)

– Co Loa Station (connect with Hanoi Metro Line 4)

– Gia Binh Station (planned Gia Binh International Airport in Bac Ninh Province)

– Yen Tu Station (Quang Ninh)

– Ha Long Xanh Station (Quang Ninh)

The route will also connect to the Haiphong–Ha Long–Mong Cai line.

Local media have reported different starting points for Hanoi, so I have listed the two startions that are mentioned.

Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway map

The exact station locations aren’t shown yet, so this map shows proposed stops.

[Map of Hanoi – Quang Ninh High-Speed Railway.]

News archive

2026

Vietnam breaks ground on first high-speed rail to link Hanoi and Ha Long Bay – [12/04/26]

“A 120-kilometer railway with a designed speed of 350 kph broke ground on Sunday morning to cut travel time between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay by five times to 30 minutes.”

Construction of Hà Nội–Quảng Ninh high-speed railway set to kick off on April 12 – [19/03/26]

Quang Ninh Province wants work on Hanoi-Ha Long high-speed rail to begin in March – [30/01/26]

Procedural snags stall Hanoi–Quang Ninh high-speed rail feasibility review – [24/01/26]

“The feasibility study for the Hanoi–Quang Ninh high-speed railway is facing procedural uncertainty over appraisal order and authority, prompting Quang Ninh’s construction authority to seek guidance from the Ministry of Construction.”

2025

VinSpeed begins survey work for $5.3 bln high-speed railway in northern Vietnam – [29/12/25]

“VinSpeed, a rail company founded by Vingroup chairman Pham Nhat Vuong, has begun survey work in Vietnam’s northern province of Bac Ninh for a proposed $5.3 billion high-speed railway linking Hanoi with the northern port province of Quang Ninh, local authorities said.”

Vinspeed and Siemens Mobility sign a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement on high-speed rail – [17/12/25]

“Under the agreements, Siemens Mobility, a globally-recognized leader in high-speed rail technology and solutions, will perform the design, supply, and system integration of rolling stock together with key railway sub-systems, including signaling, telecommunications, and power supply systems. Siemens Mobility will actively pursue collaboration in the maintenance for the Siemens-supplied rolling stock and sub-system, alongside technology transfer, with the aim of achieving the highest feasible level of localization for VinSpeed’s projects.

In parallel, VinSpeed and Siemens Mobility have further entered into a Framework Agreement covering the supply of rolling stock and respective sub-systems for High-Speed Rail projects Hanoi to Quang Ninh and Ben Thanh to Can Gio.”

The prime location of the 5.38 trillion VND forest park in Quang Ninh. – [15/12/25]

“Quang Ninh’s forest park is located opposite the country’s largest coastal urban area and is the terminal station of the Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway line.”

Billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong’s VinSpeed seeks to build $5.3B Hanoi-Ha Long Bay rail link – [03/11/25]

VinSpeed ​​plans to begin construction of the Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway at the end of 2025, with commercial operation starting in 2028. – [02/11/25]

Vietnam adds another high-speed rail line to national plan – [31/10/25]

“The Government has approved a revised national railway development plan that adds a new high-speed rail line linking Hanoi City and Quang Ninh Province, alongside adjustments to several key routes scheduled for investment before 2030.”

Vingroup to develop 4,600ha coastal urban project in northern Vietnam – [17/10/25]

“A consortium of Vingroup (HoSE: VIC) and its real estate arm Vinhomes (HoSE: VHM) will develop a 4,600-hectare coastal urban complex in Ha An ward, Quang Ninh province, following local authorities’ approval of a zoning plan.”

“To strengthen regional connectivity, Vingroup has also proposed a 120-kilometer high-speed railway linking Hanoi and Quang Ninh, designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h with an estimated investment of $5.4 billion.”

VinSpeed recruits engineers for 2 high-speed rail projects in Vietnam – [14/07/25]
“…the Hanoi-Quang Ninh high-speed railway will run about 121 kilometers at the same maximum speed of 350kph, featuring four to five stations.

It will connect the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Hanoi with erstwhile Dai Yen Ward.”

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha listens to the report on the proposal for the Hanoi – Quang Ninh passenger railway route. – [16/04/25]
“On the afternoon of April 16, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha chaired a meeting with leaders of several ministries, branches and localities on the investment proposal to build the Hanoi – Quang Ninh passenger railway project of Vingroup Corporation.”

“Currently, Vingroup Corporation has proposed an investment project for a Hanoi – Quang Ninh passenger railway to facilitate tourists’ travel from Hanoi to Quang Ninh and vice versa, with a length of about 121 km, with a maximum design speed of 300 km/h.”

2024

Vingroup proposes to build Hanoi – Quang Ninh railway line with speed of 300 km/h – [29/12/24]
“If approved by competent authorities, the Hanoi – Quang Ninh railway line will be adjusted from 120 km/h to 300 km/h to shorten the travel time from Hanoi to Quang Ninh to about 30 minutes.”

The Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong Railway is an upgrade of the current railway along the same route. The original line is a metre-gauge railway that was built by France to connect Kunming in China to the port in Haiphong.

The new line will be a standard-gauge railway that will be connected to the standard-gauge railway from Kunming to Hekou on the China-Vietnam border. The line will carry passenger and cargo rail, with a top speed of 160 km/h. The line has a length of 390.9km and branch lines totalling 27.9km.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held of the 19th of December 2025, and construction is expected to be completed by 2030.

Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong Railway Map

[Map of Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong Railway.]

There are five main stations and 32 stations in total.

– Lao Cai Station (Lao Cai Province)
– Phu Tho Station (Phu Tho Province)
– Bac Hong Station (Hanoi)
– Luong Tai Station (Hung Yen Province)
– Hai Duong Nam Station (Hai Phong City)

The terminus is at Lach Huyen Port Station in the Cat Hai special zone in Hai Phong.

Links and Resources

Viet Nam: Greater Mekong Subregion Kunming–Hai Phong Transport Corridor: Yen Vien–Lao Cai Railway Upgrading Project
Evaluation Document – 21 December 2017.

News Archive

2025

Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway line breaks ground on five stations – [19/12/25]
“Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son on Friday attended the ground-breaking ceremony for five stations as part of the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway project in the northern province of Lao Cai.”

Vietnam starts work on rail link to China amid infrastructure spending spree – [19/12/25]
“Vietnam on Friday started construction on several large infrastructure projects, including five stations of a railway system linking it with China, the government said.”

PM orders ground-breaking for Lào Cai–Hà Nội–Hải Phòng Railway in December [23/10/25]

Vietnam seeks to accelerate strategic railway projects with China – [14/08/25]
“Vietnam aims to speed up the implementation of key railway projects connecting with China, including the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong, Hanoi–Lang Son, and Hanoi–Mong Cai lines.”

“Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha was speaking during his reception for Wang Bo, general manager of China Railway No.6 Engineering Group Co., Ltd. of the China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC) in Hanoi on August 14.”

Ready to start construction of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project on December 19, 2025 – [08/07/25]
“The Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project has been cleared by the Ministry of Construction in 20 localities where the route passes through, preparing well for the large-scale construction phase expected from 2026, ensuring the construction progress to start on December 19, 2025.”

Groundbreaking of Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway set for December – [10/05/25]
“Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested for strong determination and necessary conditions to start the construction of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project on December 19.”

PM orders fast-track construction of Lào Cai – Hà Nội – Hải Phòng railway – [01/05/25]
“The Minister of Construction was asked to work closely with local authorities to hasten land clearance, compensation, resettlement, site surveys, and the drafting of a feasibility study, which must be completed by June 2025, setting the stage for the project’s groundbreaking on December 19, 2025.”

Vietnam, China ink seven transport cooperation deals – [15/04/25]
“Four of the seven agreements relate to railway development. These include a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint committee for Vietnam–China railway cooperation and technical support from China for feasibility studies and planning of several standard-gauge rail lines, including Lao Cai–Hanoi–Haiphong, Dong Dang–Hanoi, and Mong Cai–Ha Long–Haiphong.”

Projected Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway requires a total investment capital of $7.6 billion – [06/04/25]

403km railway to boost second-largest economic corridor: official – [26/03/25]
“The railway will span nine provinces and cities, starting at Lào Cai Station connecting to China’s Hekou North Station across the border, and ending at Lạch Huyện Port in Hải Phòng.”

Vietnam approves railway project to link to China, ‘a step forward to form Pan-Asia transport network’ – [20/02/25]

NA approves investment policy for $8.4-billion Lào Cai-Hà Nội-Hải Phòng railway project – [19/02/25]
” The National Assembly adopted a resolution on the investment policy of the Lào Cai-Hà Nội-Hải Phòng railway project, with 455 out of 459 participating deputies voting in favour, at the 9th extraordinary session on Wednesday.”

Vietnam to use Chinese loans for $8.3 billion railway linking both countries – [13/02/25]

Vietnam moves forward with $8.3 billion railway project linking to China – [11/02/25]
“The Standing Committee of the National Assembly has approved the government’s proposal to submit for parliamentary consideration an investment policy for the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project, which will connect with China and is estimated to cost $8.369 billion.”

Vietnam-China railway to create $4.4B construction market – [11/02/25]
“The Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway that connects northern Vietnam with China is expected to create a construction market worth US$4.4 billion with 90,000 jobs.”

$8 billion rail project set to transform transport landscape – [06/02/25]
“The $8 billion Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway is set to transform Vietnam’s transport landscape, creating a $4.4 billion construction market and generating around 90,000 jobs during its development phase.”

Proposing a series of special mechanisms for the Lao Cai – Hanoi railway – [03/02/25]
“A series of specific policies have been researched and proposed by the Ministry of Transport to implement investment and construction, striving to bring the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway line to the finish line before 2030.”

$8 billion Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway set to break ground by year-end – [03/02/25]

$8bln railway project linking 9 northern Vietnam localities set for 2031 completion – [11/01/25]
“The Transport Ministry of Vietnam is collecting feedback from relevant agencies on a pre-feasibility study of a railway project linking nine northern provinces and cities, with a total investment of VND205.9 trillion (US$8.1 billion).”

Vietnam proposes $8.7 billion Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway – [08/01/25]
“The Ministry of Transport has unveiled a $8.7 billion plan for a railway linking Lao Cai, Hanoi, and Hai Phong, with construction expected to begin by late 2025.”

2024

Vietnam explores shortest route for Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway – [23/12/24]

Vietnam to start construction of new railway linking with China by end-2025 – [23/12/24]

Lào Cai-Hà Nội-Hải Phòng railway line to start construction in 2025 – [17/12/24]
“As requested by the Government, the ministry must disburse at least 95 per cent of the capital in 2024, which means about VNĐ23 trillion needs to be allocated in the remaining month of the year.”

Vietnam and China agree to build three key railway lines – [11/22/24]
“The agreement between the two governments to cooperate on the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong, Lang Son–Hanoi, and Mong Cai–Ha Long–Hai Phong railway projects is seen as a major step forward in infrastructure development.”

President Xi Jinping hastens construction of 3 Vietnam-China rail routes – [19/11/24]
“Construction on the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong route is expected to start in mid-2027, according to the ministry.”

Transport ministry urged to start construction of railway connecting with China next year – [10/11/24]

Chinese firm bids to join $10bn railway project connecting Vietnam with China – [08/11/24]
“Chairman of the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Dai Hegen has expressed his wish to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to join in a large-scale project designed to connect three northern Vietnamese localities with Kunming City in southern China.”

“PM Chinh told the CRCC leader that this project is expected to begin in December 2025 and take three years to finish.”

Vietnam invites China railway builder to join project linking 2 nations, begin in 2025 – [07/11/24]
“Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) to join the railway project linking the two nations, with an aim to start the construction in 2025.

Chinh made the statement at a Wednesday meeting with CRCC’s leadership in Kunming, Yunnan province, on the sidelines of his China trip to attend the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit and other events.”

Investment and construction project of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway line – [02/11/24]

PM requests prioritized investment into railways linking with China – [24/10/24]
“He suggested the two sides continue enhancing high-level exchanges and meetings, and foster practical collaboration in all areas, particularly pushing ahead the construction of the three standard-gauge railways of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong, Lang Son – Hanoi, and Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong to promote connectivity between the two economies.”

Vietnam estimates cost of new railway link with China at $7.2 billion – [21/10/24]
“Construction of the railway is expected to begin in 2030, it said, adding that transportation demand along this railway link is estimated at 8.3 million passengers and 17.5 million metric tons of cargo a year by 2050.”

7.2 billion USD railway project ready for planning appraisal – [16/10/24]
“The Vietnam Railway Authority has asked the Ministry of Transport for a planning appraisal of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh railway line.”

Appraisal of North-South express railway must be completed before October 18 – [07/10/24]
“As for railway projects connecting with China, namely Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong, Hanoi – Dong Dang, Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong, the Government required the Ministry of Transport to preside over and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to urgently study the investment and construction of the railway project in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directives.

Of these, the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway line is a priority for construction in 2025.”

VN pushes for rapid progress on Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway with China’s help – [25/09/24]
“During a series of high-level talks in Nanning, China, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc solicited China’s active support for the feasibility study of the standard-gauge railway line connecting Lao Cai, Hanoi, and Hai Phong.”

Major railway project in northern region to start construction in 2027 – [13/09/24]
“A 380-kilometer railway project linking Lao Cai, Hanoi, and Haiphong in northern Vietnam is expected to gain approval by 2025, with construction slated to start in 2027”.

Vietnam Party chief welcomes China’s engagement in 3 railway projects – [20/08/24]
“…Li showed China’s readiness to improve the rail linkage between Vietnam and Europe via China and accelerate the feasibility study of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway. In addition, he agreed to make planning for the Dong Dang-Hanoi and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong railways.”

Vietnam plans 3 railway links with China under Belt and Road Initiative – [27/06/24]
“Speaking at the Vietnam-China strategic transport infrastructure development cooperation conference held in Beijing, Chinh said the three railway routes under consideration are Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong, Lang Son-Hanoi, and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong.”

Chinese giants keen on Vietnam metro railway projects – [25/06/24]
“Chinh also mentioned current bilateral cooperation in building transnational railway routes, including one connecting Hanoi, Lao Cai province and Hai Phong city; another linking Lang Son province and Hanoi; and yet another between Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city.”

‘Determined to implement the Northern high-speed railway project – [25/06/24]
“The government is directing 3 railway projects connecting with China, hoping that by mid-2025, the two sides can deploy the first project Lao Cai – Hai Phong. Related to standard gauge railway projects, especially connecting from seaports to economic zones, connecting airports, ports and border gates. We hope businesses will invest in the form of PPP, so we hope the Group will learn to cooperate in the future.”

Vietnam encourages Chinese investment in railway, energy projects – [24/06/24]
“In particular, the two sides agreed to connect standard gauge railways across the border by developing standard gauge railway routes of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong; Dong Dang – Hanoi; and Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong, so as to create an important infrastructure system to promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation.”

Vietnam aims to start work on high-speed rail lines to China by 2030 – [10/04/24]
“One of the planned high-speed lines would run from Vietnam’s port cities of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh through Hanoi to Lao Cai province, which borders China’s Yunnan province, the ministry said in a statement released late on Tuesday.”

Design of a new railway from Lao Cai to Quang Ninh with a speed of up to 160km/h – [05/03/24]
“The Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh railway was researched and planned for all sections and stations on the route, with the starting point being Lao Cai station (from the point connecting the rails with the Chinese railway), The end is Ha Long station (belonging to the Kep – Ha Long railway) and sections passing through 10 provinces/cities (Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong , Hai Phong and Quang Ninh). Research scope until 2030, vision to 2050.”

[The Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh railway route is expected to pass through Hai Phong city.]

2023

China railway plans to test Vietnam’s foreign policy equilibrium – [18/12/23]
“The Kunming-Haiphong railway runs directly through Vietnam’s most significant deposits of rare earth minerals.”

Vietnam, China to enhance railway connectivity under Belt Road Initiative – [14/12/23]
“The two governments will promote a 1.435m- gauge railway across the Vietnam-China border, study and push for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong standard-gauge line. The port city of Hai Phong is Vietnam’s international gateway in the northern region.”

Vietnam, China should boost rail links, lift tourism to pre-pandemic level: Deputy PM – [01/12/23]
“Chairman of China Railway Chen Yun Chen said the corporation would like to engage in the construction of railways in Vietnam, notably the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong route linking to the Kunming-Hanoi-Hai Phong economic corridor.”

China, Vietnam weigh rail link through rare earths heartland – [01/12/23]
“Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for the upgrade of the railway linking Kunming in southern China to Vietnam’s port city of Haiphong in a statement released last month, after China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao made a rare visit to Vietnam.”

Vietnamese PM suggests expanding Vietnam-China bilateral trade – [26/11/23]
“PM Chinh also suggested enhancing traffic connectivity between the two countries, including the upgrade of a railway connecting China’s Kunming and Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province, Hanoi, and Hai Phong City.”

Concentrate human resources to implement the 11 billion USD railway project connecting to China – [29/10/23]
“Previously, the Ministry of Transport assigned the Railway Project Management Board as the investor to prepare a pre-feasibility study report for the Hai Phong – Hanoi – Lao Cai railway project and connection with China.”

China Railway Group expresses interests in building Việt Nam’s railways – [16/09/23]
“He suggested the China Railway continue working with relevant Vietnamese ministries and localities to develop new projects in Việt Nam, including the Lào Cai-Hà Nội-Hải Phòng express railway linking with the Kunming-Hà Nội-Hải Phòng economic corridor.”

Planning underway for 440-kilometer railway linking Hanoi with northern provinces – [08/09/23]
“Designed for a speed of 160 kilometers per hour, the railway will start in Lao Cai Province, traverse Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, Haiphong, and end at the Cai Lan Port in Quang Ninh.”

US$17 billion needed to build railway connecting to seaports – [18/07/23]
“…the detailed planning of the 380km-long Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong project has been basically completed at a cost of about 11 billion USD.’

National railway investment requiring foreign push – [15/03/23]
“East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Japan’s largest rail operator, has expressed interest to the Ministry of Transport (MoT) about upgrading and renovating the Hanoi-Haiphong railway line, as well as building the route to Haiphong Port.”

“Under the plan, the Hanoi-Haiphong route will be upgraded. The long railway to Haiphong port connecting with Lach Huyen port and Dinh Vu port, worth about $1.5 billion, has also been included in the list of projects seeking foreign investment.”

“The Hanoi-Haiphong railway will be 102km long and will be developed as a double-track railway. The Haiphong side connects the railway to Dinh Vu, Nam Do Son, and Lach Huyen ports. The Lao Cai side links the railway with Chinese railways to exploit intermodal and transit transport.

The upgrade for the existing railway will be conducted after 2025. The single-track railway gauge of 1,000mm remains unchanged with both passenger and freight trains. Meanwhile, the new 1,435mm railway line will specialise in freight trains only.”

Hai Phong aims to become an international logistics centre – [27/01/23]
“By 2030, it will become a modern international logistics service centre with sea, air, highway and high-speed rail”.

2022

Standard-gauge railway to connect Vietnam with Eurasia market via China and boost Trans-Asian railway development – [13/11/22]

Vietnam urged to get China-backed railway project on track, avoid ‘missed opportunities’ despite concerns – [12/11/22]

Vietnam, China issue joint statement – [01/11/22]
“The two sides agree to actively promote connectivity of their development strategies, accelerate discussion on and the signing of a cooperation plan between the two governments on promoting connectivity between the “Two corridors, one belt” Framework and the “Belt and Road” Initiative, roll out cooperation in production capacity, infrastructure construction and transport connectivity, and early complete the evaluation of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong standard gauge railway planning.”

2021

Vietnam to have additional 18 railway routes by 2050 – [26/08/21]
“The top priority projects for capital allocation are the North-South high-speed railway including two routes of Hanoi-Vinh, HCMC-Nha Trang, those of Bien Hoa-Vung Tau, Vung Ang-Tan Ap-Mu Gia, Di An-Loc Ninh, HCMC-Cantho, Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong, and Hanoi-Dong Dang.”

2020

Belt and rail: New Vietnam-China train aims to put relations on track – [15/01/20]
“Updating a colonial legacy railway might offer more than a smoother connection between sometimes tense neighbours.”

2019

Proposed Hai Phong–China train route raises concerns over hefty price tag – [27/11/19]

No money, no need: Experts question proposed rail line to China – [27/11/19]

Railway route linking Chinese border to cost USD4.34 billion – [26/11/19]
“According to the Chinese consulting firm proposed planning, the 390-kilometre line will run through the eight localities of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Hai Duong and Haiphong.

Part of the track will be laid between Lao Cai and China’s Hekou County.

The route will have the global standard track gauge of 1.435 mm, instead of the country’s current 1,000 mm.

The project will have 73 bridges and 38 stations along with an annual goods transportation capacity of some 10 million tonnes. Train speed would be 160 kilometres per hour.”

China finances research study for Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project – [26/11/19]
“The Chinese government has provided non-refundable aid for Vietnam worth over VND32 billion (US$1.37 million) to conduct a survey and a master plan for the Lao Cai – Hai Phong – Hanoi railway project connecting with China, according to the Ministry of Transport (MoT).”

Plans proposed for building Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway – [07/03/19]
“The Beijing-based China Railway Fifth Survey and Design Institute Group, the consultant unit that mapped out Vietnam’s Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong rail route project, has proposed two plans for the project’s construction, according to the Ministry of Transport.”

2018

Vietnam plans to construct faster railway to China border – [12/04/18]
“According the project plans, the 391km railway traversing Hai Phong city, Hanoi and Lao Cai province will have the global standard track gauge of 1,435mm instead of century-old gauge of 1,000mm common in Vietnam. The average speed for passenger trains can reach 160km per hour while the freight ones will run at about 90km per hour.”

2017

Leaders of communist neighbours China and Vietnam won’t let maritime dispute sour relations – [11/01/17]
“Other deals are still being negotiated. These include a protocol for China to provide technical support for the building of a coastal railway linking Lào Cai, Hanoi and Haiphong.”