Friendship Pass, Vietnam: Dong Dang and Lang Son 1-Day Tour (Pure Sightseeing, 0 Self-Paid Activities, No Duty-Free Shops, Travel with ID Card)

Itinerary Overview

Breakfast: Own expense | Lunch: Tour group meal | Dinner: Own expense

*Nanning Departure & Return: Gather at 06:50 at Galaxy Hotel, No. 84 Chaoyang Road, and take a vehicle to the Pingxiang Document Processing Hall for the in‑person interview. After the interview, take a vehicle to the [Youyi Pass] scenic area, one of China's nine major passes with a millennium of military and diplomatic history, featuring attractions such as the French‑style building, Pass Tower Square, Joint Inspection Building and Square, Southern Frontier National Gate First Road, Kilometer Zero, and Youyi Pass Boundary Marker No. 1117. Queue up to complete exit formalities, board the electric shuttle bus to the parking lot upon entering Vietnam (round‑trip shuttle fee included), and then take a tour bus to the Vietnamese border town of Đồng Đăng to visit and tour the [Đồng Đăng Pagoda] (tour duration approx. 15 minutes) to experience its profound religious and cultural heritage; stroll along the [Đồng Đăng International Railway Station] (exterior view, tour duration approx. 10 minutes) to experience the unique historical imprint of border transportation; explore the [Three Clear Caves] (if visitor limits are imposed by the scenic area, this will be changed to the "Twin Immortals Caves", with no refund of fees) and admire the scenery blending nature and humanity. Afterwards, head to the [Hoang Van Thu Square], [Lạng Sơn Provincial People's Committee Building] (exterior view), and [Cathedral] (exterior view, tour duration approx. 30 minutes) to experience the local architecture and cultural customs. Next, tour the landmark building of Lạng Sơn, Vietnam, the [Flag Tower] (tour duration approx. 40 minutes), enjoy Vietnamese drip coffee at a local street‑side Vietnamese café (at own expense; those not drinking coffee can enjoy complimentary tea and resting area), and visit a local supermarket for free shopping if time permits. After entering Youyi Pass, take a vehicle back to the designated location in Nanning to disband the tour (drive time approx. 2.5 hours), bringing a pleasant 1‑day Sino‑Vietnamese border tour to a successful close!

*Pingxiang Departure & Return: Gather at the Pingxiang Document Processing Hall at the designated time for the in‑person interview. Our document processing agent will assist with applying for the border entry pass. After the interview, proceed independently to the [Youyi Pass] scenic area, one of China's nine major passes with a millennium of military and diplomatic history, featuring attractions such as the French‑style building, Pass Tower Square, Joint Inspection Building and Square, Southern Frontier National Gate First Road, Kilometer Zero, and Youyi Pass Boundary Marker No. 1117. Queue up to complete exit formalities, board the electric shuttle bus to the parking lot upon entering Vietnam (round‑trip shuttle fee included), and then take a tour bus to the Vietnamese border town of Đồng Đăng to visit and tour the [Đồng Đăng Pagoda] (tour duration approx. 15 minutes) to experience its profound religious and cultural heritage; stroll along the [Đồng Đăng International Railway Station] (exterior view, tour duration approx. 10 minutes) to experience the unique historical imprint of border transportation; explore the [Three Clear Caves] (if visitor limits are imposed by the scenic area, this will be changed to the "Twin Immortals Caves", with no refund of fees) and admire the scenery blending nature and humanity. Afterwards, head to the [Hoang Van Thu Square], [Lạng Sơn Provincial People's Committee Building] (exterior view), and [Cathedral] (exterior view, tour duration approx. 30 minutes) to experience the local architecture and cultural customs. Next, tour the landmark building of Lạng Sơn, Vietnam, the [Flag Tower] (tour duration approx. 40 minutes), enjoy Vietnamese drip coffee at a local street‑side Vietnamese café (at own expense; those not drinking coffee can enjoy complimentary tea and resting area), and visit a local supermarket for free shopping if time permits. In the afternoon, take a vehicle back across the border to Youyi Pass, where the itinerary concludes successfully.

*Warm Reminder: Traveling abroad using a Mainland Travel Permit for Resident Identity Card requires an in‑person interview and document processing at the Pingxiang Exit‑Entry Processing Hall. Interview and processing times are subject to the public security processing hall, ranging from approximately half an hour to three hours (if network connections are unstable, longer wait times may apply, and times vary; if processing takes too long, tourists may voluntarily withdraw from the tour, and any resulting cost losses shall be borne by the tourists themselves). We kindly ask for your understanding regarding any inconvenience caused to tourists by longer wait times.

No passport needed, no visa needed—just your ID card, and you can travel abroad? The answer is yes! You can visit Lạng Sơn City, Vietnam. Lạng Sơn City is only 18 kilometers away from the Sino‑Vietnamese border, facing Pingxiang City in Guangxi across the mountains. The vibrancy of the border, the elegance of French style, and the lively atmosphere of Vietnam blend wondrously in Lạng Sơn, giving you an unforgettable small northern Vietnamese town experience.

Tree‑lined Dalbergia odorifera pathways, the rippling clear waters of the Ky Cung River, elegant provincial government buildings, and French‑style architecture... Just snap a photo, and you'll have an exotic postcard.

The aroma of freshly wrapped and fried Vietnamese spring rolls drifts down the streets, alongside golden, crispy, and generously filled French baguettes. Every single bite is a sweet encounter between Vietnam and France.

Looking for a moment of tranquility? The quaint urban temples exude a distant Zen atmosphere, while the picturesque Three Clear Caves conceal nature's secrets, waiting for you to discover.

Next, we will show you the step‑by‑step process of visiting Lạng Sơn, Vietnam, using your own identity card. Keep your eyes open and don't blink!

Day 1: Departure to Pingxiang

First is the interview process. Bring your personal ID card to the Exit‑Entry Administration Processing Hall of the Pingxiang Public Security Bureau to complete the interview procedure. The interview takes approximately 30‑120 minutes. Once you pass the interview, you will receive a temporary border pass. Proceed with the pass to cross the border at Youyi Pass in Pingxiang, Guangxi.

Youyi Pass

One of China's nine major passes, on par with Shanhai Pass, Zijing Pass, Juyong Pass, and Jiayu Pass. It is a vital southern strategic town and a border gateway. The Youyi Pass scenic area includes attractions such as the French‑style building, Pass Tower Square, Joint Inspection Building and Square, Southern Frontier National Gate First Road, Kilometer Zero, and Youyi Pass Boundary Marker No. 1117. Feel free to stroll around and check‑in here.

After completing entry formalities, arrive in Lạng Sơn City and head directly to tour Đồng Đăng town.

Đồng Đăng Pagoda

With a history of over 300 years, it features typical traditional Chinese architectural styles.

Đồng Đăng Pagoda is bustling with worshippers, and it is said to be "responsive to all prayers". It features red pillars, incense burners, a golden Buddha backdrop, and a solemn atmosphere. The temple fair on the 10th day of the first lunar month every year is exceptionally lively. Here, you can experience a strong religious atmosphere. Note: Please do not speak loudly, walk backwards, or step over the incense burners; pray in a civilized manner!

Đồng Đăng International Through‑Traffic Railway Station

Built in the early 19th century, this railway station's architectural style clearly carries European Baroque characteristics. It is an absolute standout for taking photos.

Touring the Three Clear Caves in Lạng Sơn City

Visit the famous Lạng Sơn attraction, the Three Clear Caves or Twin Immortals Caves. Formed by the "heaven, earth, and water" caves, the Three Clear Caves combine karst wonders, ancestral relics, and wartime shelters. They are not only a masterpiece of natural creation but also carry the faith memories and cultural symbiosis of the Sino‑Vietnamese border.

Inside, local deities are worshipped. Local residents view the caves as "sacred grounds". Buddhist shrines and altars are set up inside, with burning incense continuing to this day, blending nature worship with Buddhist beliefs and reflecting the traditional concept of "humans and deities coexisting".

Hoang Van Thu Square

Named after the Vietnamese national hero Hoang Van Thu. A giant, leafy Dalbergia odorifera ancient tree (a local landmark) stands in the center of the square, its dense canopy forming a natural shading dome. Sitting under the centuries‑old tree shade and watching the French‑style clock tower reflect the setting sun instantly transports you through the intertwined space and time of the colonial era and contemporary Vietnamese life.

French‑style historical buildings are preserved around the square, with beige exterior walls and red‑tiled sloping roofs forming an elegant backdrop. The French‑style clock tower and arched arcade verandas are particularly exotic. The scene of the ancient tree and French architecture sharing the same frame creates a unique landscape blending history and nature, making it a postcard‑level photography spot in Lạng Sơn.

Lạng Sơn Provincial People's Committee Building

A model of French colonial architecture. It features striking beige exterior walls, brick‑red sloping roof combinations, symmetrical arched windows, carved pillars, and iron‑art balconies, perfectly presenting the late 19th‑century French Indochinese architectural style.

Catholic Cathedral

A treasure of French colonial architecture, featuring a typical Neo‑Gothic style. Standing under the weathered stone walls and listening to the church bells startle birds in flight, you can almost touch the sealed French era of northern Vietnam's mountain city.

Lạng Sơn Flag Tower

A landmark building of Lạng Sơn, standing at the highest point of the urban area. The weathered massive bluestone base carries history and was once an important military lookout and flag‑raising tower during the Nguyễn dynasty. Reaching the summit offers a 360‑degree panoramic view of the Lạng Sơn cityscape, making it especially suitable for photographing sunrises and sunsets.

Walking down from the Lạng Sơn Flag Tower, you can head to a local street‑side Vietnamese specialty café to taste Vietnamese drip coffee, or go to a local supermarket or trading market for free shopping to pick up souvenirs for family and friends as a memento.