Hekou

Hekou is based in Yunnan, China. It is the administrative center of Hekou Yao Autonomous County. It is located on the border with Vietnam, adjacent to Lao Cai.

Travel to Hekou

Crossing the border

There are two border crossings in Hekou, both of which appear to have the same name on the Chinese side (the signs says Zhongguo Hekou, i.e. "Hekou, China"):

• The old border crossing GPS 22.507592,103.963678 is used primarily by pedestrians, although bicycles and motorcycles can cross the border here as well. Connecting the old downtown Hekou with downtown Lao Cai with a short bridge over the Nanxi River, it is the one more popular with foreign travelers. This is also where Vietnamese market vendors cross the border with their giant cargo bicycles. The border is open 8AM Monday - 11PM (7AM Monday - 10PM Vietnamese time).

Hekou-Kim Thành border crossing - P1380330 - The new border crossing. China on the right, Vietnam on the left

• The new border crossing GPS 22.528043,103.941263, a few miles upstream from downtown, is more convenient for motor vehicles. It is heavily used by trucks and buses. The check point on the Vietnamese side is called Kim Thành (Cửa Khẩu Kim Thành).

By Rail

The century-old narrow gauge railway from Kunming stopped passenger service in the early 2000s, and a new standard-gauge railway from Kunming opened in December 2014.

As of 2023 and there are 5 pairs of trains (one of them, overnight) every day between Kunming and* Hekou North Station. One train continues beyond Kunming to Dali. A train trip to Kunming takes 6-7 hours; the hard-seat fare is around ¥70.

Hekou North Railway Station - P1380440 - Hekou North Station

As of 2023 and the local authorities are literally moving mountains in order to construct a grand boulevard connecting the new Hekou North Station with the city. Until this project is completed, getting to the station involves driving on a winding back road across residential neighborhoods. Bus service from the station to downtown Hekou is available.

The old narrow-gauge* Hekou Station. still stands near the railway bridge across the border river, even though there has been no passenger service there for many years. A train ticket office (selling tickets for all trains on China's national network) operates in a building across the street from that station.

If you want to come to Hekou by train from Vietnam, you can take a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, and walk a few blocks from the* Lao Cai Railway Station Ga Lào Cai GPS 22.492262,103.978327 to the border crossing. There is no cross-border passenger train service. (Narrow-gauge freight trains, however, still use the old railroad bridge; according to a warning sign and they mostly move at night).

Travel on a Bus in Hekou

Hekou Bus Station - The new bus station is located in a new neighborhood on the Northwest side of town }} Buses run from various destinations within Yunnan, including a wild overnight sleeper from Kunming (¥209). Some connections, including Jinghong require you to change buses in Mengzi. The bus station is within walking distance of the border post, and Lao Cai is just across the bridge.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Hekou

Watch people crossing the border over the bridge at the old border crossing. Vietnamese traders use it to move produce and consumer goods on remarkable "cargo bicycles", likes of which you most likely won't see elsewhere (either in China or in Vietnam).

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Hekou

Hekou Town - Northwest side - P1380308 - Vietnamese specialties supermarket - A typical "Vietnamese specialties" store, near the new bus station

A large shopping neighborhood exists near the old border crossing. Signs in Vietnamese abound, as people from Vietnam come here to buy consumer goods that are cheaper in Hekou than in Vietnam.

There are also "Vietnamese specialties" shops near the new border crossing and the new bus station.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Hekou

Hekou - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Hekou, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hekou. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Hekou and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Hekou. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Hekou. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Hekou: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Hekou.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Hekou: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Hekou, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Hekou.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Hekou, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Hekou, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Hekou and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Hekou, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Hekou, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Hekou without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hekou is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Hekou.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Hekou is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Hekou, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Hekou Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Hekou

eHalal Group Hekou is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Hekou. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Hekou.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Hekou ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Hekou. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Hekou, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Hekou are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Cope in Hekou

When you leave the border office, ask the Chinese officials for a small guide with basic map of Hekou map and a glossary, if it is available.

Stay Safe

Beware of helpful guys speaking English at the bus station, offer to sell bus/train tickets in Vietnam for triple their real price or exchange currency several times more expensive than in respectable places. Check prices and exchange rates in advance. Tickets can be purchased easily at Vietnam side of border.

Travel Next

• Vietnam - Night bus to Hanoi from Lao Cai. Costs about 350000 dongs. Very uncomfortable with loud music and no leg space. Train is much better option, but often need to be booked in advance.
• Kunming: Several trains a day. There are also buses. First bus is at 8h45, next 10h50 and 1pm, cost about ¥240. It takes about 7-8h to arrive to Kunming Eastern bus station. Take bus 60 (¥2) to reach town center / train station. The Hekou bus station is about 3 kilometers from the border to Vietnam.
• Yuanyang Rice terraces: first bus at 9h, ¥65.

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