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From 2026, the relaunch and expansion of direct flights from Vietnam to Guilin will help boost the tourism market of both countries. Starting this April, travel will be easier and more affordable than ever, as Vietnamese travelers will no longer need to wait or go through visa application procedures.
Accordingly, the visa exemption policy for groups of two or more from ASEAN countries has long been implemented in Guilin City. However, land travel barriers and a lack of direct flights have previously led to this offer receiving less attention. According to regulations, as long as immigration procedures are completed at Guilin Airport through approved travel agencies, tourists can stay for up to 144 hours (6 days) without going through complicated application processes.
The visa-free policy for 144-hour group stays in Guilin, combined with direct flights, has officially removed the procedural bottleneck.
Typically, a Chinese group visa application process takes about 10 days and costs around $30 USD. By completing immigration procedures directly at Guilin Airport and staying for a maximum of 144 hours (equivalent to 6 days), travelers can save not only a significant amount of money but, more importantly, time.
Compared to traditional China tours by air, which typically cost 10 million VND or more, such as those to Fenghuang Ancient Town, Chongqing, or Guizhou, Guilin clearly has a significant price advantage. In fact, this price is only slightly higher than a traditional Nanning land tour (around 6.5 million VND), but the quality of the experience is noticeably enhanced. Instead of spending hours sitting in a tiring vehicle, tourists can now dedicate their energy to admiring the majestic mountain scenery, often called "the most beautiful landscape under heaven."
Tourists will save considerable travel time, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in enjoying the scenery. These include tranquil moments on bamboo rafts floating along the Li River, admiring the iconic Elephant Trunk Mountain, or exploring the enchanting beauty of the Jinshuiyan Cave. Familiar destinations become even more appealing with the removal of bureaucratic hurdles.
Verified by reputable travel agencies, the 144-hour visa-free entry process in Guilin is a testament to the "barrier-free travel" trend.
In the context of the tourism industry's efforts to recover and revitalize itself, the proactive collaboration between Vietnamese travel businesses and Chinese partners to expand flights is a shrewd strategy. With an estimated 180 passengers per flight, the number of tourists from Vietnam to Guilin in the second quarter of 2026 is projected to increase dramatically. This will not only diversify travel options for people but also create positive pressure, forcing other destinations to reinvent themselves and adjust prices.
In the context of increasingly diverse tourism in China, taking advantage of the open policies in Guilin or Xishuangbanna is a way for travel enthusiasts to refresh their experiences. No visa required, no waiting, just the excitement of seeing these places.
