The Vietnamese government has decided to prioritise the construction of two high-speed rail (HSR) lines in the north of the country by 2030. These include a cross-border connection to China. The project is part of a development strategy for the Red River Delta, which aims to improve transport infrastructure, reduce congestion, and promote economic growth. The two planned lines are the connection from Hanoi to Lang Son, which is to run to the Chinese border, and a line from Hanoi to Sa Pa City in Lao Cai province, which runs via the harbour town of Hai Phong and Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province. There have already been several proposals for the Hanoi – Lang Son line. According to government representatives, the HSR lines are to enable speeds of up to 350 km/h. However, a feasibility study conducted by the Ministry of Transport in 2019 suggested limiting the operating speed to 320 km/h.
