How to Get to Mohan Border (Boten Border) from Jinghong City

This article is about transportation between Mohan Border(磨憨口岸) and  Jinghong City. Situated in very south end of Yunnan province, Mohan is located in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. It is China’s only national land port to Laos and the most convenient land access to southeast Asia.

This guide provides essential transportation options for traveling from Jinghong City (景洪市) to the Mohan Border (磨憨口岸), including high-speed train schedules, self-driving routes, long-distance buses, and carpooling services. Whether you are traveling independently or with a group, these options cater to different preferences and budgets.

1. High-Speed Train Option (Recommended)

Train Routes and Duration

  • C381: Departs from Jinghong Station at 11:45 AM, arriving at Mohan Station at 12:54 PM (1 hour 9 minutes).

  • D887: Departs at 11:26 AM, arriving at 12:27 PM (1 hour 1 minute, the fastest train option).

Ticket Prices

  • Second-Class Seat: Around 80-120 RMB. Prices may vary depending on the date, so it’s best to check on 12306 for real-time ticket availability and pricing.

From Mohan Station to the Border

  • Bus: 5 RMB per person. Departs when full.

  • Carpool: 30 RMB per person. The journey takes around 10 minutes directly to the border.

2. Self-Drive Route

Route Overview

  • Total Distance: Approximately 193 km

  • Travel Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

  • Main Route: Follow the Kunming-Mohan Expressway (昆磨高速, G8511).

Toll Fees

  • Toll: 129 RMB for the entire expressway. Some sections, such as the one near the Menglun Service Area (勐仑服务区), may experience heavy traffic.

Key Route Details

  1. Jinghong City → Kunming-Mohan Expressway → Menglun Direction → Shangyong Toll Station → Xiaomo Road → Mohan Border.

Important Notes

  • Parking: The Mohan Border parking fee is approximately 20 RMB/day.

  • Vehicle Entry: If you are crossing the border, make sure to complete the necessary vehicle exit and entry procedures in advance.

3. Long-Distance Bus Services

Bus Timetable

  • Jinghong Bus Station → Mohan Border Bus: Ticket price between 60-100 RMB, with 3-4 buses operating daily.

  • Travel Time: Around 3-4 hours.

  • Stops: The bus makes stops at Menglun and Mengla, making this option suitable for travelers on a budget.

Carpool/Charter Bus

  • Carpool: Around 100 RMB per person for a ride from Jinghong Airport or Jinghong City Center to Mohan Border.

  • Charter Bus: Prices range from 400-600 RMB (negotiable), and it offers a direct ride to the border.

4. Practical Travel Tips

Border Crossing Procedures

  • Health Declaration: Complete the Customs Health Declaration (available via QR code) prior to arrival.

  • Chinese Border Inspection: Expect around 20 minutes for processing at the Chinese Border.

  • Laos Visa: If you are entering Laos, the visa on arrival costs 20 USD + photo, or you can arrange for a 250 RMB same-day visa at the Jinghong Laos Consulate.

Recommendations for Smooth Travel

  • High-Speed Train: This option is fast, with frequent departures, and avoids long queues, especially during holidays.

  • Self-Drive Option: Ideal for families or groups. Be sure to check your fuel levels, as fuel stations are available at Mengla Service Area (勐腊服务区).

The above information reflects 2025 updates. It’s recommended to confirm train schedules and travel policies before departure.

5. Rising Traffic to Mohan Border

Increased Traveler Volume

Since China lifted its exit and entry controls on January 3, 2023, the Mohan-Moding Border (磨憨磨丁口岸) has seen a significant increase in travelers. After the Chinese Spring Festival (春节), many Chinese citizens working in Laos have returned home, contributing to higher traffic at the border. Additionally, the relaxation of outbound travel policies has spurred demand for self-driving tours, independent travel, and group travel. The once quiet border town is now bustling with activity, revitalizing the Mohan Border and its surrounding areas.

6. Choosing Your Travel Method to Mohan Border

Arrival in Jinghong

  • Direct Flight: Flying directly to Jinghong is more convenient and time-efficient than traveling via Kunming.

  • Train from Kunming: While possible, taking a train from Kunming to Mohan is longer and requires additional connections. A flight to Jinghong is more practical.

High-Speed Train Travel

Jinghong, the capital of Xishuangbanna, is one of the nearest high-speed train stations to Mohan Border. The train ride from Jinghong to Mohan takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes, passing through Xishuangbanna and Mengla. Once you arrive at Mohan Station, there are several transportation options to reach the border:

  1. Walk to the station square.

  2. Take a taxi or ride-hailing service.

  3. Ride a special shuttle bus directly to the border.

Shuttle Bus

  • Ticket Price: 5 RMB (government-regulated).

  • Caution: The shuttle bus service is limited and may not be very fast, which could lead to delays. If you are catching a train from Moding, this might cause you to miss it.

Taxi

  • Faster than the shuttle bus, but may require waiting for the taxi to fill up with passengers.

  • Bargaining is common with drivers. If you have more than 4 people, coordinating a departure may become difficult.

Private Car

  • Pre-booking a private car is the most efficient choice. Your car will be waiting for you when you arrive at Mohan Station, and the driver will guide you to the vehicle with video instructions. This option allows you to reach the border much faster than other travelers.

7. Carpool or Charter Services

For more flexible travel, consider carpooling or charter buses from Jinghong Gasa Airport or Xishuangbanna High-Speed Train Station to the Mohan Border. High-speed train schedules are limited, and charter services provide a convenient solution.

  • Charter Bus: Prices range from 400-600 RMB (negotiable).

  • Carpool: Around 100 RMB per person.

Charter and carpool services provide a convenient and cost-effective option, especially if you miss a scheduled train or flight and need to reach the border the same day.

8. Border Crossing and Travel Recommendations

Border Hours

  • The Mohan-Moding Border operates from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM.

  • If you arrive after 8:30 PM or plan to stay overnight in Mohan, consider arriving early the next morning to avoid missing your train from Moding.

Accommodation Tips in Moding

  • If you arrive before 8:30 PM and successfully pass immigration, you can stay overnight in the Moding Special Zone (磨丁特区).

  • This allows you to rest and avoid rushing in the morning. Pre-book a taxi service from your hotel to the train station to avoid transportation difficulties.

Catching the Train from Moding

  • If you arrive at the border after 8:30 AM and have already obtained your visa, you may be able to catch the 12:15 PM fast train to Vientiane.

  • If you opt for visa on arrival in Moding, you may miss the 12:15 PM train, and the 2:00 PM train may be risky depending on visa processing times.

Essential Information

Many travelers face challenges such as difficulty finding accommodation in Mohan, paying high hotel prices, or missing their train due to unplanned circumstances. To avoid such issues, it’s important to plan ahead and select the best transportation method for your trip.

This comprehensive guide provides all the essential details to help you navigate your journey to Mohan Border smoothly.

Transportation in Yunnan:

Yunnan Travel by Air

Rail Transport in Yunnan

Roads in Yunnan