Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Arrival into Hanoi Noi Bai Airport.
Meet you outside of the arrivals hall and private transfer to Hanoi city, which takes around 45 minutes.
Day 2: Hanoi City Discovery
This day will take in the highlight sites and sights including: Streets of the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, One-pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and St Joseph’s Cathedralin Hanoi.
Originally the streets of the Old Quarter teemed with many artisans manufacturing and selling their wares. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations. We will explore this dynamic view of everyday street life on foot in the morning light – it is a photographer’s paradise… all kinds of portraiture, architecture and people at work – along with many street sellers and their wares.
The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is located in the centre of Ba Dinh Square, which is the place where Ho read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved in the cooled, central hall of the mausoleum, which is protected by a military honour guard. (Inside mausoleum open Tue – Thur only). We continue to stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the mausoleum which have nearly 250 different species of plants and flowers, all from different regions of Vietnam. Also visit the simple ‘stilt house’ which Ho lived in and the unique ‘One-Pillar Pagoda’.
The Temple of Literature was first constructed in 1070 and is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. Also here is The Imperial Academy – constructed in 1076, which was the first national university of Vietnam, it has preserved its ancient architectural style of many dynasties.
This is a flexible full day of touring and you can discuss specific sites / sights and locations with your guide, depending on your own personal interests and pace.
After that we have a Mass at 6:00 pmat Cathedral of Hanoi (official name: St Joseph’s Cathedral),which is the cathedral of the archdiocese of Hanoi, where the archbishop’s seat is. This is also an ancient church in this city, often take place the religious activities of the parishioners of the archdiocese of Hanoi.
Take your seats for the Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre.
Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique folk art that originated a thousand years ago during the Ly dynasty. It originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Today’s Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition.
The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play.
With music, singing and special lighting, this is a very highly and enjoyable show for all ages.
Day 3: Phat Diem Stone Cathedral– Trang An
Morning, drive to Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, which was built from 1875 to 1899 by Priest Tran Luc and Catholics in Ninh Binh. Rated as one of the most beautiful church in Vietnam, Phat Diem Cathedral is like the “Catholic capital” of Vietnam. This is a large building and the cathedral church of the diocese of Phat Diem vast in northern Vietnam. The church is built entirely of stone and wood. Now, there is Priest’s Grave in front of the Church. The feature of this building is modeled on the architecture of the traditional temples in Vietnam inspite of Catholic Church. Then take a boat trip along the stream between rice paddy to visitTrang An complex where the limestone ranges, valleys and rivers fuses intertwined to create a magical space, mysterious surprise ever for you.
Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Overnight Cruise
Your private vehicle and driverwill meet you at your hotel and drive you to your Halong Bay Cruise. This pleasant journey through the Red River Delta takes around 3.5 hours, with a refreshment stop along the way.
Your guide will be with you for this transfer.
Cruise day 1 of 2 – Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay – Thien Canh Sơn Cave
7.30-7.45: Our bus or private car will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter
12.30: Arrive at Paloma office in Halong City. Transferred by tender to Cruise – Enjoy welcome drink. Receive cruise briefing, check in cabin and start the cruise.
13.30 Have lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay; Start sailing among famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islet…) of Bai Tu Long Bay, the wildest beauty with the panoramic natural views.
15:15 – 15:40 : Visit and explore the well-hidden Co Cave (known as Thien Canh Son Cave) where you can hiking to the middle of the mountain to see the wild and mysterious beautiful cave, contemplate numerous sparkling stalactites appear like ‘hanging lamps’ inside the Cave. (No swimming)
After the exploration of Thien Canh Sơn Cave, enjoy kayak activities around magnificent karst mountains or back cruise for sunset party .
18: 00 Drop anchor in the calm water surrounded by islets in Cong Dam.
19.15 Having dinner on board.
21.00 Relaxing or joining activities on boat as : Squid Fishing, Movie Night, Board Games, Massage & Spa services or relax at the leisure then overnight at private cabin at Cong Do area.
Overnight aboard in Cruise.
Day 5: Ha Long – Back to Ha Noi
Cruise day 2 of 2 – Cong Do Sleeping Area – Vong Vieng Floating Village – Hon Gai Habour
06.15 Starting your day with Tai Chi on the Sundeck while complimentary tea & coffee are served.
07.00 Have breakfast
07:45 – 09.00: Exploring Vung Vien Fishing Village: Guest choose to discover the daily life of the fisher communities by bamboo boat (one hour). Short visit to the Pearl Farm to learn how natural pearls are grown. ( No Swimming)
09:45: Upon return to the boat you will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.
Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).
10:00: Check out cabin. Then return to dining room for Vietnamese cooking class.
10:30 Enjoy Set Menu for lunch in the dining room. We will settle bills after lunch. Relax and enjoy the rest of Halong Bay before getting back to harbor.
11.45 Arrive at Hon Gai Harbour. Get on a van or a car back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi at around 4:30 PM.
Day 6: Hanoi – Fly Out
Free at leisure till transferring to airport for your flight home. End of your Vietnam Catholic Tours.
Traveling with us in the meaning of “CONNECT and SHARE”, you will see how life becomes special to catholic communities and it is a great chance to understand more about Vietnamese culture and catholic stories through the real local catholics.
Ho Thi Suong Lan
0161000885230
Vietcombank – Hue
Viet Orchid Travel Co., Ltd.
16 Doan Huu Trung, Phuoc Vinh Ward, Hue City,
Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam.
(+84) 914 544 660 – 234 3623 896
Fax: 0234 3935 621
