SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE TOUR THROUGH NORTHERN AND CENTRAL VIETNAM (10D9N)

Fuel up for a day of exploration with a delicious breakfast at your hotel.

After that, take the Journey North! We’ll embark on a scenic drive to Our Lady of La Vang, a prominent pilgrimage site not only for Vietnamese but also for everyone over the world. Here, you’ll have ample time for prayer and reflection, soaking in the spiritual significance of this revered location.

Return to Hue city for a delightful and satisfying lunch. This is a great opportunity to recharge and discuss your experiences at La Vang.

In the afternoon, Immerse yourself in tranquility at Thien An Monastery. Nestled amidst a breathtaking pine forest in Thuy Bang, this serene haven boasts an intimate atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the grounds, find a quiet corner for meditation, or simply appreciate the peaceful environment.

Then, we will dive into the vibrant local scene at Dong Ba Market! As Hue’s oldest market, Dong Ba offers an unforgettable cultural experience. Explore the labyrinthine aisles brimming with an array of goods, from fresh produce and local crafts to clothing and delicious street food.

Return to your hotel, brimming with memories and unique finds from Dong Ba Market. This jam-packed day offers a perfect blend of spiritual exploration, cultural immersion, and a touch of local shopping.

Overnight in Hue City

After breakfast at the hotel, we will spend time to visit Phu Cam Cathedral which is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hue, and is one of the largest, the most famous and the oldest church in Hue. The cathedral was built on a hill where an orange plantation once stood. Construction started on the property in 1963 with further additions in 2000, it is built in the style of Modern Architecture designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu.

Then pay your respects at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, another architectural treasure of Hue. Discover its significance within the Catholic community and appreciate its artistic beauty.

Then, we will visit Maries Craft House, a meaningful community project founded in the ancient capital of Huế by Ms. Lan (Ms Marie). Born from a love for traditional craftsmanship, Maries brings together local artisans, creators, and craft lovers to transform simple Hue Lepironia grass into refined, artistically distinctive handicraft products. More than a brand, Maries represents the voice and dedication of local women, supporting traditional villages and promoting sustainable community growth through creativity and cultural preservation.

• Join us to help Rural Women in Traditional Villages
• Address: 46 Chu Van An Street, Hue City

After lunch, we will take a short traditional cyclo to the Citadel, which is located on the North bank of Huong River (Perfume River), inside Hue city.

It is a huge complex covering an area of 520 ha and comprising three circles of ramparts, Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). The rule of the last Vietnamese Emperor lasted until the mid-1900s. At the time, the Purple Forbidden City had many buildings and hundreds of rooms. It suffered from termite and cyclone damage, but was still very impressive. Many bullet holes left over from the war can also be observed on the stone walls.

The rest of the evening is yours to explore at your own pace.

Overnight in Hue City

Following National Highway 1 south to Da Nang is approximately a 2.5-hour drive. The journey takes you through the Hai Van Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Southeast Asia, providing a comfortable and efficient connection between Hue and Da Nang.

Along the way, enjoy views of Central Vietnam’s beautiful coastline and countryside as you travel south. We will make suitable stops for refreshments and comfort breaks as required before continuing to Da Nang.

Passing by Da Nang we head to the Ba Na Hills. This hill resort, inherited from the French, has refreshingly cool weather and gorgeous countryside views.

Until WWII, the French were carried up the last 20km of rough mountain road by sedan chair, but now a 5.7km (the world’s longest) cable car system has opened up access. The ride involves a rise of almost 1400m, a truly spectacular trip over dense jungle and waterfalls.

Folklore says that when the French arrived in this region, they saw a lot of bananas and gradually this morphed to Ba Na!

Walk the Golden Bridge…

This amazing construction has attracted visitors worldwide, eager to see a novel piece of architecture famed for its unusual design.

The pedestrian walkway, sits at over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level and extends over the treetops from the edge of a leafy cliff face, offering visitors uninterrupted views of the majestic landscape beneath.

The bridge was designed to evoke the image of the ‘giant hands of God’, pulling a strip of gold out of the and to connect the cable car station with the gardens and to provide an amazing scenic overlook.

We’ll remain flexible as to the walks and sites visited.

Lunch is included, following which we’ll continue to Hoi An to arrive by around mid to late afternoon. Check in hotel and relax at your leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

In the morning, we will visit Our Lady of Tra Kieu, which is the holy mountain church where pilgrimages gather to pray and memorize the glory and the victory that Our Lady who gave to the faithfuls when they were in the war of self-defense against the Can Vuong Movement in 1885.

In the afternoon, we take the Hoi An walking tour. Located on the banks of the poetic Thu Bon River, Hoi An ancient town is an Eastern oriental classic captivation. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port, with a number of foreign occupations. These included the Japanese and Chinese, and and also western (Dutch and Spanish) during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Today, this UNESCO World Heritage listed ancient town is home to well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets, a quaint riverside and unique cuisines. The narrow lanes are ideal for a 3 hours walking tour to give you a glimpse of an ancient town with its illustrious past. You will visit the Japanese Bridge, the Assembly Hall of Chinese, an old merchant’s house – Tan Ky beautiful town of all lanterns by night.

In the evening, immerse yourself in a spectacular cultural experience with the “Hoi An Memories” Show. This breathtaking outdoor performance brings the heroic and romantic history of Hoi An to life, taking you on a journey through its rich heritage and vibrant identity. Featuring over 500 talented dancers and actors, stunning props, and mesmerizing stage effects, the show captivates with its impressive choreography and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. Set on a grand 25,000-square-meter stage, “Hoi An Memories” promises an unforgettable evening that will leave you in awe of Hoi An’s timeless beauty.

Overnight in Hoi An

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your domestic flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey south to Ninh Binh Province, often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land.” The drive takes approximately 2–2.5 hours, offering a pleasant introduction to the peaceful countryside of Northern Vietnam.

Arrive in Ninh Binh in the late afternoon, check in to your hotel, and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Ninh Binh. 

After breakfast, depart for Phat Diem Cathedral, one of the most remarkable Catholic churches in Vietnam and a masterpiece of East–West architectural harmony.

Built between 1875 and 1899, the cathedral complex uniquely blends traditional Vietnamese temple architecture with Gothic church design. Covering a vast area of ponds, lakes, chapels, and artificial grottoes, Phat Diem Cathedral remains one of the country’s most important pilgrimage sites and an enduring symbol of Vietnamese Catholic heritage.

After time for prayer, exploration, and photographs, enjoy lunch served by the Sisters at Phat Diem.

In the afternoon, continue to Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land.” Board a traditional rowboat for a peaceful journey along the Ngo Dong River, gliding through picturesque rice fields and beneath dramatic limestone karst mountains. Along the way, pass through a series of natural caves carved by the river over thousands of years, creating one of Northern Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes.

After the boat excursion, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Ninh Binh. 

In the morning, at about 8am, we will depart to Hanoi for visiting So Kien Basilica.

The Basilica is honored to be the cradle of two martyrs, Priest Truong Van Thi and the catechist Peter Truong Van Duong) and a place to store many holy relics.

After that we will take time to visit around and have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will back to Hanoi and visit The Temple of Literature which 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.

Spending time to visit The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology which is a highlight museum in Hanoi, focuses on the 54 officially recognised ethnic groups in Vietnam. It is located on a 43,799-square-metre property in the Cầu Giấy District, about 8 km from the city center.

Check in Hanoi hotel and relax.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

After breakfast, we will depart to visit Cathedral of Hanoi, 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 taking place the religious activities of the parishioners of the archdiocese of Hanoi.

After that we will visit The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh complex (Outside) which is located in the center 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. Then we will have lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we will visit Cua Bac Church, which is a Roman Catholic church in Hanoi, Vietnam. Originally named church of Our Lady of the Martyrs, the church was built in 1932 by the French administration of Indochina as a part of Hanoi’s urban plan supervised by Ernest Hébrard.

Conclude this day, we will take time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake. The lake is considered the center of Hanoi, not only physically but also symbolically. Peaceful and quiet, the lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda sitting in the centre on a small island.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Vietnam before checking out of your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you will have some free time for shopping or personal exploration before your private transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Flight Details: TBA (please kindly advise us of your international flight details)

Fly home on your own scheduled flight, taking with you cherished memories and spiritual blessings from your meaningful Vietnam Catholic Tour.

Address: 16 Doan Huu Trung Street, Hue City, Vietnam

Website: www.vietnamcatholictours.com

Tel/WhatsApp: +84 914 544 660 (Marie/Ms)

Email: info@vietnamcatholictours.com