So Kien Basilica & Hanoi Churches Day Tour
A One-Day Meaningful Catholic Pilgrimage from Hanoi
This full-day private pilgrimage tour is designed for Catholic travelers wishing to explore the spiritual and architectural treasures of the Archdiocese of Hanoi. The journey begins with a visit to So Kien Basilica, one of the oldest and grandest churches in northern Vietnam, before returning to the capital to discover three of Hanoi’s most significant Catholic churches: St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Cua Bac Church, and Ham Long Church.
With a gentle pace and time for prayer, reflection, and Catholic history, this tour is ideal for pilgrims, parish groups, or faith-inspired travelers.
Tour Highlights:
✔ Visit So Kien Basilica – one of the largest and oldest churches of the Archdiocese of Hanoi
✔ Discover St. Joseph’s Cathedral – The Cathedral of Hanoi Capital and episcopal seat of the Archbishop of Hanoi
✔ Explore Cua Bac Church – officially known as the Church of Our Lady Queen of the Martyrs
✔ Pray at Ham Long Church, one of Hanoi’s oldest and most active parishes
✔ Private expert licensed and knowledgeable English-speaking guide, with a flexible pace and optional time for personal prayer
Detailed Itinerary:
Your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi at around 8:00–8:30 AM and depart for So Kien Basilica, located in Kien Khe (approx. 65 km – 1.5 hours from Hanoi). Built in the late 19th century, So Kien served as the cathedral of the Archdiocese until 1936 and remains the only church complex in Vietnam constructed in the style of an Italian Duomo square. Here, you will have time to walk the basilica grounds, pray, and learn about its historic role in the growth of Catholicism in northern Vietnam.
Return to Hanoi for lunch at a local restaurant, then begin an afternoon of church visits in the capital.
The first stop is St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a stunning neo-Gothic church built in 1886 that serves as the heart of Hanoi’s Catholic community. Admire its towering façade and intricate stained-glass windows before heading to the next destination.
Continue to Cua Bac Church, a remarkable blend of Romanesque and Vietnamese architectural styles. This historic church stands as a symbol of Hanoi’s Catholic heritage and offers a tranquil atmosphere for reflection.
Take a short break with enjoying a stop in the Hanoi Old Quarter to taste Vietnam’s iconic Egg Coffee — a unique, creamy coffee creation invented in the 1940s and now considered a must-try local specialty.
The final stop is Ham Long Church, officially dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. Built at the end of the 19th century near the old Ham Long Street from which it takes its name, the church is recognized as one of the three major churches of Hanoi, alongside Cua Bac Church and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Today, it remains a significant place of worship and community for the Catholic faithful in the capital.
Return to your hotel in Hanoi, ending a spiritually rich and memorable day.
Tour Information:
Duration: Full-day private tour
Pick-up & Drop-off: Your hotel in Hanoi City
Includes:
• Private expert licensed English-speaking guide
• Private A/C transportation
• Entrance fees
• Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant
Excludes:
• Drinks during meals
• Tips for guide and driver (not compulsory)
• Medical and travel insurance
• Hotel in Hanoi
Who This Tour Is For
✅ Pilgrims & parish groups
✅ Catholic travelers & history lovers
✅ Visitors interested in French colonial church architecture
✅ Those wishing for a peaceful faith-inspired day trip outside the city
Book This Pilgrimage Tour
To check availability or request a customized version of this tour, please contact us:
📩 Email: vietnamcatholictours@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp / Zalo: +84 914 544 660
We look forward to welcoming you on pilgrimage in Vietnam!
VIETNAM CATHOLIC TOURS
Address: 16 Doan Huu Trung Street, Hue City, Vietnam
Website: www.vietnamcatholictours.com
Tel/WhatsApp: +84 914 544 660 (Marie/Ms)
Email: vietnamcatholictours@gmail.com
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 – Thuan Hoa District – Hue City – Vietnam
(+84) 914 544 660 – 234 3623 896
Fax: 0234 3935 621
