CENTRAL OF VIETNAM CATHOLIC TOURS (7D6N)
Overview
Central of Vietnam Catholic Tours (7D6N)
Discover the spiritual, cultural, and natural wonders of Central Vietnam on this enriching 7-day pilgrimage journey. From the sacred Marian shrine of Our Lady of La Vang and the historic churches of Hue to the breathtaking caves of Phong Nha and the charming streets of Hoi An, this private tour offers a perfect blend of faith, heritage, local culture, and natural beauty. Experience meaningful moments of prayer while exploring some of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations.
Highlights
- Visit renowned Catholic pilgrimage sites including Our Lady of La Vang and Our Lady of Tra Kieu
- Discover Phu Cam Cathedral and the Catholic heritage of Hue
- Explore the historic Long Hung Church and Vinh Moc Tunnels
- Experience the spectacular caves of Phong Nha and Tien Son
- Visit Hue Imperial Citadel and royal tombs
- Enjoy the iconic Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills
- Wander through the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town
- Experience local life at Tra Que Vegetable Village
- Private tour with experienced English-speaking guide
- Perfect for Catholic travelers seeking faith, culture, and nature in one journey
Itinerary
Your private guide will meet you outside of the arrival hall at Da Nang International Airport.
Flights details tbc (please advise us your estimated arrival flight)
Following National Highway 1 north to Hue city is around 2 to 3 hours drive. Depending on time of day (and time available) we will either take the scenic drive over the Hai Van Mountain Pass or if arrival is late in the day, we’ll drive the direct route via the Hai Van Tunnel.
On arrival in Hue, check into your hotel and the remainder of your day is free and easy.
Overnight in Hue
After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a visit to Phu Cam Cathedral, one of the largest and most beautiful churches in Central Vietnam, known for its modern architecture and historical significance to the Catholic community of Hue.
Continue to explore the Imperial Citadel, located on the north bank of the Perfume River. This vast complex covers an area of more than 500 hectares and consists of three concentric enclosures: Kinh Thanh (Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel), and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Purple City). The Citadel served as the residence and administrative center of the Nguyen Emperors until the mid-20th century. Despite the damage caused by war and time, the site remains a majestic testament to Vietnam’s imperial history, with bullet marks still visible on ancient stone walls.
In the afternoon, visit Thien An Monastery, located in Thuy Bang, Huong Thuy District, surrounded by a peaceful pine forest. The monastery’s design, inspired by the architecture of a traditional convent church, creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere, perfectly harmonizing with nature — an ideal place for quiet reflection.
Afterward, continue to Minh Mang Tomb, situated about 12 km from Hue on the west bank of the Perfume River. Construction began in 1840 under Emperor Minh Mang and was completed in 1843 by his successor, Emperor Thieu Tri. The tomb complex features nearly 40 structures, including palaces, temples, and pavilions, all symmetrically arranged along a central axis that symbolizes harmony and order.
Overnight in Hue
After breakfast, depart from Hue and travel north toward Our Lady of La Vang, a major pilgrimage center for Catholics in Vietnam. Spend some quiet time for prayer and reflection at the holy shrine before continuing your journey to Quang Binh Province.
Along the way, stop by Long Hung Church, once completely destroyed during the war. Only the shell of the building remains today, with bullet marks and scars that tell a moving story of faith and resilience amid conflict.
Continue driving for about an hour to visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels, an extraordinary underground village built by local families to survive relentless bombing during the Vietnam War. More than 90 families lived and worked within this intricate network of tunnels – spanning nearly 2 kilometers and reaching three different levels underground. Visitors can still walk through many of the original tunnels, now fitted with lighting but preserved in their authentic condition.
After the visit, drive further north for a couple of hours to Phong Nha – Ke Bang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which will serve as your base for the night and the next day’s exploration.
Overnight in Quang Binh
After breakfast, check out and begin your excursion to the spectacular Phong Nha and Tien Son Caves. First noted during the French colonial era in the late 19th century and fully surveyed in 1990, Phong Nha Cave is famed as the world’s longest river cave, stretching nearly 14 kilometers.
A boat ride along the underground river takes you through the first section—about 1.2 kilometers—open to visitors. The caverns near the entrance reveal magnificent limestone formations estimated to be over 400 million years old. Stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate stone curtains form an awe-inspiring underground wonderland.
After exploring the caves, enjoy your lunch before departing for Hue. Enjoy a scenic drive back to Hue City, passing through the beautiful landscapes of Central Vietnam. Arrive in Hue and check in to your hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight in Hue
After breakfast, depart Hue and travel south toward Da Nang via the Hai Van Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Southeast Asia, offering a comfortable and efficient journey between the former imperial capital and Vietnam’s central coast.
Upon arrival at Ba Na Hills, board one of the world’s longest cable car systems for a spectacular journey above the clouds. As the cable car ascends the mountainside, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding forests, waterfalls, and rolling hills.
At the summit, explore the renowned Golden Hand Bridge, dramatically supported by two giant stone hands emerging from the mountainside. Guests will also have time to discover the charming French Village, inspired by classical European architecture, stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, and enjoy the cool mountain climate that has made Ba Na Hills one of Central Vietnam’s most popular destinations. The area was originally developed as a French hill station in the early 20th century and today combines natural beauty with unique architectural attractions.
Lunch will be served at Ba Na Hills.
In the late afternoon, descend by cable car and continue to Hoi An. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An
After breakfast, enjoy a gentle bicycle ride through the peaceful countryside to Tra Que Vegetable Village, located just a few kilometers from Hoi An. This charming farming community is famous for cultivating a wide variety of organic herbs and vegetables using traditional methods passed down through generations.
Learn about local farming practices and participate in hands-on gardening activities with local farmers. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing herbal foot massage before joining a cooking class with a local family, where you will learn how to prepare several traditional Vietnamese dishes. Lunch will feature the specialties you have helped create.
In the afternoon, continue to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Tra Kieu, one of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in Vietnam. Set on a peaceful hilltop, the shrine commemorates the protection believed to have been granted by the Blessed Mother to local Catholics during the events of 1885 and remains a place of prayer and devotion for pilgrims from across the country.
Later, return to Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that flourished as an international trading port between the 17th and 19th centuries. Explore its charming pedestrian streets, historic merchant houses, colorful Chinese Assembly Halls, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. As evening approaches, admire the enchanting atmosphere created by hundreds of lanterns illuminating the ancient town and the Thu Bon River.
Overnight in Hoi An
Free at leisure till transferring to Danang International Airport for your flight home.
ETD: TBA (please advise us your flight details)
Fly home, on your own scheduled and arranged flight, and leave with precious memories of your 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: info@vietnamcatholictours.com
Includes/Excludes
Includes:
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- 6 nights accommodation with daily breakfast
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and sightseeing tickets as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during touring days
Excludes:
- International flights
- Vietnam visa (if applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and beverages
- Tips for guide and driver
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any services not specifically mentioned under “Tour Includes”
