Northern Vietnam Pilgrimage & Heritage Tour – 5 Days / 4 Nights
Explore the spiritual heart of Northern Vietnam through sacred sites, Catholic landmarks, and UNESCO-protected landscapes. This 5-day pilgrimage and cultural journey begins in Hanoi and takes you to the historic Phat Diem Cathedral, the stunning natural scenery of Ninh Binh, and the breathtaking Halong Bay. Ideal for Catholic travelers seeking a meaningful, peaceful, and enriching experience
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
– Explore Catholic heritage sites in Hanoi and Ninh Binh
– Visit iconic churches such as St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Phat Diem Cathedral
– Enjoy a boat ride through the stunning karst landscape of Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on Land”
– Discover the grandeur of Halong Bay on a scenic day cruise
– Learn about Vietnam’s history, culture, and religious life
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Welcome to Vietnam
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our guide will warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel in Hanoi.
Check-in and enjoy some time at leisure to rest after your journey.
Optional: If time permits, take a relaxing walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.
After your hotel check-in, you may wish to take an evening stroll of 2.5km around HoanKiem 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.
HoanKiem means “Lake of the Returned Sword“. The legend was that a famous and victorious king who drove out the Ming army lost his sword when a turtle came up and took it when he was on a boat in the lake. The legends also say that he originally received his magical sword from the turtle god of the area.
From early morning exercise, to courting couples at night, HoanKiem Lake is a pleasure to visit at any time
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi City Discovery with Churches
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then set out to explore the spiritual and cultural landmarks of Vietnam’s 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.
Next, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay respects to the revered leader of Vietnam. This solemn site holds historical significance and provides insights into the nation’s past. Nearby, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, which showcases traditional Vietnamese architecture and honors Confucian scholars.
After a short break, continue your journey 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.
Enjoy a delightful Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This museum provides an in-depth look at the country’s diverse ethnic groups through engaging exhibits and artifacts.
Conclude your day with a Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Show, a captivating performance that brings Vietnam’s folklore to life through intricately designed wooden puppets performing on water.
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.
With music, singing and special lighting, this is a very highly and enjoyable show for all ages.
After that, you will return to your hotel, ending a fulfilling day of cultural and spiritual exploration in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Phat Diem Cathedral & Tam Coc in Ninh Binh
After breakfast, depart for a full-day tour to Ninh Binh Province (approx. 2,5-hour drive).
In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will depart to visit Phat Diem Catheral.
This unique-styled structure was built between 1875 and 1899 with four roofs and six sets of iron wooden pillars and consists of a network of ponds, lakes, churches, and artificial caves. On both sides of the church are four smaller churches of different styles. In the area, the rice paddies are peppered with stone churches.
After lunch, we will depart to visit Tam Coc Landscape Complex.
In the area around Tam Coc are some of Vietnam’s most spectacular sights. You will find rice-fields, meandering rivers and historic monuments and caves. The Karst rock formations typical of this area are sometimes referred to as ‘Halong Bay on Land’. Continue driving to Kenh Ga and enjoy a boat trip along Hoang Long river to contemplate the beauty of the natural landscapes of this region.
Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Halong Bay Day Trip – World Heritage Wonders
Your private vehicle and driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to your Halong Bay Day Trip Cruise. This pleasant journey through the Red River Delta takes around 3.5 hours, with a refreshment stop along the way.
12:00 – 12:15: Arriving at Tuan Chau Island and entering the private waiting lounge to board the Halong Sonata Cruise, you begin your enchanting 5.5 to 6-hour journey through the scenic 2-day sleeper cruise route, renowned for its stunning, uninhabited islets and rock formations. A buffetstyle lunch will be served on board.
14:00 – 16:30: Exploring Bo Hon archipelago to visit the Surprising Cave with its great impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Next, you will visit Titov Island where you can swim on the sandy beach or climb to the peak for a panoramic view. The final stop is Luon Cave where you can choose to kayak or to join a bamboo boat rowing to explore hidden lagoon.
16:30: Returning to the ship for a Sunset Party, enjoying a Live traditional music performance during back to Tuan Chau Marina. You will have great time to chill out with friends on Upper deck with unforgettable moments.
18:00: Disembarking and private transfer back to Hanoi
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Departure from Hanoi
Enjoy your final breakfast in Vietnam. Free time for shopping or personal exploration before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
End of your Vietnam Catholic Tour.
Meals: Breakfast
INCLUSION:
– Transportation: A/C private transportation with driver
– Guide: Qualified and licensed English-speaking tour guide
– 4 nights accommodation in good hotels in centre of city
– Meals: As listed
– Entrance Fee, Bottled drinking water while on tour
– All tolls and Taxes
EXCLUSION:
– International flights to and from Vietnam
– Travel and medical insurance
– Other meals where not mentioned & drinks in the meals
– Tips for guides and drivers
– Personal expenses
– Items not listed in the itinerary
VIETNAM CATHOLIC TOURS
Address: 16 Doan Huu Trung St, ThuaThien-Hue, Hue, Vietnam
Website: www.vietnamcatholictours.vn
Email: vietnamcatholictours@gmail.com
Tel/WhatsApp +84 914 544 660
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
