SO KIEN BASILICA & HANOI CHURCHES DAY TOUR
Overview
Discover the rich Catholic heritage of Northern Vietnam on this inspiring day pilgrimage from Hanoi. Visit the historic So Kien Basilica, one of the country’s oldest and most important churches, before exploring Hanoi’s iconic Catholic landmarks, including St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Cua Bac Church, and Ham Long Church. This private tour offers a meaningful blend of faith, history, and architectural beauty.
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
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.
Duration: Full-day private tour
Pick-up & Drop-off: Your hotel in Hanoi City
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
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 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
