Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Arrival into Hanoi Noi Bai Airport.
Meet you outside of the arrivals hall and private transfer to Hanoi city, which takes around 45 minutes.
Day 2: Hanoi City Discovery
This day will take in the highlight sites and sights including: Streets of the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, One-pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and St Joseph’s Cathedralin Hanoi.
Originally the streets of the Old Quarter teemed with many artisans manufacturing and selling their wares. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations. We will explore this dynamic view of everyday street life on foot in the morning light – it is a photographer’s paradise… all kinds of portraiture, architecture and people at work – along with many street sellers and their wares.
The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is located in the centre 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. Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved in the cooled, central hall of the mausoleum, which is protected by a military honour guard. (Inside mausoleum open Tue – Thur only). We continue to stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the mausoleum which have nearly 250 different species of plants and flowers, all from different regions of Vietnam. Also visit the simple ‘stilt house’ which Ho lived in and the unique ‘One-Pillar Pagoda’.
The Temple of Literature 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.
This is a flexible full day of touring and you can discuss specific sites / sights and locations with your guide, depending on your own personal interests and pace.
After that we have a Mass at 6:00 pmat Cathedral of Hanoi (official name: St Joseph’s Cathedral),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 take place the religious activities of the parishioners of the archdiocese of Hanoi.
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.
The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play.
With music, singing and special lighting, this is a very highly and enjoyable show for all ages.
Day 3: Phat Diem Stone Cathedral– Trang An
Morning, drive to Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, which was built from 1875 to 1899 by Priest Tran Luc and Catholics in Ninh Binh. Rated as one of the most beautiful church in Vietnam, Phat Diem Cathedral is like the “Catholic capital” of Vietnam. This is a large building and the cathedral church of the diocese of Phat Diem vast in northern Vietnam. The church is built entirely of stone and wood. Now, there is Priest’s Grave in front of the Church. The feature of this building is modeled on the architecture of the traditional temples in Vietnam inspite of Catholic Church. Then take a boat trip along the stream between rice paddy to visitTrang An complex where the limestone ranges, valleys and rivers fuses intertwined to create a magical space, mysterious surprise ever for you.
Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Overnight Cruise
Your private vehicle and driverwill meet you at your hotel and drive you to your Halong Bay Cruise. This pleasant journey through the Red River Delta takes around 3.5 hours, with a refreshment stop along the way.
Your guide will be with you for this transfer.
Cruise day 1 of 2 – Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay – Thien Canh Sơn Cave
7.30-7.45: Our bus or private car will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter
12.30: Arrive at Paloma office in Halong City. Transferred by tender to Cruise – Enjoy welcome drink. Receive cruise briefing, check in cabin and start the cruise.
13.30 Have lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay; Start sailing among famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islet…) of Bai Tu Long Bay, the wildest beauty with the panoramic natural views.
15:15 – 15:40 : Visit and explore the well-hidden Co Cave (known as Thien Canh Son Cave) where you can hiking to the middle of the mountain to see the wild and mysterious beautiful cave, contemplate numerous sparkling stalactites appear like ‘hanging lamps’ inside the Cave. (No swimming)
After the exploration of Thien Canh Sơn Cave, enjoy kayak activities around magnificent karst mountains or back cruise for sunset party .
18: 00 Drop anchor in the calm water surrounded by islets in Cong Dam.
19.15 Having dinner on board.
21.00 Relaxing or joining activities on boat as : Squid Fishing, Movie Night, Board Games, Massage & Spa services or relax at the leisure then overnight at private cabin at Cong Do area.
Overnight aboard in Cruise.
Day 5: Ha Long – Back to Ha Noi
Cruise day 2 of 2 – Cong Do Sleeping Area – Vong Vieng Floating Village – Hon Gai Habour
06.15 Starting your day with Tai Chi on the Sundeck while complimentary tea & coffee are served.
07.00 Have breakfast
07:45 – 09.00: Exploring Vung Vien Fishing Village: Guest choose to discover the daily life of the fisher communities by bamboo boat (one hour). Short visit to the Pearl Farm to learn how natural pearls are grown. ( No Swimming)
09:45: Upon return to the boat you will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.
Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).
10:00: Check out cabin. Then return to dining room for Vietnamese cooking class.
10:30 Enjoy Set Menu for lunch in the dining room. We will settle bills after lunch. Relax and enjoy the rest of Halong Bay before getting back to harbor.
11.45 Arrive at Hon Gai Harbour. Get on a van or a car back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi at around 4:30 PM.
Return to Ha Noi airport for your flight to Hue. Overnight in Hue.
Day 6: Journey to Our Lady of La Vang
After breakfast, we drive north of Hue to Our Lady of La Vang – A major pilgrimage center for Catholics in Vietnam, spending time for praying then back to Hue city for lunch.
Then we can make time to visit Shrine of TomaThien – one of the Martyrs of Vietnam and Tombs of 600Martyrs of Annamin Tri Buu Parish.
In the afternoon, we make time to enjoy the atmosphere at Tu Duc’s Tomb, which is considered as one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty before visiting Monastery of Benedictine in Thien An.
Thien An Monastery is located in Thuy Bang, Huong Thuy, Thua Thien Hue, in a romantic, airy space in the middle of the forest of pine. After many years of establishment, with type of design as convent church, Thien An Monastery still retains its intimacy, harmonize with nature, and be beautiful between forest. We will have a great time there.
Dinner and evening show of Ao Dai – vietnamse traditional costumes will be taken at the end of the day.
Day 7: The history of Hue
In the morning, we will join in the mass at Phu Cam Cathedral then depart to visit 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.
In the afternoon, we will take a short ride by cyclo to a local coffee shop. You’ll be welcomed into a nice and cozy atmosphere, frequented mainly by locals. Your guide will introduce you the schedule of the day and the history of local life, while enjoying a nice Vietnamese coffee.
Day 8: Mountain Pass and Hoi An Ancient town.
We continue the journey by driving South of Hue. Stop at Nuoc Ngot orphanage centre for a visit. Then heading to Da Nang over mountain Pass which is specticular view and stop for lunch and Da Nang Cathedral.
After that we depart for Hoi An Old Town. 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.
Day 9 : Our lady of Tra Kieu and Beach time
After breakfast at hotel, we will visit 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, there will be beach time. Located on An Bang Beach, Soul Kitchen is facing the sea and offers you a real haven of peace. You can spend your remained day lying on a large sofa savouring a sweet Mama Feel good or a boosty Caipi’punch. Then let the melodious sound of the waves and the cool breeze feed your body and soul.
Day 10: Saigon Now and Then
Transfer to Da Nang Airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh city, flight to be determined.
Arrival into Tan Son Nhat Airport, time to be confirmed.
Met on arrival with private transportation to your hotel of choice in Saigon.
We’ll begin with a short orientation tour (walking / driving) of Old Saigon Streets and Iconic Buildings. Appreciate the splendidly restored exteriors of the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville which are still two of the finest buildings in Saigon.
Wander up to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris. Then head across the square to the Central Post office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower.
Drive a short way to Cholon (China town). Nowhere epitomizes Cholon’s vibrant commercialism like Binh Tay Market. Cho Lon translates as “big market” and this is the areas biggest, covering a huge 17,000 square meters. Exteriors display one of the finest examples of early 20th-century Chinese-French architecture: multitier roofs adorned with dragons, mixed with mustard-hued halls and a central clock tower.
Around 2,300 stalls are piled high with a goods ranging from ironmongery and ceramics to wet noodles and live chickens. One section is devoted to incense, another to traditional medicine ingredients and there are basic food stalls serving dishes such as Cantonese roast pork.
Originally a Chinese satellite city of Saigon, the main city has now engulfed its little sister. Still, Cholon has a distinctive character and its people have played an outsized role in Saigon’s economy and history since the enclave was created.
Day 11: Cao Dai temples – Cu Chi Tunnels
After breakfast, depart to Cao Dai Temples in Tay Ninh – Cao Dai Holysee Temple is the cathedral of the Cao Daism religion with the Divine Eye – official symbol of Caodaism.
WARTIME TUNNELS
Cu Chi is about 40 km northwest and around one and a half hours drive. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an elaborate underground community made up of about 250 km of tunnels and chambers below the city. The tunnels were dug with simple tools and bare hands during the French occupation in the 1940s, and further expanded during the Vietnam War in the 1960s to provide refuge and a defensive advantage over the American soldiers.
Despite all the bombings in their town, the Cu Chi people were able to continue day-to-day living beneath the soil, where they slept, ate, planned attacks, healed their sick, and taught their young. Some even wed and gave birth underground, but over 10,000 lost their lives here.
Day 12: Down to the Delta
Leave your hotel after breakfast and we’ll drive around 2.5 hours south to the Mekong Delta town of Cai Be. Here we will board our private boat for the first glimpse of the Mekong.
Join your private boat and cruise through Cai Be Floating Market.Every morning, traders congregate here, to offer their wares, in a way that is relatively unchanged in generations.
The merchandise sold in each boat is hung on a high pole in front of the boat as a sample to attract customers from a distance. Visit local gardens and houses to see orchards, rice crisped producing process etc.
Mid-afternoon, conclude with a short cruise to our hotel, which isideally situated on the banks of the Mekong River. The remainderof the day is free for you to relax by the pool or take a cycle ride around the quiet lanes of Cai Be.
Day 13: Meandering the Mekong
Depart the hotel dock by our private boat and we’ll begin today’s exploration with a cruise across the upper branch of the Mekong to An Binh.
Cruise along the river and canals of An Binh island to see the peaceful and tranquil life of local villagers, admiring the marvelous natural setting of the Mekong Delta region. Around 3 pm, the boat will arrive at Vinh Long, where you have a chance toexplore the land market before the 3.5 hours’ drive back to Saigon, arriving by early evening.
Day 14: Saigon Departure
Free at leisure till transferring to airport for your flight home. End of your Vietnam Catholic Tour.
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, Hue City,
Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam.
(+84) 914 544 660 – 234 3623 896
Fax: 0234 3935 621
