La Vang Shrine: a white church and a statue of Our Lady on a green hill

Thanksgiving for the Gift of the Priesthood

Vietnam
Pilgrimage 2028

On the anniversary of Fr. Thomas’s ordination to the priesthood — January 11

January 8 – 21, 2028  ·  14 days  ·  planned group of 35 from Vancouver

Departure: Saturday, January 8, 2028

Register interest See the itinerary

This is a draft plan — flight times, hotels and prices will be confirmed once official quotes arrive. Last updated: October 4, 2026.

14days of pilgrimage
35planned places
3regions of Vietnam
2key days

A Journey Through North, Centre and South

The group flies from Vancouver and travels through three regions of Vietnam — each stop a church, a shrine, a memory.

  1. Days 1–2 · January 8–9, 2028

    Vancouver → Taipei → Hanoi

    International flight — the group departs on the evening of January 8, connects through Taipei and arrives in Hanoi on the evening of January 9.

  2. Day 3 · January 10, 2028

    Hanoi

    St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the Old Quarter — a day to greet the homeland.

  3. Days 4–5 · January 11–12, 2028

    Ninh Bình — Phát Diệm · Tràng An

    Anniversary Mass for Fr. Thomas’s ordination at Phát Diệm Cathedral; a day of silence at Châu Sơn Monastery.

  4. Days 6–7 · January 13–14, 2028

    Huế — La Vang Shrine

    Returning to Mother Mary: all of January 14 on pilgrimage at the National Marian Center.

  5. Days 8–9 · January 15–16, 2028

    Da Nang — Hội An

    The Imperial City of Huế, the Hải Vân Pass, Bà Nà Hills and the ancient town of Hội An.

  6. Day 10 · January 17, 2028

    Vũng Tàu

    The Christ the King statue and Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Bãi Dâu.

  7. Days 11–12 · January 18–19, 2028

    Saigon

    Our Lady of Fatima in Bình Triệu, Notre-Dame Cathedral and St. Francis Xavier Church in Chợ Lớn.

  8. Days 13–14 · January 20–21, 2028

    Saigon → Taipei → Vancouver

    Farewell to the homeland — the group arrives back in Vancouver on the evening of January 21.

Detailed Itinerary

Fourteen days together in a spirit of thanksgiving — tap a day to jump to its details. The two highlighted days are the heart of the trip.

1 Jan 8 2 Jan 9 3 Jan 10 4 Jan 11 5 Jan 12 6 Jan 13 7 Jan 14 8 Jan 15 9 Jan 16 10 Jan 17 11 Jan 18 12 Jan 19 13 Jan 20 14 Jan 21

Travel day

Day 1Saturday · January 8, 2028

Departure from Vancouver

  • The group gathers at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and takes an evening flight, connecting through Taipei.
  • Overnight on the plane — carrying the spirit of a pilgrim setting out.
  • Pack something warm: northern Vietnam is cool in January.

Travel day

Day 2Sunday · January 9, 2028

Arrival in Hanoi

  • Connect on to Hanoi, arriving in the evening.
  • A coach meets the group and takes everyone to the hotel to check in and rest.
  • A good night’s sleep after the long flight — the spiritual journey begins tomorrow.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi, seen from the front St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi

Day 3Monday · January 10, 2028

Hanoi — a Day to Greet the Homeland

  • Free morning to rest and stroll around the Old Quarter.
  • In the afternoon, visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral — a prayer for a peaceful journey.
  • See Hoàn Kiếm Lake and ride an electric cart through the 36 old streets.
  • Welcome dinner — the first time together on the motherland.
Phát Diệm Cathedral, with its distinctive Vietnamese stone-carved architecture Day of Grace Phát Diệm Cathedral

Day 4Tuesday · January 11, 2028

Day of Grace: Fr. Thomas’s Ordination Anniversary Mass

“You did not choose me, but I chose you.”— John 15:16
  • The group travels to Ninh Bình and joins Fr. Thomas for a Mass of thanksgiving on the anniversary of his ordination at Phát Diệm Cathedral — a stone church of uniquely Vietnamese architecture, fitting for a day of grace.
  • Giving thanks to God for the gift of the priesthood, and praying for vocations in the Church.
  • In the afternoon, visit Tràng An (a UNESCO World Heritage site) or Tam Cốc, depending on the group’s energy.
  • Overnight in Ninh Bình.
The Tràng An scenic landscape, Ninh Bình, with limestone mountains and a green river Tràng An, Ninh Bình

Day 5Wednesday · January 12, 2028

Ninh Bình — a Day of Silence

  • A gentle day for older members: visit Châu Sơn Monastery (Nho Quan) and pray in silence.
  • No long travel — let the body rest and the soul grow still.
  • Evening group time to share reflections on the first days.
Our Lady of La Vang monument, Quảng Trị Our Lady of La Vang Monument

Day 6Thursday · January 13, 2028

Flight to Huế — Returning to Our Lady of La Vang

  • Fly from Hanoi to Huế.
  • In the afternoon, arrive at La Vang (Quảng Trị) — the National Marian Center, where Our Lady appeared to console the Vietnamese people.
  • Evening prayer at the La Vang monument.
  • Overnight in Huế.
La Vang Shrine, Quảng Trị — where Our Lady appeared Key day La Vang Shrine

Day 7Friday · January 14, 2028

La Vang — the Heart of the Pilgrimage

“The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”— Luke 1:49
  • A full day with Our Lady: Mass at La Vang.
  • Walk the Stations of the Cross, spend an hour of Eucharistic adoration and pray the Rosary together.
  • This is the most sacred point of the journey — each person offers Our Lady an intention for their family.
  • Return to Huế in the evening to rest.
The Imperial City of Huế with the Meridian Gate Imperial City, Huế

Day 8Saturday · January 15, 2028

Huế — Da Nang

  • Morning visit to the Imperial City of Huế and Thiên Mụ Pagoda — a taste of the country’s culture and history.
  • In the afternoon, cross the Hải Vân Pass to Da Nang, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Vietnam.
  • Swim at Mỹ Khê Beach (optional) or rest at the hotel.
Hội An ancient town glowing with lanterns at night The Golden Bridge at Bà Nà Hills, Da Nang, held by two giant stone hands Hội An · Golden Bridge, Bà Nà Hills

Day 9Sunday · January 16, 2028

Sunday in Da Nang — Hội An

  • Sunday Mass in Da Nang with the local community.
  • Visit Bà Nà Hills: the French Village and the famous Golden Bridge (as energy allows — anyone tired can rest at the hotel).
  • In the late afternoon, arrive in the ancient town of Hội An: glowing lanterns, a boat ride on the Hoài River and floating lanterns with prayers.
The Christ the King statue on Small Mountain, Vũng Tàu, arms outstretched toward the sea Christ the King Statue, Vũng Tàu

Day 10Monday · January 17, 2028

Vũng Tàu — at the Feet of Christ the King

  • Fly from Da Nang to Saigon, then travel by coach to Vũng Tàu.
  • Visit the 32-metre Christ the King statue on Small Mountain — one of the largest statues of Christ in the world, arms open to embrace the sea.
  • Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Bãi Dâu.
  • Overnight in Vũng Tàu, lulled by the sound of the waves.
Shrine of Our Lady of Bãi Dâu, Vũng Tàu Shrine of Our Lady of Bãi Dâu

Day 11Tuesday · January 18, 2028

Vũng Tàu — Saigon

  • Say farewell to Our Lady of Bãi Dâu in the morning, then travel back to Saigon.
  • Visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Bình Triệu — Mass, and religious souvenirs to bring home to loved ones.
  • See Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office.
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral with its two red-brick bell towers Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral

Day 12Wednesday · January 19, 2028

Saigon — Farewell Day

  • Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church in Chợ Lớn — the Chinese community’s church, which shares its name with Fr. Thomas’s parish in Vancouver!
  • Free afternoon to shop for gifts for the family.
  • Evening: a dinner cruise on the Saigon River and a farewell meal in a spirit of thanksgiving.

Travel day

Day 13Thursday · January 20, 2028

Leaving Vietnam

  • A relaxed morning in Saigon, with time for any last gifts.
  • In the afternoon, head to Tân Sơn Nhất Airport and fly to Taipei (evening flight).
  • Carrying a full heart of memories and blessings after 12 days in the homeland.

Travel day

Day 14Friday · January 21, 2028

Home to Vancouver

  • Connect from Taipei to Vancouver, arriving home the same evening (thanks to the date line).
  • The pilgrimage ends — but we return to daily life called to be witnesses of the Gospel.

Preparing for the Pilgrimage

What each member needs to take care of before January 8, 2028 — so we leave in peace and return full of blessings.

Documents & Visa

  • Canadian passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date (through July 2028).
  • Canadian passport holders need a Vietnam e-visa before departure. This trip enters Vietnam once, so a single-entry visa is enough: the official fee is US$25 (multiple-entry: US$50), valid up to 90 days, processed in 3–5 working days. Visa rules can change — check the official site again closer to departure.
  • Apply online yourself at the official portal, evisa.gov.vn — from home, no consulate visit needed.
  • Carry copies of your passport and e-visa (printed and saved on your phone).

Insurance & Health

  • Buy travel insurance that covers medical costs and repatriation — especially important because the group includes many older travellers.
  • Bring enough of your daily medication for all 14 days, in carry-on luggage, with a prescription in English.
  • Anyone with a medical condition should have a check-up and speak to their doctor before travelling.
  • Drink bottled water, and pack a few common remedies (colds, upset stomach).

Luggage

  • Northern Vietnam is cool in January (about 15–18°C, with possible drizzle): bring a warm layer and a light waterproof jacket.
  • Central and southern Vietnam are dry and pleasant: light, cool clothing for all 14 days.
  • Comfortable walking shoes — the group will walk a lot at shrines and in the old towns.
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen; swimwear if you want to swim at Mỹ Khê Beach (Day 8).
  • Bring a universal plug adapter to be safe.

Spiritual Preparation

  • Bring your Rosary and a personal prayer book.
  • Go to Confession before departure; the group will celebrate Mass together on each day of pilgrimage.
  • Prepare a personal intention in your heart to offer to Our Lady of La Vang (January 14).
  • Set out with a pilgrim’s heart — slowing down, listening and giving thanks.

Practical information

Weather across three regions

The north is cool (15–18°C, possible drizzle); the centre and south are dry and sunny.

Currency

The Vietnamese đồng is the local currency. Bring a little US cash for tips and small purchases; hotels and larger venues accept credit cards.

Staying connected

Buy an eSIM or a Vietnamese travel SIM at the airport for mobile data throughout the trip.

Time difference

Vietnam is 15 hours ahead of Vancouver (winter time) — plan to use the first day to adjust.

Estimated Cost

Estimate per person (twin share) — official figures will follow once we receive quotes from the airline and tour company.

  • Flights Vancouver ⇄ Vietnam (connecting through Taipei)~C$1,800
  • Domestic flights (Hanoi → Huế, Da Nang → Saigon)~C$250
  • 12-day land tour (coach, 3-star hotels, meals, entrance fees, Vietnamese-speaking guide)~C$1,500–2,000
  • Estimated total per personC$3,500–4,000

Not included: tips for guide and driver, single-room supplement, visa, travel insurance, personal spending.

January is peak season before Tết, so actual airfares may be higher than this estimate. Last updated: October 4, 2026. Questions about cost? Contact the organizers.

Notes for the Group

  • The pace includes 2 lighter days (Days 3 and 5) so older travellers can rest.

  • Lunar New Year (Tết) 2028 falls on January 26 — the group returns 5 days before Tết: just in time to feel the festive atmosphere building, while avoiding peak prices.

  • This is a draft plan: flight times, hotels and prices need official quotes from the airline and tour company.

Register Your Interest

The group is planned for 35 people, travelling together in one 45-seat coach with one guide. Once it is full, the organizers will start a waiting list.