1. La Vang Holy Land
1.1 What is La Vang Holy Land
La Vang Holy Land is a holy land and an important pilgrimage site for Vietnamese Catholics, located in Hai Lang District, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, under the Archdiocese of Hue. Our Lady of La Vang is the name Vietnamese Catholics use when referring to the apparition of the Virgin Mary during the period of Catholic persecution in Vietnam. Believers believe that the Virgin Mary appeared in this area in 1798. A church was built near the three banyan trees where they believe Our Lady of La Vang appeared and was declared the “Basilica of the Emirate of La Vang” in 1961.
1.2 Location of La Vang Holy Land
Located in Hai Phu Commune, Hai Lang District, Quang Tri Province, the church has a long history. La Vang Holy Land is located in an ancient area called Dinh Cat, built by Lord Nguyen Hoang in the 16th century. The church was built during the Nguyen Hoang period in Quang Tri Citadel and is located in the area that is now Dinh Cat.
2. The origin of the name “La Vang”
The first thing about La Vang Holy Land is its name, which sounds simple, but contains many stories. One theory is that under the reign of King Canh Thinh of the Tay Son Dynasty, an anti-Catholic policy was enacted. Therefore, Catholics would not be recognized and punished.
To avoid the punishment of the court, these people moved to this place and operated. This is a remote mountainous area, so to communicate with each other, they had to shout – “la”. but they stopped, there would be an echo – “Vang” – the origin of La Vang. Another explanation is that there was an epidemic when the Catholics fled to this land. At that time, the Virgin Mary appeared and showed them a type of leaf called “La Vang”. they needed to drink the medicinal water of this leaf to cure the disease. When you remove all the punctuation marks in “La Vang”, it will become “La Vang”. in addition, there are many explanations about the name of Our Lady of La Vang Church, but all are just theories.
3. What to explore in La Vang Holy Land?
3.1 Ancient bell tower
There are two bell towers located in the center of La Vang Holy Land. These two bell towers belong to the beloved Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang. It was built between 1924 and 1929. Due to the was, it was restored in 1959. unfortunately, in 1972, the precious Basilica was completely exploited due to the worst of the war.
3.2 Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang
Vang sanctuary. The basilica was built in 2013, in Asian style and can accommodate up to 5.000 people. The interior of the basilica is decorated with stained glass windows, depicting scenes from the Bible and the history of the La Vang Holy Land.
3.3 Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang
The Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang is where the faithful believe that the Virgin Mary appeared in 1798. The shrine located behind the Basilica, under three banyan trees. The shrine has a simple design, with a wooden altar marble statue of the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus. The Holy Land is the most sacred and sacred place in the Holy Land of La Vang, where the faithful come to pray and express their gratitude and devotion to the Virgin Mary.
4. La Vang pilgrimage festival
According to the length of history, the first pilgrimage festival was held in 1901. The organizational date is different but it is also in August.
The La Vang pilgrimage festival is held on August 13,14 and 15 with many important ceremonies. The festival takes place with the participation of many Bishops, Priests, Religious and thousands of Catholics from within and outside the country.
During the three days of the festival, there are usually many forms of activities of a number of associations, thematic discussions and processions. It can be said that the procession is a very special ceremony to honor Our Lady of La Vang.
Next will be the night of prayer and Eucharistic Adoration with the Mother. The most solemn mass of the three days of the festival is the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on the morning of 15th August. This is also the clothing mass.
5. Opening hours
Opening hours: All day.
The mass schedule is as follows:
Weekdays: 8:30 am
Saturdays: 8:00 am, 6:00 pm, 8:00 pm
Sundays: 6:30 am, 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm
How to dress: When visiting La Vang Holy Land, you should dress modestly and respectfully, as it is a religious site. You should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, tank tops, or any revealing clothes.
6. How to get to La Vang Holy Land?
6.1 Open bus
You can find a bus from Phong Nha to Hue or from Hue to Phong Nha stopping at La Vang holy land by searching with the keywords “Bus from Phong Nha to Hue” or “Bus from Hue to Phong Nha”. This journey will take about 8 hours and the price will range from 12 to 20 USD per person depending on the provider you choose.
6.2 Private car
Traveling by private car is the most popular choice among tourists, giving you comfort and privacy throughout the trip.
You can easily find trips that can depart from Phong Nha, Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An with a visit to La Vang Holy Land. If the trip does not include a stop at La Vang Holy Land, you can also ask the supplier to add additional attractions before starting the journey.
Here are suggestions for trips by private car:
Private car from Hue to Phong Nha takes 7 hours and costs about 99 USD per 4 seat car.
Private car from Da Nang to DMZ takes about 9 hours and costs about 155 USD per 4 seat car.
Private car from Hoi An to Phong Nha takes 1 day and costs about 150 USD per 4 seat car.
Private car from Phong Nha to Hue takes about 7 hours and costs about 99 USD per 4 seat car.
Private car from Phong Nha to Hoi An takes 1 day and costs about 172 USD per 4 seat car.
6.3 Motorbike
If you are adventurous, you can choose to experience traveling by motorbike. You will have two options for this form.
Option 1: You can rent a motorbike to go to La Vang Sanctuary for about 5 USD and possibly more, depending on the motorbike you choose.
Option 2: You can book a tour by motorbike with driver from Hue to Phong Nha or from Phong Nha to Hue with a stop at La Vang Sanctuary. You can search for a trip using the keywords “Hue to Phong Nha by motorbike” or Phong Nha to Hue by motorbike”. The price for this trip is about 225 USD for each motorbike.
7. When should you go to La Vang Holy Land?
La Vang Holy Land is open to visitors all year round, but the best time to go is from April to August when the weather is dry and sunny. This is also the peak season for pilgrims, especially in August when the festival takes place.
You can go from September to March next year to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere when the weather is cooler and rainy.
You can also go to La Vang Holy Land on festival day. Every year, on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, La Vang Holy Land organizes a pilgrimage festival, attracting thousands of Catholics from all over the country and abroad. The festival is a time for believers to express their faith, love, and gratitude to the Virgin Mary as well as enjoy cultural and spiritual activities.
