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Au Co

Vintage-styled ship offering relaxing and luxurious exploration of Vietnam's Halong and Lan Ha bays.

Overview

Described as being one of the prettiest ships you’ll see within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, the steel-hulled Au Co invites you to retrace the steps of colonial-era explorers in lavish vintage style. The ship offers exceptional destination-focused, 3-day environmentally-friendly itineraries around the attractions of Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay, visiting secret beaches, forested islands, and dazzling sea lakes.

Life On Board

Gourmet cuisine is one of the highlights on board the Au Co. The 70-passenger Terrace Deck Restaurant showcases a striking black and earthy beige color theme, with pops of gold and green brightening the light-filled space. Striking Art Deco furnishings evoke a turn-of-the-century glamor while angular details and bold geometrics add a playful vibe. Relish a delightful breakfast buffet spread, an elegant multi-course lunch and dinner, as well as BBQ nights under the stars and an evening with a folk-dance performance.

Signature dishes fuse the best of Vietnamese and Western flavors and cooking techniques, featuring locally caught squid, prawn, and sea bass, imported Australian beef, seasonally fresh produce, and the decadent specialty known as “crêpes aumônière”. A tailor-made menu designed for vegan, gluten free and other dietary preferences is available upon request.

For your pleasure, you can look forward to excellent service, a dedicated team of 44 knowledgeable, smiling staff, and first-class facilities including the aforementioned exquisite restaurant, a spa room with a jacuzzi for wellness treatments, and, with its updated contemporary look and ultra-comfortable chairs, the covered outdoor Lan Ha Bar is an inviting space to relax and enjoy Happy Hour, surrounded by Halong’s fabulous scenery. New for 2022 there are also special yoga-themed cruise departures, with expert practitioners onboard to guide guests on a “journey of inner freedom”, teaching them wellness rituals for daily enrichment, alongside meditation, yin yoga classes and breath-work.

Discover the Au Co Library, filled with hundreds of books that will suit all tastes; you are welcome to borrow books and magazines at your leisure during the cruise. Located on the top level of the Au Co, the spacious sundeck is the ideal place for sunbathing, participating in on-board activities, and marveling at the splendor of Halong Bay. On-board activities include cooking classes, the MasterChef “Halong Bay Edition” competition, a BBQ party, movie nights, and evening entertainment.

Later retire to one of her 32 luxurious cabins and sumptuous suites onboard, in seven different categories ranging in size from 215 square feet to 430 square feet. Each has a private French balcony offering wonderful views, as well as a high-end bathroom and a range of comfortable furnishings, luxurious beds and linens, and modern facilities.

Onshore & Water Activities

Activities include swimming, fishing, kayaking in emerald waters, cycling, and trekking through the local villages. You can also visit the peaceful Viet Hai village, and the Cua Van floating village, as well as the pristine Ba Ham Lake, which is surrounded by towering mountains and is so secluded that it may only be reached by kayak or Vietnamese sampan boat. It is actually made up of three large lakes connected by three cave tunnels. Here, you may spot Golden Langur monkeys, flying squirrels, and parrots.

There are many beautiful beaches in Halong Bay such as Titop, Bai Chay, Tuan Chau, and Soi Sim, but Three Peaches Beach (Ba Trai Dao) located in Lan Ha Bay is probably the most beautiful, and is located on an islet home to a group of three small mountains that look like three peaches from a distance.

The family friendly Au Co cruise of Halong Bay and Lan Ha is ideal for couples, solo travelers, families and groups of friends.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

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3-Day

3 Day - Discovery of the Gulf of Tonkin

itinerary map

Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay

AM: Arrive at Bhaya Cruise Center, located within the Tuan Chau International  Marina. Relax in the private lounge that is exclusively accessible to the Au Co’s passengers with amuse-bouche and lemon tea. Board the Au Co and visit your cabin before heading to the Halong Restaurant for a safety briefing as well as to meet the Cruise Manager and the crew while enjoying a fresh welcome drink. 

PM: Your journey begins with a Vietnamese fusion lunch while the Au Co cruises towards the southwest of Halong Bay and passes through Phao Dai Islet. Take a dip in the green emerald water in Ba Ham Lake. When kayaking around the area, find yourself a tranquil stretch of white sandy beach which is perfect for sunbathing. If the weather is unfavorable, the cruise will head to the Ang Du area. 

Participate in a MasterChef “Halong Bay Edition” Competition and fruit carving demonstration on the sundeck (or in the restaurant, depending on the weather). Try your hand at creating authentic Vietnamese dishes, with the winner of the competition awarded surprising gifts.

Make sure to admire the sunset over enchanting Halong Bay while the Au Co anchors for the night. Enjoy Happy Hour deals with complimentary snacks at Lan Ha Open Bar with buy one get one free offers on a vast selection of drinks. 

Savor the beautiful set-menu dinner in the restaurant while admiring the Vietnamese cultural dances. Spend the evening at your leisure. Watch a film at Moonlight Open Cinema, sip cocktails on the sundeck, or play board games at the reception area.

The Au Co Cruise's 3D2N Discovery of the Gulf of Tonkin - Day 1 - Kayaking at Ho Ba Ham
Location
Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay
Day
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Lan Ha Bay - Halong Bay

AM: Rejuvenate the body and spirit with a refreshing Tai Chi lesson as the sun rises over the acclaimed UNESCO Heritage Site. Complimentary coffee and tea are  served in the restaurant at this time for who might need a pick-me-up. 

Start the day with a hearty breakfast buffet in the restaurant as the Au Co cruises towards Lan Ha Bay. 

Enjoy swimming at the beautiful beach in Lan Ha Bay named Ba Trai Dao Beach. The area is easily recognized by its three rounded peaks of equal height, said to resemble peaches when viewed from afar. 

Later, we return to the Au Co for some time at leisure to relax or try the jacuzzi and onboard spa or join the Bridge and Engine room tour to discover the boat.

PM: Lunch is served in Halong Restaurant while the Au Co passes the beautiful karst towers of Lan Ha Bay to reach Cat Ba Island.

We arrive in Cat Ba Island at around 14:30. Choose a bicycle and pedal to Viet Hai Village – a small  village nestled in the heart of Cat Ba National Park with your tour guides. While there, visit Bhaya Café - a simulation of Vietnamese ancient house and learn about “Viet Hai Community Farm” & “Save the Langurs”, two of the cruise's corporate social responsibilities projects. 

At 17:00, we return to the Au Co for some time at leisure to relax. Enjoy Happy Hour deals with complimentary snacks at Lan Ha Open Bar with buy one get one free available on a vast selection of drinks. 

Later, join in the signature Barbecue Party to enjoy exquisite fusion cuisine onboard. Relax in your cabin, chat with new friends at the Lan Ha Bar or join a fruit-carving session with the kitchen staff in the restaurant.

The Au Co Cruise's 3D2N Discovery of the Gulf of Tonkin - Day 2 - Cooking Class
Location
Gulf of Tonkin
Day
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Halong Bay - Hanoi

AM: Take advantage of a second chance to start the day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with complimentary tea and coffee. A full breakfast buffet is served in Ha Long restaurant. 

Later, sight-see around Cua Van Floating Village well-known for its location in the heart of Halong Bay, by kayak or traditional rowing boat. The area is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Then, we will be back to the vessel to return to harbor. Join a traditional Vietnamese Tea Ceremony while the Au Co cruises back to the port. 

At 10:30, disembark from the Au Co at Tuan Chau International Marina.

The Au Co Cruise's 3D2N Discovery of the Gulf of Tonkin - Day 3 - Visit The Farm
Location
Hanoi
Day
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Accommodations

Social Areas

Bar
Jacuzzi
Restaurant
Sundeck
Spa
Library

Suites & Cabins

The Au Co Cruise - Deluxe The Au Co Cruise's Deluxe Cabin - Twin Set Up The Au Co Cruise's Deluxe Cabin - Bathroom
14 Cabins

Deluxe

Guests
2 - 3
Size
20 m² / 215 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

Conveniently located on the Main Deck and measuring a generous 20 sqm, the 14 Deluxe Cabins feature twin or queen-sized beds, dark wood flooring and furnishings, and a private balcony with chairs, all wrapped in a contemporary green and gold color palette. Smartly designed bathrooms include a glass-enclosed shower. Triple occupancy is available on an extra mattress suitable for a child younger than 12 years old.

The Au Co Cruise - Grand Deluxe The Au Co Cruise's Grand Deluxe Cabin - Bathroom
2 Cabins

Grand Deluxe

Guests
2 - 3
Size
20 m² / 215 ft²
Beds
Double

Located aft on the Upper Deck, throw open the floor-to-ceiling doors and enjoy expansive, uninterrupted views of the bay from your private balcony with chairs and sun loungers. Inside, a vintage Indochine ambiance awaits, highlighted by dark wood furnishings and flooring and stylish brass accents. Triple occupancy is available on an extra mattress suitable for a child younger than 12 years old.

The Au Co Cruise's Executive Cabin The Au Co Cruise's Executive Cabin - Bathroom The Au Co Cruise's Executive Cabin - Double Set Up
12 Cabins

Executive

Guests
2 - 3
Size
20 m² / 215 ft²
Beds
Double/Twin

Located on the Upper Deck, take in beautiful views from the 12 Executive Cabins. Offering 20 sqm of space, cabins feature twin or queen-sized beds, dark wood flooring and furnishings, and a private balcony with chairs, all wrapped in a contemporary green and gold color palette. Well-designed bathrooms include a glass-enclosed shower. Triple occupancy is available on an extra mattress suitable for a child younger than 12 years old.

The Au Co Cruise - Long Quan Suite The Au Co Cruise - Long Quan Suite The Au Co Cruise's Long Quan Suite - Balcony The Au Co Cruise's Long Quan Suite - Closet Set Up The Au Co Cruise's Long Quan Suite - Bathroom
2 Cabins

Long Quan Suite

Guests
2
Size
40 m² / 430 ft²
Beds
Queen

Revel in the 40 sqm of space provided by the 2 Long Quan Suites, the ship’s largest and most sumptuous. Located aft on the Upper Deck, throw open the floor-to-ceiling doors and enjoy expansive, uninterrupted views of the bay from your private balcony with chairs and sun loungers. Inside, a vintage Indochine ambiance awaits, highlighted by dark wood furnishings and flooring and stylish brass accents.

The Au Co Cruise - Au Co Suite The Au Co Cruise's Au Co Suite The Au Co Cruise's Au Co Suite - Complementary Champagne The Au Co Cruise's Au Co Suite - Bathroom The Au Co Cruise's Au Co Suite - Balcony
2 Cabins

Au Co Suite

Guests
2
Size
36 m² / 387 ft²
Beds
Queen

Be the first to see the views from the wraparound balcony of the 2 forward Au Co Suites. Situated on the Upper Deck, these sun-drenched 36 sqm suites are swathed in crisp whites and deep blues, and feature gorgeous hardwood floors, a queen-sized bed, upholstered seating area, and bathroom with free-standing tub and glass-encased shower.

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Features

  • Air conditioning
  • Pool / Jacuzzi
  • Massage room
  • WIFI available
  • Spa
  • Souvenir shop
  • Hot showers
  • Charging areas for electronic equipment

Equipment

  • Kayaks / Canoes
  • Bicycles
  • Fishing equipment
  • Flash lights
  • Water canteen/bottle
  • Insect repellent
  • Dry Bags/Plastic bags to protect cameras
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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