Au Co cruise

Day 1: Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay (L/D)

In the  morning, we will be picked up at our appointed hotel in Hanoi. It takes us a 3,5-hour scenic drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Along the way we will have a break at a humanity center. We will be in Halong around 12:00. We will transfer to The Au Co and start cruising leisurely towards Ho Ba Ham islets in Lan Ha Bay. We will enjoy welcome cocktail on board when listening the introduction to the 5 elements cruises, then check into our private cabin, while the cruise starts cruising towards Ha Long Bay.

Our wonderful Vietnamese lunch will be served while we keep cruising on the secluded Halong Bay.

At around 15:30 we will arrive at Ba Trai Dao. We will have chance to enjoy swimming and guided kayaking. High tea ceremony with Vietnamese traditional tea will be offered at 17:30
At 19:30, our first 5 elements signature dinner of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water is served while the boat is anchored in Ho Ba Ham. Tonight, we meet our crew to discover their lives and understand Vietnamese culture or try squid fishing at the reception.

Day 2: Cat Ba Island and BaiTu Long Bay (B/L/D)

We wake up early for learning morning Tai Chi on the Sundeck or enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay as the boats starts cruising quietly in Lan Ha Bay. After that we will start our day with an Breakfast on board, then we will cruise towards Cat Ba Island.
At around 8:30, we will guide excursion & biking in the national park of Viet Hai village and visit The Au Co organic farm. After about two hours, we will return to the ship and cruise east to VungVieng village in BaiTu Long Bay. During this time, 5 elements cuisine lunch on boat while the boat cruises the quiet waters of the area.

After lunch, we have a chance to visit VungVieng floating village by traditional rowing boat or kayak, swim in Vong Ha area. It takes us about 2 hours here then we will departure to Cong Do Area and cruise through BaiTu Long geological park. That’s the time for or simply relax and sunset cocktail on the cruise. Our second 5 elements signature dinner of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water is served while the boat is anchored in Cong Do. Tonight, we will meet our crew to discover their lives and understand Vietnamese culture.

Day 3: Halong Bay (B)

We wake up early for learning morning Tai Chi on the Sundeck or enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay as the boats starts cruising quietly in BaiTu Long Bay. We will start our day with coffee and Bakeries on board. Then we will explore one of the most beautiful line stone cave in Halong Bay, the Amazing cave (“Sung Sot” in Vietnamese) by tender. We will see thousands of stalactites & stalagmites with many different shapes colors and sizes which definitely stir your imagination. After that we have chance to swimming in the emerald water of Halong Bay (or simply relax on the cruise). The Au Co will get back to the tourist wharf through Halong Bay. We check out and clear our bills. At around 10:45 we will be back to the wharf. We will say good-bye with our crew and transfer back to Hanoi.

Cruise Price:  (Price  in US dollar)

What’s included?

• Welcome cocktail, aperitif, tea and coffee in the morning
• Entrance and sightseeing fees
• English speaking guide onboard
• Luxury cabin with luxury air-conditioned en-suite cabin
• All meals mentioned above (2 Lunches, 2 Dinners,2 breakfasts)
• Meals codes are: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
• Cycling on Cat Ba Island
• Regular tea, coffee, and drinking water during the cruise
• Kayak and snorkeling equipment
• 01 bottle of house wine / cabin / stay
• 01 bottle of champagne / suite / stay
• Flower& fruit basket / suite / stay
• Onboard insurance, taxes and service charges

What’s excluded?

• Optional requested services: such as massages, beauty services, music performances, fishing and Barbeques and others
• Specific wishes can be made on prior request only
• Drinks, tips and personal expenses
• Beverages
• Others service are not mentioned
• Private transfer Hanoi / Halong Bay with air-condition car or van, (Shuttle bus option is available with the cruises – see the Prices for private vehicle or shuttle bus options for detail)
• Bank fee

Notes:

• Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change upon weather conditions. Advance registration is required with full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number, valid visa to Vietnam for all passengers.

The first thing that strikes you about each of our 32 luxury Cabins and Suites is the sense of space, the abundance of light and the level of refinement in the elegant interiors.

Large floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors in the cabins and cabin bathrooms allow natural light to flood in and offer panoramic views of the Gulf of Tonkin. Most cabins and suites provide additional space and comfort in the form of your own private balcony – the ultimate place to relax and enjoy the fresh air, day or night.

Each of the cabins and suites is tastefully appointed with timber floors, handcrafted wooden mosaic furniture and elegant interiors. Each cabin features individual climate-control thermostats, telephone, in-cabin refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, safe box, and hair dryer. Meanwhile the luxurious bathrooms are extremely well appointed with deluxe bathroom amenities.

14 Deluxe Cabins

There are 14 Deluxe Cabin located on the main deck of The Au Co. 12 Deluxe Cabins at 20 square metres and 02 Deluxe Cabins at 25 square metres each are furnished in a minimal style with a choice of double or twin beds, and two lounge chairs with a coffee table. The bathroom, furnished in wooden, features a separate glass-enclosed shower stall.

2 Grand Deluxe Cabins

Located on the upper deck, our two Grand Deluxe Cabins offer passengers stunning views of Halong Bay through their panoramic windows. Each cabin is 20 square metres, including an en-suite bathroom and handcrafted furniture. As with all our cabins and suites, the sense of space and luxury is enhanced by the elegant décor and minimal style.

12 Executive Cabins

Located on the upper deck, The Au Co executive cabins at 20 square metrers each offer extensive views of the seascape during your cruise thanks to their floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors. Their chic interiors and contemporary furnishings, including hardwood floors, handcrafted bed and tables, give a harmonious balance between modern design and traditional detailing.

2 Long Quan Suites

Named after the legendary father of the Vietnamese people, Lac Long Quan, and commanding a great position and views from the bow of the ship, the Long Quan Suites are very generous 36 square metres. With their spacious private terraces on the upper deck they offer guests the utmost in luxury and privacy, combining sumptuous indoor and outdoor living spaces in which to relax.

2 Au Co Suites

Named after the legendary mother of the Vietnamese people, Au Co, it is only fitting that the largest suites on the boat are named after her. Occupying an unrivalled position at the aft of the boat with unparalleled views, both of the Au Co Suites are an extremely generous 40 square metres. With their spacious private terraces on the upper deck they offer guests the utmost in luxury and privacy, combining indoor and outdoor living spaces in which to relax.

Dining aboard The Au Co is an experience not to be missed. You will dine while passing poetic landscapes and enjoying fabulous dishes prepared by our professional team of chefs. They have designed a menu which is both healthy and delicious using local ingredients, including locally caught seafood and vegetables grown in Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island (you will have a chance to visit The Au Co Green Farm on the second day of your cruise) and also designed to awaken all five senses. The Au Co menu is rich and diverse, from a lunch buffet featuring fresh seafood, through a full range of aperitifs, cocktails, drinks, and snacks to a luxury dinner set menu with specialities from all three regions of Vietnam, as well as international dishes.

WELLNESS

Cruising aboard The Au Co you are likely to experience a sense of calm and well-being. But to make sure we have also added spa and jacuzzi facilities, for those simply seeking relaxation, or those wishing to unwind after a day packed with adventurous activities.

SPA

For complete stress relief, why not pamper yourself with a therapeutic massage either in the tranquility of the Spa room or in the open-air Spa area – drifting off into bliss as the cruise drifts along.

JACUZZI

After an exciting day of adventurous activities and cultural excursions what better way to relax and unwind than in The Au Co’s open-air Jacuzzi. Feel any aches and pains drift away as you sip a cocktail while taking in the fantastic views of the seascape as you voyage at sunset.

ACTIVITIES:

The Gulf of Tonkin is the perfect place to experience a wide range of activities, from biking to kayaking, from swimming to squid fishing. Whichever you choose you will do so surrounded by some of the most dramatic and exciting scenery, heightening your sense of adventure.

Kayaking

This is not only a healthy sporting activity but also one of the best and easiest ways to explore the magnificent caves, lagoons and World Heritage sights of Halong Bay; as well as the more unspoilt, neighbouring bays of Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long. Famous for its thousands of islands and islets spread throughout the wide bays, our small kayaks for 1-2 (and even 3) people are not only easy to control and great exercise but also offer a fresh and interesting perspective on the delightful scenery surrounding you.

Biking on Cat Ba Island

Taking a leisurely bike ride through the scenic landscape of Cat Ba National Park is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful island. Cat Ba is the largest island in the Gulf of Tonkin. Indeed, the Lonely Planet described Cat Ba as being ‘rugged, craggy and jungle-clad, it is straight out of Jurassic Park’.

Swimming and snorkelling

‘Really nice and refreshing’ is how passengers often describe wallowing in the placid waters of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Indeed, this is an experience not to be missed. Whether you choose to swim or snorkel, The Au Co staff are always on hand to ensure your safety and make sure you have an enjoyable time in the cool, dark waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Squid fishing

Sleepless in Halong? We have the cure! As night falls, The Au Co’s staff will hand out fishing rods and guide you in this interesting pastime, which could easily occupy an entire evening. Be patient, focus, and soon, with a flick of the wrist, you can celebrate your very first catch! And of course, your ‘reward’ is to see the fruits of your labour turned into one of many inspired dishes by The Au Co’s team of chefs.