THE SHIP

The Au Co ship is setting new standards of safety and luxury in the Gulf of Tonkin and setting herself apart from other Halong Bay Cruises. Her impressive external steel structure belies the innovative and luxurious Oriental design to be found within. 

In the Gulf of Tonkin, we’ve found the ‘location, location, location’. But aboard The Au Co itself, we’ve created 'space, space, and more space' . 
 
The ship is a remarkable 55.29m in length and 10.43m in width. Each of our 32 spacious cabins has its own private balcony or terrace – allowing unparalleled private views of the surrounding seascape. On the upper decks, our elegant restaurant and open-air bars are designed along principles of Feng Shui (or in Vietnamese ‘Phong Thuy’) to heighten our passengers’ sense of connection with the wonderful environment of the surrounding Gulf of Tonkin, as well as giving them a taste of the Orient and Vietnamese culture. 
 
Through our innovative use of space, design features, and luxurious attention to detail, we aim to give our passengers a truly unique cruise experience.
 

The Au Co strives to provide minimum impact on the local invironment and will operate under the concept of sustainable tourism. It's the owners' major goal and commitment to support local communities and conserve the beauty of the Gulf of Tonkin for future generations.
  
SERVICES AND FACILITIES

Other onboard services and facilities include:
Reception 
Safe box in cabin
Pillow menu
Boutique Library 
Doctor on call and first-aid kits
24-hour security 
Baby sitter
Conference & meeting facilities 
Tender for sightseeing
Car rental service with driver 
Theme party on request
Kayaking, swimming, snorkeling and fishing equipment 
Gift Shop
Sound proof system, noise reduction measures 
Jacuzzi and Spa room
Portable DVD
DVD and CD selections
Board Games

ONBOARD SAFETY

The boat itself was designed by the Industrial Ship Designing Institute and is inspected by the local Maritime Registration Authority annually and certified accordingly. It is the only steel boat in Halong Bay built to meet seafaring standards. It is designed to be balanced even with a 23-degree list. The Vietnamese Marine Authorities certify all materials and equipment used in the construction of the boat construction from the steel, electrical cables and generators. Every vessel is fitted with professional marine safety equipment:  VHF Radio, GPS Plotting, Two-way radios, Water Ingress Alarm System, Anti-sinking Pump System, Fire Alarm system  System and Fire Extinguishers. The Au Co boats have double the safety coefficient required by the authorities. 
 
All The Au Co vessels operate under professional daily technical supervision and ongoing maintenance schedules. Each vessel maintenance schedule includes regular monthly and bi-annual routine maintenance and an annual dry-docking to ensure all aspects of seaworthiness and accommodation are in good condition. 
 
All The Au Co vessels are covered with maximum vessel insurance based on the vessel certification, including total Crew and Passenger capacity.
 
Safety on board
 
The Au Co places the highest priority on the safety and security of our vessels and all Passengers, Crew and Crew members onboard.
 
All The Au Co vessels are commanded by a Captain, and manned by a professional Deck Crew and Crew members. All Crew and Crew members have training certificates or recognized expertise accredited by the relevant Vietnamese Government Authorities.
 
Our Cruise Managers conduct a safety briefing prior to departure, which includes onboard procedures and clear instructions in case of emergency.
 
All The Au Co Crew are trained for SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and dealing with emergencies. Refresher training and live drills are conducted every month.

CRUISE ITINERARY AND PROGRAM OVERNIGHT CRUISES 
DAILY DEPARTURE (3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS)
(Subject to change without prior notice)

 

The experience of a lifetime in the Gulf of Tonkin. Experience the stunning sceneries of all three of the beautiful bays in the Gulf of Tonkin and explore the amazing island of Cat Ba on board The Au Co. Enjoy an invigorating bike ride in the rainforest of the National Park on Cat Ba Island, join our guide on a kayaking excursion in the hidden lagoons of Lan Ha Bay or visit a peaceful area in Bai Tu Long Bay on a traditional rowing boat. While aboard, discover The Au Co’s signature five elements cuisine, re-energize with Tai Chi, unwind on the sundeck or pamper yourself in the Jacuzzi or with a Traditional Vietnamese massage.
 

DAY 1: HALONG BAY and BAI TU LONG BAY (L/D)
 

08.30:  Transfer to Halong Bay from your hotel in Hanoi
12.30:   Arrive in Halong Bay. Check-in at the cruise centre.
12.45:   Depart from Tuan Chau Island, meet the onboard team and receive the safety briefing.
13.30:   Acquaint yourself with the five elements cuisine with lunch on board, while The Au Co cruises
             leisurely towards Sung Sot Cave
15.30:   Visit Visit the wheel house and engine room.
15.40:   Participate in a guided tour of Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave.
17.30:   Take part in the cooking demonstration.
18.00:   Enjoy Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1 free).
19.15:   Savour our five elements signature dinner of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water while the boat is
             anchored for our overnight stop.
20.30:   Relax with a drink at Lan Ha bar or join our crew and try squid fishing on the deck.
 
DAY 2:  BAI TU LONG BAY, LAN HA BAY and CAT BA ISLAND (B/L/D)
 

07.00:   Start the day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck or enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay
             while the ship begins slowly cruising.
07.30:   Have breakfast onboard while The Au Co cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay.
09.00:   Visit Vung Vieng by traditional bamboo boat.
12.00:   Enjoy lunch in Ha Long restaurant while The Au Co cruises towards Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. 
13.45:   Join a guided biking or hiking excursion through the national park of Cat Ba Island and visit
             The Au Co organic farm in Viet Hai Village. Another option is to use the electric cart service available
             (at a bit of extra cost).
16.30:   Kayak & swim in the Viet Hai Lagoon.
17.00:   Make the most of an extended Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1 free).
19.15:   Try the barbeque buffet in the restaurant while the boat is at anchor.
20.30:   End the day with a drink at Lan Ha bar or join our crew and try squid fishing on the deck.
21.00:   Join our kitchen staff for the fruit carving sessions.
 
DAY 3: HALONG BAY (B)
 

06.30:   Start the day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck or enjoy the breath-taking views of the bay
             while The Au Co cruises leisurely in Halong Bay.
07.00:   Take your time over breakfast.
09.00:   Prepare for check out: passenger’s bags must be put in the corridor.
09.45:   Join a Vietnamese traditional tea ceremony then check-out.
10.45:   Disembark in Tuan Chau and leave for Hanoi.
15.00:   Return to Hanoi. End of service. 

INCLUSION:

Round trip transfer by shuttle bus Hanoi- Ha Long - Hanoi
Three day two night cruise through Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay
Accommodation in luxury en-suite cabin
Two buffet lunches, two set-dinners and two breakfasts
Excursions in Cat Ba Island, National Park and Viet Hai Village
Visit to Sung Sot Grotto and Cong Dam fishing Village 
Swimming, cooking demonstration & Tai chi class
Kayak and snorkel equipment rental
Iced water and tea throughout the cruise
Entrance and sightseeing fee
Onboard insurance, tax and service charges
 

EXCLUSIONS:

Private transfers to and from Ha Long Bay is USD150/4 seat car or USD170/7 seat car, inclusive of all tolls.
Transfers, hotel, visa arrangement
Beverages, spa, Jacuzzi, massage, souvenirs, laundry, tip and personal expenses
Other sightseeing places and any services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions 
 

CHILDREN POLICY:

Each cabin can accommodate maximum of 2 adults + 1 child below 12 years old. Free of charge for child below 6, and USD250 surcharge for child from 06 – 12 years old. Child stays on mattress only. 

NOTE:

Surcharge at 15% on Christmas (December 23rd & 24th) and New Year eve (30th and 31st December)

From Jan to Apr & Oct to Dec 2016
 

From May to Sept. 2016