Au Co

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.