Au Co Cruise Overview
The two five star cruise ships designed by French architect Anne Droussie are launched in the Gulf of Tonkin on March 2012. Each of the vessels, named Au Co, dedicated to the “Mother of Vietnamese civilization”, include three floors, 32 rooms, one restaurant, two bars, a spa and open areas. The Au Co will bring tourists to Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Cat Ba Island, each featuring some of Vietnam’s most outstanding landscapes.
Cabins
Deluxe Cabin: Located on the main deck, The Au Co Deluxe Cabins, at 20 square metres, are furnished in a minimal style with a choice of double or twin beds, and two lounge chairs with a coffee table. They also feature a MP3 speakers for your in-cabin entertainment. The bathroom, finished in wooden and mosaic, features a vanity counter and a separate glass-enclosed shower stall, with the picture window offering magnificent views of the passing scenery.
Grand Deluxe Cabin: Commanding fantastic views from The Au Co’s bow,the two Grande Deluxe Cabins are perfect for family groups or those craving more space. Each cabin is 25 square metres and can easily accommodate a third bed. As with all our cabins and suites, the sense of space and luxury is enhanced by the elegant décor and minimal style.
Executive Cabin: 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.
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.
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.
Food & Restaurant
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 the 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.
Entertaiment& Activities
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 snorkeling
‘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.