THE AU CO CRUISES – GULF OF TONKIN EXPERIENCE

THE AU CO CRUISES – GULF OF TONKIN EXPERIENCE

Au Co Cruises all began as a Legend. Back in time, in a land where the mountains meet the sea, a beautiful, young fairy Au Co, falls in love with Long Quan, the Dragon Lord of the Sea. Their children, better known as the Hung Kings, became the early leaders of ancient Vietnam. In March 2012, Halong Bay’s premier cruise provider ‘Bhaya Cruises’ will be launching two unique, new vessels dedicated to the ‘Mother of Vietnamese Civilization’, which will soon become legends themselves. The Au Co is the...

THE AU CO CRUISES – GULF OF TONKIN EXPERIENCE

Life aboard The Au Co Cruises is all about ‘the experience’. Experiencing a new standard of service and range of activities, all designed to ensure you enjoy a truly unique experience while sailing in the exotic Gulf of Tonkin. From simply relaxing with a drink to fine dining, from adventurous activities to wellness treatments, The Au Co Cruises has something for everyone, and a whole lot more.

CULINARY

Dining aboard The Au Co Cruises 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. We have designed a menu which is both healthy and delicious using local ingredients, including locally caught seafood, and also designed to awaken all five senses. The Au Co menu is rich and diverse from all three regions of Vietnam, as well as international dishes. 

WELLNESS

Cruising aboard The Au Co Cruises 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 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 unwind, so it’s perhaps not surprising that many of The Au Co’s guests are happy simply daydreaming on our sun deck patio.  However, for the more adventurous we offer a wide range of more energetic 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:

Kayaking one of the best and easiest ways to explore the magnificent caves & lagoons and World Heritage sights of Halong Bay. Famous for its thousands of islands and islets spread throughout the wide bay, our 2 people kayaks are not only easy to control and a great way to exercise while enjoying 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, someone once described Cat Ba as having ‘very deep hillsides that give way to lush agricultural valleys that are as green as the rolling hills of Scotland’. 

Swimming and snorkeling

‘Really nice and refreshing’ is how visitors often describe wallowing in the placid waters of Halong Bay. Indeed, this is an experience not to be missed. Whether you choose to swim or snorkel, The Au Co Cruises 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 provide 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 labor turned into one of many dishes by The Au Co’s chefs. 

CULTURAL ENRICHMENT

While enjoying your cruise of the Gulf of Tonkin, you may also be interested in learning a little more about the local culture and lifestyle, from local experts happy to share their knowledge and experience. Our cultural enrichment activities are designed to enhance your understanding of Vietnam, the people who live here and their cuisine. 

Cooking class:
If you are interested in learning more about Vietnamese cuisine, our Vietnamese cooking class and tour may well interest you. Our cooking teachers, many of whom have practiced abroad and who speak good English, will bring their vast experience to bear, sharing their excellent skills in this fun but informative class. Not only will you have many opportunities to taste Vietnamese dishes but you can also widen your knowledge of Vietnamese culture.

Taichi:
Practising Tai Chi first thing in the morning with our professional trainer is a great way to start your day; clearing your mind and giving you energy for the rest of the day to discover both the beautiful Gulf of Tonkin as well as all the activities available on board The Au Co Cruises. This ancient Chinese martial art is celebrated both for its defense training but also for its health benefits.

LOCAL TOUCH

As The Au Co has a more leisurely schedule, you will have more time to connect with some of the Gulf of Tonkin locals, adding to your lifetime experience. As part of our unique itinerary, we will pass local villages where you will be able to observe, and even take part in, some of the locals’ daily activities.

On Cat Ba Island, you can visit Viet Hai village and see people working the rice paddies, picking fruit and even making local rice wine.

We will also travel to the more remote Bai Tu Long Bay to visit Vung Vieng Floating Village. Touring this fascinating village on bamboo boats, you can see how the local families survive on the water, fishing and harvesting pearls.

HISTORIC DISCOVERY

The Gulf of Tonkin is rightly world famous for its wonderful landscape. But as part of your 3 day/ 2 night cruise, you will also have the opportunity to discover some of the historic relics from Vietnam’s war era. 

Of particular note is the Hospital Cave - one of Cat Ba Island’s most famous sites. Built between 1963 and 1965 (with assistance from China), this incredibly well-constructed three-storey feat of engineering was built underground and was in constant use until 1975. Your guide will show you around the 17 rooms, pointing out the old operating theatre and taking you to the huge natural cavern which was used as a cinema. This fascinating site should not be missed!

You will also have a chance to discover Cannon Hill Fortress, which has only recently been opened to visitors. Located some 177m above sea level on Cat Ba Island, this site includes two huge cannons, each weighing tens of tons, which have been preserved here, as well as a trench and shelter systems that were built by the French in the 1940s.