Au Co Cruise Review – A True Cat Ba Halong Bay Journey

Embark on a remarkable journey with Vietpower Travel aboard the luxurious Au Co Cruise, a pioneering vessel that blends Vietnamese heritage with modern elegance. Designed with Feng Shui harmony, powered partly by solar energy, and featuring refined French–Vietnamese cuisine, Au Co Cruise offers a sustainable and culturally rich voyage through Halong, Lan Ha, and Cat Ba Bays.

1. About Au Co Cruise – The Legend Meets Modern Luxury

Inspired by Vietnamese Mythology: The Legend of Au Co

The name Au Co originates from the ancient Vietnamese legend of the Fairy Mother — the symbolic ancestor of the Vietnamese people. Inspired by this story of harmony between land and sea, Au Co Cruise embodies the spirit of heritage and adventure. Every voyage reflects the timeless connection between Vietnam’s mythic past and today’s travelers exploring the emerald waters of Halong, Lan Ha, and Cat Ba.

Through this cultural lens, passengers experience more than a simple journey — they are part of a living narrative that celebrates national identity, natural beauty, and craftsmanship. This inspiration forms the E-A-V core of the cruise:

Modern Design & Technical Innovation

Behind its poetic name lies a masterpiece of maritime engineering. Built with a steel-hulled structure, Au Co Cruise offers exceptional stability and safety across varying sea conditions in the Gulf of Tonkin.

A distinctive hallmark of this vessel is its 23-degree Stability Technology, a sophisticated balancing system that allows the ship to remain steady even under strong waves. This innovation ensures smooth sailing for guests, enabling them to fully enjoy every scene of the majestic limestone formations throughout their Cat Ba Halong Bay cruise.

The design also meets rigorous international maritime standards, combining advanced technology with Vietnamese elegance to deliver both comfort and peace of mind — a perfect blend of innovation and cultural pride.

Designed by Feng Shui Principles

Step into the upper-deck restaurant and open-air bar, and you’ll feel an atmosphere of effortless balance. These spaces were crafted according to Feng Shui principles, emphasizing harmony between wind, water, and human energy. The layout allows natural light and sea breeze to flow freely, while soft tones and rounded architecture reflect the calm rhythm of the surrounding bays.

This thoughtful approach bridges Oriental aesthetics and modern luxury, encouraging every guest to reconnect with nature as they dine, sip, and watch the horizon shift from dawn to dusk. Au Co Cruise becomes more than transportation — it becomes a floating sanctuary that unites cultural symbolism with sophisticated design.

Planning a journey through northern Vietnam’s UNESCO seascapes? A Cat Ba - Halong Bay cruise offers the perfect mix of stunning limestone cliffs, private kayaking, and cultural village visits. From luxury cabins with tailored programs to budget-friendly day tours, travelers can choose experiences that fit their style and budget.

2. Itinerary Overview – Exploring Three Bays in One Journey

Day 1 – Hanoi to Cat Ba: Cycling Through Viet Hai Village

Morning

• 08:00 – 08:30: Shuttle bus picks up guests at Hanoi Old Quarter and transfers to Tuan Chau Marina.
• 11:30: Arrive at Bhaya Cruise Center. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a short safety briefing.
• 12:15: Embark on Au Co Cruise and check into your cabin while admiring the first limestone formations of Halong Bay.

Afternoon

• 13:00: Enjoy a Vietnamese fusion lunch in the main restaurant as the ship cruises toward Cat Ba Island.
• 14:30: Start cycling through Viet Hai Village, a peaceful hamlet surrounded by lush hills inside Cat Ba National Park.
• Visit Au Co’s Community Farm – a sustainable project supporting local farmers and providing organic vegetables for onboard dining. 
• Stop at Bhaya Café to try herbal drinks and learn about eco-farming and the “Save the Langurs” project.
• 16:30: Return to the ship and relax or swim near Viet Hai pier.

Evening

• 17:30: Join a fun cooking demonstration or fruit-carving activity on the sundeck.
• 19:00: Savor a multi-course dinner featuring fresh seafood and farm-to-table ingredients.
• 21:00: Experience traditional squid fishing under the night sky or relax with a cocktail at the open-air bar.

Day 2 – Sunrise Tai Chi & Trinh Nu Cave Kayaking

Morning

• 06:15: Start the day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck led by a professional instructor. The calm sea and early sunlight make this moment perfect for recharging your mind and body.
• 07:00: Light breakfast with tea, coffee, and pastries.
• 08:00: Kayak through Trinh Nu Cave, a hidden gem surrounded by towering cliffs.
• 09:30: Return to the ship and refresh before cruising toward Lan Ha Bay.

Afternoon

• 12:00: Enjoy lunch while Au Co Cruise sails through quiet lagoons and fishing villages.
• 14:30: Visit a floating village by rowing boat, meet local fishermen, and learn about their daily life.
• 16:00: Relax at the sundeck or book a spa session while watching the golden light over the bay.

Evening

• 17:30: Sunset Happy Hour on the deck with local cocktails and canapés.
• 18:00: Join a fruit carving competition or a short Vietnamese cooking class.
• 19:30: Dinner with a fine menu designed by Chef André Bosia, blending Vietnamese and French flavors.
• 21:00: Free time to unwind, enjoy board games, or stargaze from your private balcony.

Day 3 – Sung Sot & Luon Cave: Serenity and Farewell

Morning

• 06:30: Gentle Tai Chi session and light breakfast on deck.
• 07:30: Choose to kayak through Luon Cave or visit Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay’s largest and most impressive grotto.
• 09:00: Return to the ship and pack up your luggage.
• 09:30: Farewell brunch is served as Au Co Cruise sails back to Tuan Chau Marina.

Afternoon

• 10:30: Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi (arrival around 14:30).
• End of an unforgettable journey through Vietnam’s legendary bays.

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3. Onboard Experiences – Where Culture Meets Wellness

Vietnamese Cuisine Crafted by Michelin-Level Expertise

Dining aboard Au Co Cruise is an art form led by Chef André Bosia, a French culinary master with over 25 years of Michelin-star experience.
His menu blends Vietnamese freshness with French sophistication, turning every meal into a refined cultural experience. Guests can savor seasonal seafood, local herbs, and regional specialties—each dish telling a story of heritage and harmony.

From Hydroponic Garden to Your Plate

Onboard, guests can visit the cruise’s Hydroponic Garden, where fresh herbs and greens are grown using clean-water technology. This system supplies the kitchen daily, ensuring every salad and garnish is truly fresh from “sea to table.” The initiative also supports the cruise’s farm-to-table sustainability story, reflecting its ongoing commitment to responsible travel and local partnerships.

Fruit Carving & Cooking Competitions

For travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, the cruise hosts a lively Fruit Carving Competition guided by the head chef. Guests learn the art of shaping fruits and vegetables into creative designs, followed by a light-hearted contest with small prizes. It’s an entertaining way to explore Vietnamese artistry and connect with fellow travelers through shared creativity.

Traditional Squid Fishing Under the Stars

After dinner, guests can join the crew for night squid fishing, using lights to attract squid near the boat’s side. This local-style activity introduces the charm of Vietnam’s coastal life while offering a relaxing way to end the evening. The quiet sea, shimmering stars, and gentle movement of the boat create an authentic connection with the bay’s peaceful rhythm.

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4. Room Categories on Au Co Cruise

5. FAQs – Plan Your Cat Ba Halong Bay Cruise Smoothly

When Is the Best Time to Travel?

The ideal months for cruising are March to May and September to November. During these periods, the weather is mild, the sky is clear, and the sea remains calm — perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

How Do I Transfer Between Hanoi and Tuan Chau?

Vietpower Travel offers comfortable shuttle services with daily departures from Hanoi Old Quarter to Tuan Chau Marina. The ride takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, including a short rest stop. Private transfers are also available for groups or families.

How Is the Weather and What About Seasickness?

Halong Bay enjoys a tropical climate. Even during warmer months, sea conditions are generally stable. For those who are sensitive, it’s best to eat lightly before boarding and stay hydrated. The cruise provides motion-sickness tablets on request

Are Special Meals Available?

Yes. Guests can request vegetarian, vegan, or halal meals when booking. The culinary team ensures each dish respects dietary preferences while maintaining authentic Vietnamese flavor.

Is There Wi-Fi, Spa, or Entertainment Onboard?

Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Guests can also enjoy a full-service spa, reading corner, and nightly entertainment such as film screenings or light music on the sundeck. Activities like kayaking, cooking classes, and Tai Chi are included to make the journey both relaxing and engaging.

6. Conclusion

The Au Co Cruise experience is more than sailing — it’s a celebration of culture, nature, and refined comfort. Book directly with Vietpower Travel to enjoy seamless service and professional support throughout your trip. For those seeking an authentic yet luxurious way to explore Vietnam’s seascape, discover more unforgettable journeys in our Vietnam Cruises collection.