The Au Co

The Au Co

Overview

The Au Co is the only cruise sailing both Halong Bay and The Lan Ha Bay in a single voyage, reaching hidden beaches, quiet lagoons, and floating fishing villages that most itineraries skip entirely. Steel-hulled and finished in vintage colonial style, the 32-cabin ship retraces routes early explorers once took through the Gulf of Tonkin. The name comes from Au Co, the legendary mother of the Vietnamese people, said to have married the dragon king Lac Long Quan and given birth to a hundred sons, half following her into the mountains, half going with their father to the sea.

Life On Board

Days open with tai chi on the sundeck as the mist lifts, followed by kayaking or a rowboat through the floating village of Cua Van, home to its own floating school. Longer sailings add stops at Ba Ham Lake, Trinh Nu Beach and Cave, and the Tung Sau Pearl Farm, while the two-day route includes cycling to the remote fishing village of Viet Hai on Cat Ba Island. Select departures also offer the Heritage Journey, hands-on craft workshops where guests shape traditional Vietnamese pieces themselves rather than just watching from behind glass.

Cabins & Suites

All 32 rooms run at least 20m², arranged across four decks. Deluxe and Executive Cabins offer twin or queen beds with private balconies, Grand Deluxe Cabins sit aft with panoramic windows, and the 36m² Long Quan Suite adds a bathtub and sun loungers at the stern. At the bow, the 40m² Au Co Suite wraps its balcony around the front of the ship, first to catch the morning light.

Dining

Vietnamese cooking built around fresh, locally sourced ingredients, served with restraint rather than excess. Meals move between the main restaurant and a semi-covered terrace bar, good for a drink between excursions.

Cruise Itineraries

• 2 days, 1 night: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Cua Van village, Tien Ong Cave, Ba Ham Lake
• 3 days, 2 nights: adds Trinh Nu Beach and Cave, Tung Sau Pearl Farm, and a deeper route into the Gulf of Tonkin

Ship Specifications

Passengers: 66
Crew: 45
Decks: 4
Cabins: 32
Length: 55.3m
Built: 2011, renovated 2019

Is The Au Co Right for You?

The Au Co suits couples, families, and travellers who want a well-run ship with a route that goes further than most, plus a cultural edge through its craft workshops. If you'd rather stay closer to the busiest routes on a smaller ship, a different vessel may suit you better.

Speak to one of our Vietnam specialists to include The Au Co in a tailor-made journey through Halong Bay.