Route Map
Summer Exclusive: Complimentary 1-Night Hotel Stay in Hanoi
Enjoy a complimentary overnight stay in the heart of the capital when you book The Au Co Luxury Cruise for your summer voyage (*).
Extend your getaway with a relaxing night in Hanoi, whether as a vibrant prelude to your cruise or a restful finale. This complimentary stay ensures a seamless, unhurried transition between the city and the sea, giving you more time to simply unwind.
(*) Valid exclusively for sailings from now until Sep 2026. Hotel selection and room availability are subject to confirmation.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Hanoi → Lan Ha Bay
Day 2: Lan Ha Bay → Halong Bay
Day 3: Halong Bay → Hanoi
DAY 1 - HANOI - LAN HA BAY
Cruise Departure: 12:00 PM
(*) If you book a transfer from Hanoi, transportation will start between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, depending on your pick-up location. The drive to Ha Long usually takes around 2.5 hours.
In case you want to schedule the Ha Long cruise on the same day of landing at Noi Bai airport, the flight landing time should be around 6:00 - 7:00 AM at the latest (and earlier if it's an international flight and you need to go through customs).
The journey begins at the Bhaya Cruise Center within Tuan Chau International Marina, where guests are welcomed aboard The Au Co. After settling into the cabin, a safety briefing and introduction to the Cruise Manager and crew provide a smooth start to the voyage, accompanied by a refreshing welcome drink.
As the vessel cruises through the spectacular limestone seascape of Ha Long Bay, lunch is served on board while the scenery gradually unfolds. In the afternoon, guests explore the tranquil Ho Ba Ham area by kayak, gliding through emerald waters and discovering hidden lagoons tucked between towering karst formations. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and untouched beauty, Ho Ba Ham offers one of the bay’s most rewarding kayaking experiences.
Returning to the cruise, there is time to relax before evening activities begin. As the sun sets across the bay, Happy Hour invites guests to enjoy a selection of beverages while admiring the changing colors of the landscape. Later, guests are encouraged to join the Master Chef “Halong Bay Edition” competition, where authentic Vietnamese dishes take center stage in a fun and interactive culinary experience.
Dinner is served in the restaurant as the vessel settles into its overnight anchorage. The evening continues with a Vietnamese rice wine tasting session, introducing regional varieties and local traditions. Guests may also try squid fishing beneath the quiet night sky, adding a memorable local touch to the end of the day.
DAY 2 - LAN HA BAY - HALONG BAY
The second day begins with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the UNESCO-listed landscape of Ha Long Bay. After breakfast, guests board a sightseeing excursion boat for a deeper exploration of the bay’s quieter corners and less-traveled waterways.
The morning leads to Tung Sau Area, a secluded region renowned for its pearl farming activities and dramatic limestone scenery. Here, guests can kayak through calm jade-colored waters surrounded by towering cliffs, gaining a closer appreciation of one of the bay’s most serene environments.
The excursion continues to the Trinh Nu Area, home to one of Ha Long Bay’s most beautiful caves and beaches. Guests may explore Trinh Nu Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by natural sunlight, or enjoy swimming and kayaking in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the beach.
Returning to the main vessel in the afternoon, a leisurely lunch is served on board. Later, guests are invited to take part in an elegant Afternoon Tea Ceremony featuring delicate canapés while admiring the peaceful scenery of the bay.
As evening approaches, Happy Hour offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy sunset views from the sundeck. Guests may also participate in a bridge tour, gaining insight into the operation of the vessel and learning more about life at sea from the captain and crew.
Dinner is served in the restaurant before the evening unfolds at a relaxed pace. Guests may enjoy the Happy Hour promotion, sample traditional Vietnamese rice wines at the bar, join the crew for squid fishing, or simply take in the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay at night.
DAY 3 - HALONG BAY - HANOI
Cruise Disembarkation: 10:00 AM
The final morning on board begins gently, as the vessel rests amid the limestone scenery of Ha Long Bay. At sunrise, guests are invited to join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, offering a calm and reflective start to the day against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
After breakfast, guests may choose between two distinctive experiences: exploring Tien Ong Cave, renowned for its archaeological significance and impressive natural formations, or visiting the Cua Van Floating Culture Center by kayak or traditional rowing boat, offering an authentic glimpse into the heritage and daily life of one of Ha Long Bay’s most iconic floating communities.
Returning on board, there is time to gather belongings and enjoy a final breakfast as the cruise makes its way back. Check-out and cruise disembarkation take place at 10:00 AM, marking the end of the voyage.
(*) If you book a return transfer to Hanoi or Noi Bai Airport, you will arrive in central Hanoi/ the airport at around 1:30 - 2:30 PM (depending on traffic conditions and the type of transport). Please take these times into consideration when booking your onward flight, train, or bus to your next destination.
Conveniently located on the Main Deck and measuring a generous 20 sqm, our 14 Deluxe Cabins feature twin or queen-sized beds, dark wood flooring and furnishings, and a private balcony with chairs, all wrapped in a contemporary green and gold color palette. Smartly designed bathrooms include a glass-enclosed shower.
A limited number of connecting rooms are available.
Located aft on the Upper Deck, our 2 Grand Deluxe Cabins are ideal for discerning travelers who enjoy quiet comfort and expansive views framed by panoramic windows. With 20 sqm of space, cabins feature dark wood flooring and furnishings and a clean, contemporary design in shades of green and gold. Well-designed bathrooms include a glass-enclosed shower.
Located on the Upper Deck, take in beautiful views from our 12 Executive Cabins. Offering 20 sqm of space, cabins feature twin or queen-sized beds, dark wood flooring and furnishings, and a private balcony with chairs, all wrapped in a contemporary green and gold color palette. Well-designed bathrooms include a glass-enclosed shower.
A limited number of connecting rooms are available.
Occupying a prime location at the stern of the boat, the Long Quân Suite offers a sense of privacy and a spacious, tranquil ambiance for guests to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay. Featuring a generous private balcony with sun loungers, it provides the perfect setting for relaxation. The bedroom is elegantly designed with an Oriental touch, boasting a luxurious king-sized bed and a plush sofa, while the well-appointed bathroom includes a soothing bathtub and a separate shower.
Be the first to see the views from the wraparound balcony of our 2 forward Au Co Suites. Situated on the Upper Deck, sun-drenched 36 sqm suites swathed in crisp whites and deep blues feature a queen-size bed, upholstered seating area, bathroom with free-standing tub and glass-encased shower, and gorgeous hardwood floors.
