4-Day Full Visit to the Gulf of Tonkin on Au Co cruise

(*) 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 Halong 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 Ba Ham Lake by kayak, gliding through emerald waters and discovering hidden lagoons tucked between towering karst formations. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and untouched beauty, Ba Ham Lake 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.

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.

The third day opens with an awakening Tai Chi lesson on sundeck and a hearty breakfast before boarding a speedboat for a journey to Viet Hai Village*, a tranquil community hidden within Cat Ba National Park, Lan Ha Bay, surrounded by limestone mountains, lush forests and green rice fields. Experience the slow rhythm of local life by bicycle or electric cart, visit Bhaya Community Farm to harvest seasonal vegetables, and join a hands-on experience at Bhaya Café, where you can make traditional “Bánh Cuốn” or a refreshing “Mojitea” following Bhaya’s special recipe.

Guests return to The Au Co and enjoy a delightful lunch at the restaurant, featuring a selection of thoughtfully prepared dishes. Then, in the afternoon, guests are invited to join a hands-on Vietnamese Egg Coffee experience on board. Learn how to prepare this beloved Vietnamese specialty with our onboard team, from whisking the creamy egg mixture to creating your own cup of rich and aromatic Egg Coffee. Sit back and enjoy your freshly made coffee while admiring the stunning scenery of Halong Bay.

When the sun begins to set, embrace the magic of Happy Hour on the lounge deck, where you can savor your favorite drink and gourmet canapés. After that, a refined set-menu dining is ready to be served at the restaurant, where each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase bold flavors and culinary creativity.

At night falls, relax in your own pace with your final evening at sea. Happy Hour is also available from 21:00 to 22:00 for those who wish to enjoy another drink before the night comes to a close.

(*) Itinerary and excursions may change without prior notice due to the local weather, tidal conditions, or port authority regulations.

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.