The Au Co

The stunning Halong Bay and the Gulf of Tonkin.

The floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies of the 32 cabins and suites on board Au Co mean you’re never too far from the views of calm waters and rugged, jungle-topped rock formations that sail by outside. More akin to a hotel than a cruise boat, the rooms are bright and contemporary, dressed in white fabrics and furnished in dark wood.

Housed in an elegant, feng shui-inspired dining room, the Au Co restaurant focuses on healthy and tasty dishes to make the most of the best local produce, from freshly caught seafood to the vegetables grown in the local Viet Hai village.

Relax with a drink in the open-air Jacuzzi on the ship’s main deck or indulge in a massage in the soothing spa, or to the sounds of the sea in the open-air treatment area.

There’s more than enough to keep you occupied during your cruise on Au Co – kayak the emerald waters between the towering karsts of Halong Bay, swim and sunbathe at one of the bay’s pristine beaches, tour one of the floating villages on a traditional bamboo boat or bike around the jungle-covered island of Cat Ba. If you prefer to stay on-board, pick up some culinary tips with a cookery class, practice tai chi on the ship’s deck or take part in a traditional tea ceremony,