Onboard Activities:

• MasterChef Competition: Much more than simply a cooking demonstration, we invite our guests to roll up their sleeves and put their culinary skills to the test in our fun-filled MasterChef Competition where everyone walks away a winner. Learn new recipes to try out back home and cheer on your fellow passengers, one of whom will be crowned the Au Co MasterChef.
• Captain Bridge & Engine Room Tour: This is a special tour offered by the Captain. On the tour, you will get access to the Captain’s Bridge. This is a room from which captain commands the ship. It is designed to allow a near 360-degree view of the ship. Unlike its older counterparts, The Au Co is a modern ship which uses a plethora of electronic gadgets to navigate and operate the ship. Continuing the tour, guests will visit the engine room; the most import place on the whole ship besides the bridge. The engine room is situated near the base of the ship, covering the entire area of one end. The Au Co cruise is powered by two Japanese Yanmar engines and two generators. The combined output of the ship’s generators is well above the actual power requirement to accommodate maintenance or the loss of one generator. The engine room is the workplace of our experienced marine engineers. This tour offers guests a chance to see backstage of The Au Co and understand how we ensure a safe and comfortable trip.
• Tea Ceremony: Vietnam has a long and rich history of tea drinking including green, black, oolong, and jasmine. Learn the art of brewing Vietnamese tea known for its strong flavor and long, sweet aftertaste in an interactive tea ceremony on the final morning of your cruise.
• Fruit Carving Lesson: In the evening come and witness the traditional art of fruit carving in our special demonstration. You will see firsthand how the beautiful presentations on your buffet table are created. Join us as fruit and vegetables, including carrots and pumpkins, are transformed into roses, carnations and much more. Our chef will explain and demonstrate each step to make the carving, before you get a chance to try it yourself. Create beautiful flowers and birds from normal vegetables. There will be a little competition for guests joining the fruit carving. The winner will get a surprise gift from our chef. This is a great way to spend your evening with your family or a group of friends.
• Cinema On The Sea: Experience movie night on board The Au Co Cruise with Cinema by the Sea. An outdoor space will be set up for a mini cinema. Our crew selects both recent blockbusters and movies about Vietnam to show. All movies are updated regularly and have English subtitles. If squid fishing or fruit carving don’t take your fancy, watching a movie at the bar can be the perfect way to unwind. Enjoy some captivating cinema while sipping a cocktail under the night sky in Halong Bay.
• Taichi Class On Sundeck: Rejuvenate yourself in preparation for a busy day of exploration with a Tai Chi class on board The Au Co Cruise. While Tai Chi originated in China, the lessons introduced on board are basic and have been simplified so that everyone can follow. Our Tai Chi trainer will guide you through each part of the lesson. Tai Chi exercise is a gentle way to release stress and fatigue. This particular martial art can also improve strength and flexibility. Fresh air from the bay combined with soothing traditional Vietnamese music will help you to achieve total relaxation.

Offboard Activities:

• Biking: The island of Cat Ba is known for its lush forests and wonderfully undeveloped feel. Enjoy close up views of pristine natural surrounds on a leisurely bicycle ride of approximately 5 total km along quiet, paved paths to the remote village of Viet Hai, home to just over 200 people.

• Community Farm: As part of our commitment to socially responsible travel, Au Co supports an isolated village on Cat Ba Island by providing income-generating opportunities for villagers to grow organic produce in our community farm. We buy back these fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables including sweet potatoes, cucumbers, and jicama which are grown using traditional farming methods, completely free of pesticides and other chemicals, for use in our kitchens.

• Kayaking: See Halong Bay from water level aboard a kayak, exploring limestone caves and secluded beaches. Guests aboard the Au Co can kayak in several different locations depending on their itinerary, like Ba Ham Lake and the Dark and Bright Cave. Our very own sit-on-top kayaks are light and easy to maneuver, making them ideal even for beginners.

• Meet The Locals: The local village where you will visit used to be separated from other regions. Life in the village still retains many of the primitive aspects of ancient civilizations. People here live a simple and happy life. Within the small village, the inhabitants have formed a tight-knit community. The culture of the village reflects the traditional culture of Vietnam. Cruising with The Au Co, you will have the chance to talk with local people, get to know their culture a little better and experience what life is like for them here. As a pleasant stop over during the exploration, guests will visit an architectural marvel built by a gifted, local artist. The house features a special design and, built using bamboo, reflects the life of the villager’s ancestors hundreds of years ago. In recent years, the number of foreign visitors coming here has increased gradually, as they come to admire the cultural practices used by the local residents to live a rudimentary and self-sufficient life.

• Trekking: Explore part of beautiful Cat Ba Island with a guided morning trek culminating with a cave visit. At 354 sq km, much of it a pristine national park, rugged and jungle-clad Cat Ba is the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural surrounds filled with rare, endemic species of fauna and flora.

Email:aucocruise@impresstravel.com  or contact the hotline (Whatsapp, Zalo, Viber, Skype) at +84.912 379 189 – Mr. Alex.

What’s included in this trip:

• Welcome drink
• Air-conditioned en-suite cabin
• Entrance and sightseeing fees
• Bicycle to discover Viet Hai Village
• Use of Kayaks
• 01 Brunch, 01 Lunch, 01 Dinner
• Onboard insurance, tax and service charges