The Au Co Cruise - Managed by Bhaya Cruise

Positive points: No Gimics needed! Ha Long Bay is amazing!

This cruise did the absolute best they could, given the overall situation of "over touristing" in the Ha Long bay area. The time that we went seems ideal - late September because it is between the heavier summer and late fall seasons. We were also fortunate, in a way, because a major Typhoon had hit the area and done significant damage only a few weeks before our trip. Therefore there were less people verturing into the area.

Also, we booked the Long Quan Suite, which is incredibly appointed and situated at the rear of the ship with a fantastic private outdoor balcony area. (only downside of that was fumes from the diesel motors when wind was in the wrong direction)

Review: You need to be careful when choosing a cruise in Ha Long Bay, there are so many to choose from and the boats are in many different states of repair. The ships use by Au Co are exceptional and I would recommend spending the extra money to do this luxury cruise.

Positive points: Staff were amazing!!
Very friendly,helpful and accommodating

Review: All the team on the cruise were brilliant, very friendly, efficient and all activities were very well organised. Would recommend this to anyone.

Positive points: Great ambience and very professional and courteous staff.

Review: Service from all the staffs are impeccable!!!

Positive points: We selected Au Co (after endless research!) bc their marketing and many customer reviews said they go beyond Ha Long to Lan Ha - to see the best scenery, and where there are fewer boats. We were skeptical how true this might be but we can confirm this is a accurate! The first day we cruised all the way to the south end of Cat Ba Island, on Lan Ha. There were only a couple other boats, in contrast to Ha Long which is packed.

We did the 3 day /2 night, which gives you a more relaxed time. You have time to really relax and watch the scenery. You enjoy two completely silent nights on board. That said, I think you do see enough in the 2 day to get the key experiences.

The boat is lovely, very well appointed in all aspects and areas, luxurious rooms, with housekeeping for the second night. The crew are all extremely helpful and efficient. After every excursion we were greeted with cold towels and a welcome drink. It feels like a Vietnamese experience.

Our cruise director, Joy, was **wonderful** - entertaining and also very informative about history and culture. She pitched it just right, at all times of the day and evening.

We feel that all but one of the excursions were good and worthwhile: the Viet Hai village, (we took the electric car), the big cave (Sung Sot), the hidden cave (Luon), and the Cua Van floating village. I think Trinh Nu beach is less worthwhile - at this time of year swimming was not really a big priority and it's not a great beach. They don't go to TiTov bc it is too crowded.

Some reviews indicated confusion with happy hour, it was clear to us - you get 2 for 1 of the same drink, whether you drink both, or you and partner have one each! Food was excellent, especially the BBQ, the breakfasts, and the Vietnamese family style lunch. There is free water (coolers, water bottles) and coffee at all times. My wife really enjoyed the Tai Chi each day.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience and we would do it again in a heartbeat.

Review: Marvellous way to relax - food excellent. The staff so friendly and helpful.

Review: The cruise was a great experience. Loved the ship, the activities and especially the food.

Review: We have 5 course meals for lunch and dinner. We stayed at the au co suite which has bigger balcony and can enjoy the beautiful scenary from the room while taking photos. The rooms are cleaned twice a day, and we really enjoyed ourselves very much. Wifi was available most of the time during cruise, depending on their mobile data connection.

Review: Great rooms and clean, helpful staffs, wonderful food and we had an enjoyable stay at Au Co Cruises! Although it is pricey, it is worth every penny. You get what you paid for!

Review: Excellent services and food. Staff was kind and helpful. Enough time for water activities: swimming & kayaking. And although water was dirty on the beaches, we loved the kayaking experience!

Review: Definitely the best cruise experience on Ha Long Bay. The only 3D2N cruise that gives you access to the cruise ship throughout. Everything was perfect... except for the spa services. Staff service was superb... especially the humorous cruise manager and the asst cruise manager. Our room was cleaned/ packed almost everytime we leave the room for the planned activities. Food is good and very nicely presented. When we go for beach activities, beach towels and cold water are prepared. When we return, we are welcomed back with refreshing iced tea and cold peppermint scented towels. A lot of effort is put into the whole cruise.