A LEGEND AWAKES....  THE AU CO SETS NEW STANDARDS

Halong Bay, Vietnam (16 August 2011): It all began as a Legend. Back in time, in a land where the mountains meet the sea, a beautiful, young fairy Au Co, falls in love with Long Quan, the Dragon Lord of the Sea. Their children, better known as the Hung Kings, became the early leaders of ancient Vietnam.

In March 2012, Halong Bay’s premier cruise provider ‘Bhaya Cruises’ will be launching two unique, new vessels dedicated to the ‘Mother of Vietnamese Civilization’, which will soon become legends themselves. The Au Co is the first and only luxury operator to offer 3days 2nights cruise in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Edgar Cayanan, Cruise Operation Manager: “The Au Co plans to set new standards in terms of luxury. It will present a journey guaranteeing its guests an experience of a lifetime. The Au Co’s daily trip will not only lead through the natural wonders of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Halong Bay, it will also discover the Bays of Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long. Cat Ba Island and its renowned National Park will also be revealed.”

The vessels combine state of the art safety standards and innovative Oriental Design, providing luxury and dedication in every detail. Each ship has 32 spacious cabins of minimum 20 square meters each. It also boasts private balconies and well-equipped bathrooms. The numerous activities en route, the culinary experiences and the atmosphere will please both the active traveler and those just seeking pure relaxation. Whether you enjoy the stunning scenery, a wellness treatment or a glass of wine from the Chef’s exclusive selection, the trip promises to be an unforgettable one.Tran Thanh Nam, CEO of the group: “The Au Co strives to provide minimum impact on the local environment and will operate under the concept of sustainable tourism. It’s the owners’ major goal and commitment to support local communities and conserve the beauty of the Gulf of Tonkin for future generations.”

The Au Co’s Launching Ceremony in Hanoi will take place on the 18th of August in Hanoi & the 23rd of August 2011 in Hochiminh City. Travel Agents, Tour Operators and the Press are welcome to meet the Au Co team at IFTM Top Resa in France (20-23 Sep, 2011), ITB Asia in Singapore (19 – 21 Oct, 2011) and WTM in UK (07-10 Nov, 2011).

THE AU CO CRUISE INFORMATION.

Two five star cruise ships designed by French architect Anne Droussie will be launched in the Gulf of Tonkin next march.

Each of the vessels, named Au Co, dedicated to the “Mother of Vietnamese civilization”, include three floors, 32 rooms, one restaurant, two bars, a spa and open areas.

The cruise ships will be the first and only luxury operations offering three day-two night tours in the Gulf of Tonkin.

The Au Co will bring tourists to Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Cat Ba Island, each featuring some of Vietnam’s most outstanding landscapes.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Cruising, swimming, snorkeling, Biking, Trekking and kayaking in the crystal waters of Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay in the newly built Au Co Cruise.

Visit Vung Vieng fishing village, Cua Van fishing village, Viet Hai village, Cat Ba National Park by rowing boat by beautiful local girls

Try to cook Spring roll and many more Vietnamese specialties in Au Co Cooking class

THE DETAILED AU CO CRUISES ITINERARY.

12.30   Embarkation and check‐in. Boat departs toward Gia Luan, Cat Ba Island

13.00   Lunch on board

15.00   Excursions in Cat Ba Island, visiting National Park, Chinese Hospital Cave and French Cannon Hills

17.00 Back to the boat. Cruising toward Lom Bo Islet for overnight. Swimming, kayaking at anchorage.

19.30 Enjoy welcome perfomance by local fishermen before an a la carter dinner is served. Overnight near Lom Bo area.

06.30   Tai Chi lesson on board

07.00   Breakfast in the restaurant. Cruise toward Lan Ha Bay  

08.30    Excursions & Biking in National Park in Viet Hai Village

11.00 Return to the boat and cruise to Ba Trai Dao Beach

11.30   Swimming and kayaking by the beach

12.30 Lunch on board. The boat cruises toward Bai Tu Long passing Cua Van Fishing Village

14.30 Visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village by rowing boat then swim, kayak and snorkel at nearby beach if time permits.

17.00 Depart to Ho Dong Tien. Cooking demonstration and sunset cocktails on board.

19.30 BBQ dinner on board. Overnight near Ho Dong Tien area.

06.30   Tai Chi lesson on board & cruising.

07.30   Breakfast in the restaurant. 

08.30   Visit Sung Sot Grotto

09.30   Brunch and check‐out

10.30   Disembarkation. End of service

PACKAGE COST:  

Rates are in USD per person, based on twin shared cabin, valid from Jan 1^st 2012 to Dec 31^st 2012

CHILDREN POLICY: 

v  Child under 5 years old: free of charge

v  Child from 5-12 years old: 50% charge

v  Child reduction applicable only if sharing a cabin with maximum of 02 adults and only 1 child maximum per cabin.

INCLUSIVE OF ABOVE PRICES:

v  Three day two night cruise through Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay

v  Accommodation in luxury en‐suite cabin

v  Two buffet lunches, two dinners (one a la carter and 1 BBQ) and two breakfasts

v  Welcome performance by local fishermen

v  Excursions in Cat Ba Island, National Park at Viet Hai Village

v  Visit to Sung Sot Grotto and Vung Vieng fishing Village  

v  Swimming, cooking demonstration & Taichi class

v  Kayak and snorkel equipment rental

v  Water and tea throughout the cruise

v  A bottle of house wine per cabin per stay

v  Entrance and sightseeing fees

v  Onboard insurance, tax and service charges

EXCLUSIVE OF ABOVE PRICES:

v  Transfers, hotel, visa arrangement

v  Beverages, spa, Jacuzzi, massage, souvenirs, laundry, tip and personal expenses

v  Other sightseeing places and any services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions

v  Travel insurance

v  Meals not indicated

v  Other personal expenses

v  Tips and gratuities

WHAT TO BRING: 

v  Sun block

v  Camera + Film

v  Insect repellent

v  Original Passport

v  A wide brimmed hat

v  Swimming costume

v  Sun glasses 

NOTES:

v  Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions.