The Au Co takes its name from the mother of the Vietnamese people in legend, and its two signature suites are named after her and her husband, Lac Long Quan. With 32 cabins it is the largest of Bhaya's cruise ships, and the three-day Signature Voyage gives it time to reach the quieter corners of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

After the drive from Hanoi you board at Tuan Chau International Marina, lunch as the ship cruises south-east, and spend the afternoon kayaking through the hidden lakes of Ho Ba Ham. The evening brings happy hour at sunset, the Master Chef "Halong Bay Edition" cooking contest, dinner and a rice wine tasting.

The second day is spent on the water. An excursion boat takes you to Tung Sau, a sheltered pearl-farming area you explore by kayak, and on to Trinh Nu, one of the finest sunlit caves of the bay, with time to swim or kayak. Back on board there is lunch, an afternoon tea ceremony with Vietnamese sweets, a tour of the bridge with the captain, and squid fishing after dinner.

On the last morning, after Tai Chi and breakfast, you choose between Cua Van Floating Village by kayak or rowing boat and Tien Ong Cave, before the ship returns to the marina at 10:00 and you drive back to Hanoi.