Boasting a perfect mixture of luxury services, strict safety standards and a fascinating travel itinerary, Peony Cruises are a marvelous choice if you’re hoping to experience the world-famous wonders of nature in Halong Bay, Vietnam. With a unique cruising route navigating around some of the most jaw-dropping limestone mountains of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, our 5-star cruises are guaranteed to provide you with unforgettable memories of the otherworldly Ha Long landscapes.
Inspired by the timeless beauty and cultural significance of the peony flower, Peony Cruises offer intricate design of the entire ship as well as spacious private cabins – each with panoramic views, a private balcony, a shower and a bathtub. With the number of cabins limited to 18 and a stylish onboard restaurant serving gourmet meals mixing authentic Vietnamese cuisine with international standards, Peony Cruise is relaxation at its finest.
Other than the ship itself, during the trip you will also have a chance to enjoy a range of exciting activities – both offboard and onboard! Discover the hidden caves and fishing villages strewn across the area, and kayak or swim between karst limestone outcrops to isolated lagoons and grottos; take part in a cooking class of the Vietnamese cuisine and join a Tai Chi class at sunrise!
A comfortable 2-hour limousine trip from the centre of Hanoi, Peony Cruise is that perfect cruise you’ve been looking for!
Why Book Peony Cruise Lan Ha Bay
A unique cruising route through Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay
Luxurious, spacious cabins with panoramic ocean views
All cabins with a private balcony, a shower & a bathtub
Limited number of cabins to ensure relaxing atmosphere
9:00-9:15: Get picked up from your hotel (in or near Hanoi Old Quarter, not included in cabin price) by Peony Cruise Limousine DCar 9 seats. Follow the newest highway connecting Hanoi and Hai Phong. Upon arrival at Dinh Vu Port, passengers will be welcomed by hospitable staff at the lounge of Peony Cruises.
12:15: After enjoying a special cup of tea, transfer by tender to Peony Cruise.
12.30: We welcome our guests onboard the Peony Cruise and then proceed with check-in - a welcome drink, cruise briefing, safety instructions and checking into your private cabin. Start the trip and explore Halong Bay - one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
13.00: Peony Cruise proceeds to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. International Buffet Lunch while passing via the islets of Con Vit area. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This place is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island - Thoi Quyt - Coc Ngoi islet - Gia Luan.
15.00: Travel to Trung Trang cave by our bus on Cat Ba island which is located in the middle of Cat Ba National Park, with Kim Giao forest around the cave. Trung Trang Valley is the largest valley on Cat Ba Island. The valley covers an area of approximately 300 hectares, has a depth of 10m to 30m and is around 15km in the middle of Cat Ba National Park. Trung Trang Cave measures 300m lengthwise through the mountains. The cave was carved by nature for more than 2000 years. The cave has many stalactites that take on various shapes and will awe all visitors.
17.00: Peony Cruise reaches the less populated Tra Bau. You will enjoy the green emerald and cool water by swimming or kayaking.
17.45: Returning to Peony Cruise, you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Onboard you may join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnamese dishes. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal. Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see the massage services menu).
19.30: Sumptuous Candlelight Deluxe Dinner Set Menu is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting.
21.30: Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board of Peony Cruise.
06.00: Rise early to witness the bay at its very best whilst enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck; after which we serve light breakfast. Upon completing breakfast continue our journey and head out in canoes to explore the part of the bay where the Toi Sang sea cave is situated.
09.30: Visitors then return to Peony Cruise for check-out procedures.
10.00: Whilst cruising back through Halong Bay, you can enjoy a delightful brunch.
10.30: Tea Ceremony takes place at the restaurant. You will learn how to enjoy Vietnamese tea and the Vietnamese culture at this ceremony. Join Tea Ceremony with our team and have fun with us!
11.35: We return to the quay side in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark. We bid farewell at GOT ferry as you travel back to Hanoi. We hope you have enjoyed your time with Peony Cruises and we wish you a safe onward journey across Vietnam and beyond!
14.00: Back to your drop-off point in Hanoi Old Quarter. End of your Halong Bay trip.
9:00-9:15: Get picked up from your hotel (in or near Hanoi Old Quarter, not included in cabin price) by Peony Cruise Limousine DCar 9 seats. Follow the newest highway connecting Hanoi and Hai Phong. Upon arrival at Dinh Vu Port, passengers will be welcomed by hospitable staff at the lounge of Peony Cruises.
12:15: After enjoying a special cup of tea, transfer by tender to Peony Cruise.
12.30: We welcome our guests onboard the Peony Cruise and then proceed with check-in - a welcome drink, cruise briefing, safety instructions and checking into your private cabin. Start the trip and explore Halong Bay - one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
13.00: Peony Cruise proceeds to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. International Buffet Lunch while passing via the islets of Con Vit area. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This place is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island - Thoi Quyt - Coc Ngoi islet - Gia Luan.
15.00: Travel to Trung Trang cave by our bus on Cat Ba island which is located in the middle of Cat Ba National Park, with Kim Giao forest around the cave. Trung Trang Valley is the largest valley on Cat Ba Island. The valley covers an area of approximately 300 hectares, has a depth of 10m to 30m and is around 15km in the middle of Cat Ba National Park. Trung Trang Cave measures 300m lengthwise through the mountains. The cave was carved by nature for more than 2000 years. The cave has many stalactites that take on various shapes and will awe all visitors.
17.00: Peony Cruise reaches the less populated Tra Bau. You will enjoy the green emerald and cool water by swimming or kayaking.
17.45: Returning to Peony Cruise, you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Onboard you may join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnamese dishes. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal. Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see the massage services menu).
19.30: Sumptuous Candlelight Deluxe Dinner Set Menu is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting.
21.30: Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board of Peony Cruise.
06.15: The day starts early onboard Peony Cruise with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. The breakfast is served in the restaurant with a morning view of bay’s landscape, then we continue our journey.
8.30: Transfer to Peony Cruise Day Boat to visit Viet Hai village. You will take a bicycle trip along the village path and go through rain forests and dark tunnel, with a chance to enjoy the stunning scenery of rice fields on the way. Stop at the village to relax. Visit an ancient local house, made from straw, mud, bamboo… You will get to see the local life in the valley. Optional electric car service is available. Back to Peony Cruise Day Boat for visiting Lan Ha Bay. Lunch served on the day boat.
13.30: Visiting the bay, taking a free breeze at a cruising area - a trip along a path less visited. You will use your imagination to name any beautiful islands in the bay or get an interesting introduction from our professional tour guide on Peony Cruise Day Boat.
15.00: Return to Peony Cruise. Enjoying swimming in a quiet place. Then, you will join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnamese dishes. Watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal.
19.30: Premium Deluxe Dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting.
21.30: Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watch a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board in your private cabin. Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage services menu)
06.00: Rise early to witness the bay at its very best whilst enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck; after which we serve light breakfast. Upon completing breakfast continue our journey and head out in canoes to explore the part of the bay where the Toi Sang sea cave is situated.
09.30: Visitors then return to Peony Cruise for check-out procedures.
10.00: Whilst cruising back through Halong Bay, you can enjoy a delightful brunch.
10.30: Tea Ceremony takes place at the restaurant. You will learn how to enjoy Vietnamese tea and the Vietnamese culture at this ceremony. Join Tea Ceremony with our team and have fun with us!
11.35: We return to the quay side in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark. We bid farewell at GOT ferry as you travel back to Hanoi. We hope you have enjoyed your time with Peony Cruises and we wish you a safe onward journey across Vietnam and beyond!
14.00: Back to your drop-off point in Hanoi Old Quarter. End of your Halong Bay trip.
Cancellation Policy
More than 15 days prior to the check-in date: no charge.
From 14 to 7 days prior to the check-in date: 50% of the total rate.
Less than 7 days prior to the check in date: 100% charge.
Children Policy
Any child less than 5 years old stays free of charge when using existing beds.
Any child from 5 to 12 years old is charged 75% of the room stay per night and per person when using existing beds.
Any child 13 years old or older is charged 40% of the room stay per night and per person in an extra bed.
For a family booking with children, kindly chat directly with our Cruise Specialist to get the best deals.
Yes, we can! We’re ready to pick you up from any hotel in or near Hanoi Old Quarter with our comfortable 9-seater limousine. The service is not included in your cabin price, so please get in touch with us to find out the current price for the transfer, from Hanoi or from elsewhere.
No, it isn’t. The entire trip takes around 2 hours, from the doorstep of your hotel in Hanoi to our waiting lounge in the port of Halong Bay. For your comfort, we also use the new expressway between Hanoi and Hai Phong for the majority of the transfer service.
We’re organize cruises through Halong Bay and and Lan Ha Bay. We’ll show you everything there is to see but we’ll focus on the most pristine, untouched regions out there.
No, you don’t. All cave entrance fees are included in the cruise price, so you don’t need to remember to take your change when you join us for one of our off-board excursions.
Our menu is a blend of international and Vietnamese cuisines, but don’t worry – it’s all delicious! We do our best to serve only highest-quality food on Peony Cruises.
Yes, we do. We strive to satisfy all special dietary needs our guest might have – vegetarian and vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free, food allergies or religious restrictions. Just kindly let us know in advance what your requirements are.
Definitely start with your passport! Please also remember to bring some sunblock, sunglasses and a hat, a swimming suit and some insect repellent. If you’re travelling in winter, then don’t forget to pack some warm clothes (you’ll find them very useful when you join our Tai Chi class at sunrise).
Any amount of time in Halong Bay is great, but we can definitely recommend booking a Halong Bay cruise lasting 2 nights. Your trip will feel less rushed and you’ll have more time to explore some of the more remote parts of the three bays, so do try and visit Halong Bay for 3 days.
All our staff members speak English, so you’ll have no problem communicating with us during your time on board of Peony Cruises. However, we will appreciate any Vietnamese that you can use in conversations with us!
No, you don’t! All you need to do is to show up – we’ll have everything ready for you, including all the fishing equipment you’ll need to catch some juicy squid!
Our check-in time is at 11.30 a.m. We can arrange an extra boat to transfer you to Peony Cruise if you are late, but you will need to cover the extra cost for the private transfer.
Yes, we can make your honeymoon special with appropriate decoration and gifts. Oh, and congratulations!
Verified Reviews
Overall rating
4.9 / 5
based on 30 reviews
Review summary
Cruise condition/Cleanliness
4.9 / 5
Room comfort/Standard
4.9 / 5
Staff Performance
5 / 5
Food/Dining
4.9 / 5
Service Quality
4.9 / 5
Value for money
5 / 5
Wonderful bay & wonderful cruise!
June 15, 2020
Everything about Peony Cruises is excellent! The service and the smiling staff, the delicious food they serve, my deluxe room - oh, and there's also that bay you can see when you look out of the your (panoramic) window! I wouldn't trade this experience for anything else. If you haven't been to Ha Long yet, then Peony Cruises is the way to do it!
A great, great trip!
February 29, 2020
Peony Cruise is the best! It wasn't my first time in Halong Bay, so I could clearly see what a fantastic job they do on this luxury ship. You really feel welcome with them, from the very moment you arrive. I had a great time participating in all the on-board activities - I found myself to be a decent cook and to my great surprise, not so bad at Tai Chi at all!
Definitely worth your time and money, by all means book with Peony Cruises!
3 days and 2 nights in heaven!
February 15, 2020
We went to Halong Bay with Peony Cruises and we couldn't be happier about it! The bay is really worth all the hype, even though it does get a little crowded. Still, it's one of those places you have to see in your life, no doubt about it.
As for the ship, Peony is just wonderful! It looks really luxurious, the food is amazing and the staff treat you with a lot of kindness. And as for our room - we treated ourselves with an exclusive suite for this trip - it's absolutely wonderful! A marvelous experience!
Just wonderful!
February 04, 2020
If you're looking for a professional cruising company, then let me tell you that Peony Cruises certainly deliver! Everything they do during your stay with them & all the services are carefully arranged so that you can have a wonderful time (we really appreciated this after so many poor-quality experiences when travelling around Asia). Peony Cruise is just awesome, we all had a great, great time with them. Oh, and don't miss out on all the off-board activities with them, they were very good too!
A fantastic way to see THE BAY
January 31, 2020
Hey Peony Cruise, thanks so much for one of the highlights of our Vietnam trip! We will certainly always remember this as a truly wonderful cruise, with wonderful service. We tried all the activities available for us, both on-board and off-board, and they were all great and professionally organized. Thanks for everything and a big recommendation from a crazy traveller couple from Poland!
A blissful cruise in Ha Long
January 24, 2020
Just a few words to say that my trip with Peony Cruises exceeded my expectations - by some distance! I found the whole experience thoroughly relaxing and can recommend it to anyone.
My only regret is that I hadn't booked the 3-day option (opted for just 2 days instead). Will have to go back one day, I guess!
Spectacular
January 18, 2020
A well-organized cruising experience, with all the boxes ticked to the perfection. We were really pleased how everything about Peony Cruise is so hassle-free and enjoyable, so your role out there is basically just to sip that drink and watch that amazing sunset, from your own balcony of course. Would go with the same company if I could go there again. Peony Cruises, you rock!!!
Perfect bonding trip for our family
December 21, 2019
The trip with Peony Cruises was amazing, excellent accommodation and gorgeous surroundings. The staff was very helpful and the food was a treat in itself! Our family had a wonderful time thanks to the well thought out itinerary. Will highly recommend Peony Cruise. We just wished we had spent 2 nights instead of just one.
Well worth our hard-earned money
December 01, 2019
Everything about Peony Cruises is amazing! Our guides spoke fluent English and had a good sense of humor. The rest of the staff were very accommodating and arranged everything we needed without any issue. It was very reassuring because they always had smiles on their faces. We did lots of activities, we had delicious food, and we had great time exchanging pleasantries with the other guests. The boat was incredibly clean and the views from our massive windows were jaw-dropping!
Hope to be back soon!
December 01, 2019
Kudos to the staff of Peony Cruises for always making sure all our needs were attended to. They were very friendly and spoke good English. The entire ship, from the bow to the stern, was very clean. The food was really good, especially the Vietnamese dishes. And of course, our private cabin was awesome, gave us the best views of Halong Bay, even while taking a bath!
The highlight of our trip in Vietnam
November 07, 2019
“Our room was huge and perfect for relaxing while enjoying the glorious views of Halong Bay. The boat was not anywhere near the ‘junk’ boats they often talk about. It’s huge and luxurious! All the meals served seemed like they were prepared by a pro chef. No kidding! The cycling and kayaking were fun so I highly recommend them. The staff was commendable too and perhaps they’re the friendliest people we had the pleasure to meet in Vietnam.”
We had a blast and we’ll be back soon!
October 31, 2019
“It was a one-of-a-kind adventure that exceeded all our expectations. My fiancé and I did the 2-day / 1-night cruise and we had so much fun! I guess we’ll book a longer stay next time. Yup, we’ll be back and maybe next time it would be for our honeymoon!”
Great way to unwind amidst the beauty of nature
October 24, 2019
"I had a fantastic experience and would highly recommend Peony Cruises. Mr. Hong and his staff were very hospitable and provided exceptional service. They were extremely attentive and made my stay truly special. I boarded boat #1 and it was very clean, elegant, with first-rate facilities. The views blew me away; now I know why Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's top tourist attractions."
The perfect cruise for my 34th birthday!
October 03, 2019
“We went for the 2 days – 1 night cruise for my 34th birthday. The ship is new and our room was luxurious with a private balcony that gave us magnificent views of the landscape. One thing that’s really commendable is how they were generous with the food. We were always full and had to chill on the roof deck! A huge shout out to the friendly crew who made our trip really memorable and even went the extra mile to give me a birthday cake!"
A very pleasant trip, highly recommended
September 20, 2019
"Wonderful experience. It was so a lot of fun. The cruise was really smooth - comfortable room, excellent service, great food. The trips were very well organized so we got to tour the attractions when there were fewer visitors(early morning cave tour). We really loved the kayaking part and sleeping in the middle of Halong Bay was a truly unique experience. Everything was just perfect."
Wonderful stay, couldn't be happier!
September 02, 2019
“Lovely clean boat, spacious and comfortable rooms, staff was very friendly and courteous, the food is out of this world, boat sails to the less touristy parts of Halong Bay, and the included activities were loads of fun. We couldn't ask for more!”
We had a blast! Hope to be back again soon
August 24, 2019
“The food was absolutely amazing and freshly cooked for each meal. There were lots of fun-filled activities including swimming, kayaking, fishing, cooking class, sightseeing, etc. The amenities were superb. A special shout out to Dinh who went out of his way to make sure it was the best experience possible.”
Crusing like royalty
August 15, 2019
"Thanks to Mr. Hong and his crew for being so accommodating. Their attention to detail is amazing. They went above and beyond to make my stay really enjoyable. You won't have much trouble if you take a cruise with them. Everything was great, I was traveling like royalty!"
A cruise in Mother Nature's masterpiece
July 10, 2019
"A luxury van picked us up from our hotel in Hanoi for a trip to the ferry terminal. A short transfer to the fabulous ship and we went straight to the restaurant to meet the staff and get a rundown of the itinerary. Our room was beautiful with a super comfy bed and a large bathroom. The first day of swimming and kayaking was great. Day two was a good group trip to Cat Ba Island. On day three we had an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck then we visited some impressive caves. Overall, my wife and I enjoyed a lot and we were able to appreciate one of Mother Nature's masterpieces - Halong Bay."
Absolutely amazing!
May 25, 2019
“Our cruise was everything we hoped for - and more! The boat, the staff, the food, and our room were fantastic. The number of guests was limited so it was really an intimate cruise where we get to know people from other countries. Thank you Peony - we had a great time!”
Two thumbs up, we had a blast!
May 11, 2019
“We love the activities especially the cooking class that made us learn more about Vietnamese cuisine and culture in general. The timing of each activity is excellent, enough for us to have fun and relax at the same time while getting to know some new friends. We love our room as it's tastefully designed with our beds next to the window where we can just lay down and watch the fleeting scenery. Thanks to the staff who took care of all our needs and served some scrumptious dishes! Will definitely recommend Peony cruise to friends."
Exceptional and great value for money
April 20, 2019
"We've just arrived from a 3-day stay in a deluxe room of Peony Cruise. Everything was perfect, from the moment we arrived for check-in to the time we were escorted to our transfer for our trip back to our hotel in Hanoi. Luxurious cabins with panoramic views allowed us to take in the beauty of Halong Bay, whether lying on the bed, in the bath or lazing on our private deck. Food was to die for and the staff was very accommodating. We enjoyed the activities especially the day trip to Cat Ba Village, kayaking and swimming in a secluded beach."
Well worth doing
November 14, 2018
Characterful boat, excellent cabin with balcony and the food was first rate. The crew was attentive, cheerful and professional throughout. A memorable experience during our Vietnam holiday.
Unique cruise
November 10, 2018
Peony Cruise was recommended and booked by Ha Long Hub, a good choice! We opted for a premium on the higher deck, definitely worth the additional cost. Crew very attentive and food better than expected.
Do an 2 nights trip if you can, for the night-time atmosphere when moored up and see dawn twice in Halong Bay, great stuff.
Amazing scenery
November 07, 2018
We stayed on the boat for one night but wished we had stayed for the two nights ( there are two options available ). The cabin was very clean and we had a large double bed. The bathroom was big and very clean. The staff was amazing but the food average. There were extra activities during the trip. Don't miss the morning swim. The view of the bay just amazing , especially the sunset!
Perfect
November 06, 2018
The boat was beautiful, our cabin spacious with a comfort bath and balcony. The staff could not have been more helpful and the food was varied and delicious.
We booked for two nights, three days and were glad to have the opportunity to travel deeper into the bay.
I had been warned about pollution but was pleasantly surprised to see the bay cleaner than most areas we visited. At the floating village I noticed that people would fish any rubbish from the water in order to keep the area clean.
Although the drive was long, it was great for us all to be out of the bustle and close confines of Hanoi for a couple of nights.
FANTASTIC
October 31, 2018
What a fantastic time we had. The best part of our trip to Vietnam. The junk is fabulous and the staff great. Would love to do it all again. Thank you !
Lovely cruise!
October 24, 2018
The boat is gorgeous, with very comfortable and relatively spacious rooms. the food fantastic, and the staff were incredibly attentive. There is clearly a lot of pride on this boat. There is a lot to do on the cruise as well, including sightseeing of a floating village, cave visit, and a nice dip in Halong Bay on a warm day. Definitely a highlight of our whole trip to Asia.
Outstanding
October 24, 2018
The overnight trip was exceptional. The bay was beautiful, we enjoyed seeing a sunset a cross the bay. Waking up to beautiful scenery and visiting a floating fishing village. The staff were some of the friendliest people we met, who were proud of their work and of the bay. The food was some of the nicest we have had on this trip.
Better to stay 2 nights
October 24, 2018
The boat was really charming with a lovely period feel. Upper and lower decks outside gave a sense of space so you didn't feel you were on top of other guests. Food was excellent and again tables were well spaced out. The activities were well organised and the staff were friendly and efficient. Cabin had a good sized balcony and shower with hot water that didn't run out! We had booked a one night trip and the only regret was didn't do two.
