Peony Cruise
The Peony Cruise offers a refined journey through Lan Ha Bay, blending traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with European comforts aboard its intimate 20-cabin vessel.
Peony Cruise: A Distinguished Journey Through Lan Ha Bay
Launched in 2018, the Peony Cruise provides a distinguished experience across the serene waters of Lan Ha Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago. Operated by the Peony Cruise line, this mid-sized vessel is celebrated for its unique architectural fusion, combining the rustic charm of traditional Vietnamese junk boats with the sophisticated elegance of European design. With an intimate capacity of just 40 guests spread across 20 well-appointed cabins, the Peony Cruise ensures a personalized and tranquil voyage, making it a favored choice for those seeking luxury at a reasonable price point.
The vessel's interior design favors a minimalist approach, creating calm and inviting spaces across its three decks. Guests can choose from various cabin categories, including Deluxe, Premium Deluxe, and the expansive Exclusive Suites, each crafted to provide comfort and privacy. Public areas are meticulously maintained, reflecting a commitment to quality and aesthetic appeal throughout the ship.
Accommodation on the Peony Cruise emphasizes guest comfort, with all 20 staterooms featuring private balconies or terraces and modern bathtubs, a notable amenity for a cruise of its class. Cabins are designed to maximize space and offer a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration, providing amenities like mini-bars, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms. The layout ensures that whether guests are traveling as a couple or a family, their living space feels both luxurious and functional.
The culinary journey aboard the Peony Cruise is a highlight, presenting a thoughtful balance of intricate Vietnamese cuisine and delectable European dishes. Meals are served in a spacious, elegantly designed dining room, which can comfortably host up to 55 guests. The chefs are adept at accommodating diverse dietary needs, ensuring every passenger enjoys a satisfying and tailored dining experience. Beyond the main meals, guests can enjoy a selection of beverages at the sundeck bar, complementing the stunning bay views.
For activities and relaxation, the Peony Cruise offers a diverse array of options. The sundeck boasts a unique swimming pool with separate areas, catering to both adults and children, alongside comfortable loungers for sunbathing. Guests can engage in enriching cultural activities such as cooking demonstrations and morning Tai Chi sessions, or venture out for adventurous excursions like kayaking, cave exploring, and cycling through local villages, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging experience of Lan Ha Bay.
The Peony Cruise consistently receives high praise, with an overall rating of 9.6 out of 10 from ATT Asia Travel and a strong 4.8 out of 5 from aggregated reviews. Feedback frequently highlights the excellent value for money, well-maintained facilities, and delicious cuisine, particularly the authentic Vietnamese dishes, with special attention paid to dietary needs. Guests particularly commend the diverse range of activities, including kayaking, hiking, cycling, and cave exploration, noting their suitability for all ages.
The service consistently earns top marks, with staff described as exceptionally professional, attentive, and helpful, often going the extra mile for special occasions. While the spacious swimming pool and private balconies are frequently mentioned as positives, minor comments occasionally note the limited number of connecting family cabins and a perceived lack of significant differentiation between the Deluxe and Premium Deluxe cabin categories. Despite these minor points, the Peony Cruise is widely regarded as an outstanding choice for families and couples seeking a luxurious yet affordable experience in Lan Ha Bay.
Cabin Types
Top Favorite
Deluxe Balcony
Premium Deluxe Balcony
Peony Exclusive Suite
Family Deluxe Balcony
Family Premium Balcony
Deck Plan
Cruise Programs
Dining & Facilities
- Sundeck with swimming pool (featuring two distinct areas, one shallow for children)
- Open-air bar on the sundeck (open 7:00 to 23:00)
- Elegant main dining room
- Cozy and private spa room with two massage tables
- Reception area
- Crew cockpit
- Sun loungers and sofas
- Sundeck with swimming pool (featuring two distinct areas, one shallow for children)
- Open-air bar on the sundeck (open 7:00 to 23:00)
- Elegant main dining room
- Cozy and private spa room with two massage tables
- Reception area
- Crew cockpit
- Sun loungers and sofas
Dining aboard the Peony Cruise offers a diverse culinary experience, featuring a harmonious blend of refined Vietnamese and European delicacies prepared by professional chefs. While the menu maintains a balanced international appeal, its strength lies in fusion dishes with a distinct Asian influence. The culinary team is adept at accommodating various dietary preferences and special requests, including vegetarian, Indian (free for charter groups of 40+, otherwise US$24 per person), and children's menus.
Meal service follows a consistent schedule: breakfast is served from 6:45 AM to 7:15 AM, brunch from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, lunch at 1:00 PM, and dinner between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM. For 2-day/1-night tours, guests enjoy one buffet lunch, one set-menu dinner, one light buffet breakfast, and one buffet brunch. On 3-day/2-night tours, the offering expands to include one buffet lunch, one set-menu lunch (served on a day boat), two set-menu dinners, two light buffet breakfasts, and one buffet brunch. Please note that if fewer than 15 guests are on board, buffet meals may be replaced with a set menu.
The beverage selection is comprehensive, with a particular emphasis on alcoholic options. The wine list boasts nearly 60 varieties, predominantly sold by the bottle (ranging from US$40 to US$390). Four wines are available by the glass: Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (red), and Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay (white), all from the Chilano brand. Over 50 types of cocktails and mixed drinks are offered at prices between US$10.5 and US$27. Spirits are sold by the shot, averaging around US$13, with Hennessy X.O cognac being the most premium at approximately US$26 per shot. Non-alcoholic beverages, including fresh juices, smoothies, sparkling water, coffee, and tea, are also available, priced between US$2 and US$7. The coffee and tea menu is extensive, offering around 20 choices, though guests should be aware of the strong caffeine content in Vietnamese varieties. All prices are subject to adjustment.
The ship's restaurant is notably spacious for a 4-star cruise, designed to comfortably seat around 55 guests. Its modern, minimalist aesthetic features compactly arranged tables and chairs, ensuring ample space and comfortable distances between dining groups for an enjoyable gastronomic experience.
- Kayak through the Tra Bau area for approximately 1.5 hours
- Explore Viet Hai Village by bicycle or electric cart (available on 3D2N cruises)
- Visit a local house in Viet Hai Village and experience a fish foot massage (available on 3D2N cruises)
- Swim in the refreshing waters of a secluded beach in Lan Ha Bay (available on 3D2N cruises)
- Discover the unique geological formations and tropical greenery of Trung Trang Cave
- Participate in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, learning to prepare traditional dishes like spring rolls
- Start the day with an Oriental Tai Chi class on the sundeck at 6:00 AM
- Indulge in a range of spa and massage treatments including facials, skincare, body therapy, foot reflexology, manicures, and pedicures (additional cost, US$23.5 - US$48, 30-75 minutes, book 1-2 hours in advance)
- Engage in evening activities such as squid fishing
Special Offers
Hot Summer 2026 - 35% OFF!
Booking Policies
- Shared luxury minivan Hanoi - Ha Long - Hanoi transfer
- Airfare, visa arrangements
- Beauty Spa Services & Massage
- Beverages, tips, gratuities and other personal expenses
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
- More than 21 days before check-in: No cancellation fee.
- From 10 to 20 days before check-in: 50% of total rates will be charged.
- From 4 to 9 days before check-in: 70% of total rates will be charged.
- Less than 3 days before check-in & no show: 100% of total rates will be charged.
Cancellation due to bad weather:
- If cancellation is announced by the Halong Bay Management Board before departure from Hanoi (no services used), a 100% refund will be issued.
- If cancellation occurs during the trip (some services already used, e.g., transfer, lunch, day trip, hotel in Halong), charges will apply for used services, and the remainder will be refunded.
- If a 2-night trip is shortened to 1 night, guests will be charged for the 2-day/1-night trip plus any other used services, with the balance refunded.
The final cost will be confirmed via email by your consultant. For urgent assistance, please contact us directly.
- One child under 5 years old sharing existing bedding with parents is complimentary.
- For two children under 5 years old sharing the same bed with parents, a surcharge of 75% of the adult rate applies.
- Children aged 5 to under 11 years old staying on a separate bed will be charged 75% of the adult price, sharing a room with parents.
- Two children under 11 years old sharing a private room will be charged the full rate for one room.
- One child under 11 years old staying in a private room will be charged 80% of the room rate.
- Children aged 11 years and older are considered adults for pricing purposes.
Transfers between Hanoi and the cruise port are available upon request for an additional fee, starting from US$20 per person, per way. Guests can choose between a shared shuttle bus or a private car service.
- From Hanoi: The pick-up point for the shuttle bus is typically around the Hanoi Opera House (No. 16 Thi Sach Street) or door-to-door at your hotel in the Old Quarter, with pick-up times generally between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM.
- From Tuan Chau Terminal: For guests arranging their own transport from Hanoi, please meet your tour guide at Lot 34, Tuan Chau Terminal, before 12:00 PM to complete safety briefings and check-in procedures. The Big Bay Group waiting lounge is conveniently located within Tuan Chau Port.
| Operator | Peony Cruise |
| Cruise Line | Peony Cruise |
| Ship Type | Luxury |
| Built Year | 2018 |
| Refurbished | 0 |
| Cabins | 20 |
| Passengers | 40 |
| Home Port | Lot 34, Tuan Chau Port, Halong City, Quang Ninh |
