Peony Cruise 5* Lan Hạ Bay 2 days 1 night with 2 ways transfer

We booked this 2 day, 1 night cruise as part of our wider holiday travelling around Vietnam. Everyone told us it was a must do and after watching a number of uTube videos decided to go for the Lan Ha Bay trip instead of HaLong Bay as it was quieter/more luxurious etc. My honest recommedndation - save your money and do neither. We were picked up from our hotel in Hanoi at 8am for a 3 hour drive to the Ferry Terminal. We opted for the 'Limousine collection' (a shared minibus with comfier/more spacious seats but still every seat is filled). The Ferry terminal itself is very chaotic - you arrive about an hour before departure however its a shared space for multiple cruises all departing at the same time and then also includes those returning from the previous days cruises - so expect lots of standing around. Bags and then passengers are finally loaded onto the small shuttle boats for the 40 minute trip out to your boat - these boats are quite cramped and warm and the sea is a little choppy so be prepared if you suffer from motion sickness. Your time on the cruise is split between various meal sittings and activities that you can join or you can spend your time in your room/on the main deck. Meals are all included in your package and drinks can be purchased seperately. Food was ok - lunch was a buffet and dinner was a set menu - all ok but not particularly spectacular for the price paid. The waiting staff are very attentive and there are plenty of the to ensure you get whatever you need on the trip. We had booked an Exclusive Suite - rooms are big and nicely decorated with large beds, huge windows and a big bathroom. The downside being the rooms are right at the back of the boat and above the engines so rooms are incredibly noisey and the balcony area really isnt usable due to the noise and diesel fumes. Additionally, the small shuttle boat remains attached the to back of the cruise for the duration so we also had the staff from the smaller boat basically on our balcony for most of the trip. The cruise itself was pretty disappointing - there are probably about 20 boats doing the identical itinery so there are very limited opportunities for pictures of the Unesco site as there are always 5-10 other cruises in the way and the itineries are identical so 3pm means 100s of kayaks spill into the water at the same time. Given the cost of this trip it just feels so unpersonal and 'mass tourism' which is really sad given what they could provide. Day 2 comes with a hideously early wake up call over the ship tannoy to try to get people into the morning excursion. Then follows more food and settling bar bills before the trip back to the Ferry Terminal and back to Hanoi. All together an experience I wouldnt repeat - far too expensive for a 2* and very unpersonal experience

The staff were so attentive making sure our 3 day 2 night cruise on Peony cruise was unforgettable! The food was definitely the highlight with delicious 5 course meals at dinner. Even on our day trip the meal presented to us was unbelievable with fish, chicken, beef stew, rice etc. The rooms were spotless, comfortable and each had its own balcony. It was sad when the cruise was over as all the people were wonderful.

A nice experience in a bay surrounded by green mountains, clean ship, great food and impeccable service. I want to say my heartfelt thanks to the crew, very attentive in everything. A special appreciation goes to Jennie, a perfect waitress, smiling and courteous, who helped us live this cruise to the fullest!

Beautiful all around; my cabin, the whole ship, great staff and delicious food.The staff were brilliant and the boat was wonderful. A little too structured, as it’s not enough swimming and free time. Over all, not enough time on the ship for a 2 Day , 1 Night which was only about 20hours on the ship all up. I definitely needed more time and would have loved to stay longer. Other than that, everything was amazing!! Stay longer if you can, so worth it!

This is a wonderful cruise to choose for Ha Long Bay. The staff is very attentive, nice and make your experience a very nice one. The food is good and with multiple options, the boat and the room are nicely decorated. The program is also ok but be prepared to wake up very early :)

Mr Hugo is very attentive and kind and helpful. He goes to check on tables very often to check if we’re okay and if we need anything else. We enjoyed our short stay on the Peony Cruise and only wish it could be longer!

From the moment we arrived at the ferry terminal we were treated like royalty. The staff greeted us at the cruise boat entry.Well appointed cabins, delicious food, exceptional staff. Particularly Brian and the wait staff who go out of their way to help. Stunning views of the bay and sunset are the photographers dream

Amazing views amazing cabin amazing food. All staff were helpful and pleasant. Also well organised. I had a relaxing time you don’t have to do all the activities if you don’t want to. Views of Halong bay were spectacular

This cruise was a fantastic experience despite a last-minute cabin change, which the team handled smoothly. The new boat had everything we needed, including a lovely pool that added to our enjoyment. With breathtaking views, delicious food, and friendly staff, the entire trip was a delight. Special thanks to Jimmy, whose attentive service made everything feel personal and memorable. This cruise became one of the highlights of our journey, leaving us with unforgettable memories.

The Peony cruise exceeded our expectations in every way. Our comfortable and well-appointed room offered stunning views of Halong Bay. The food was delicious, catering to our dietary needs with ease. We especially enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere on board. The staff, were incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that our entire group, including our young grandson, felt well cared for. The top deck, with its jacuzzi, bar, and sunbeds, provided the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets. We highly recommended this cruise to anyone seeking a memorable and relaxing getaway in Halong Bay.