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Vietnam with Billy Ngo
January 4 - 14, 2026 | One Exclusive Departure
Heart & Soul of Vietnam
A cultural and culinary exploration with chef Billy Ngo
“I was blown away by how flawlessly Modern Adventure executed this trip. You exceeded my every expectation.”
Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018
$9,200
per person based on double occupancy; includes two internal flights flights from Hanoi to Hue, and from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

James Beard “Best Chef” Award Finalist & Serial Restauranteur, Billy Ngo
The royal city of Hue is electric—mopeds sashay through narrow lanes between market stalls while barbers hawk haircuts from streets bathed in neon. You’re lost in all of it and overcome by the exquisite aroma of street food that seems to set the table for the night ahead. You note lemongrass wafting from simmering broths, the sweet-chili char of pork skewers and egg coffee steaming from mocha pots. This is the magic of Vietnam—mornings of soulful meditation and sun-kissed bicycle rides give way to vibrant market tours and joy rides on vintage Vespas. Every day here begins like a new chapter in a fairy tale, and your next adventure is just around the bend.
Trip Highlights
- Cook alongside Billy
- Halong Bay Cruise
- Cyclo tour of Old Town Hanoi
- Dinner with the locals in Hue
- Lantern-making workshop
- Basket boat experience
- Blessing Ceremony in Hue
- Hoi An market walk and cooking class

3 Reasons to Travel with Billy Ngo
Chef Billy Ngo, a 2024 James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef in California, is the visionary behind Sacramento’s acclaimed Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine. Born in a refugee camp in Hong Kong, he moved to the U.S. as an infant, carrying with him deep ties to Vietnamese culture and flavors. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Billy honed his craft in Sacramento’s top kitchens before opening Kru in 2005. His expertise has been featured on Chopped, Man Fire Food, and at prestigious events like Pebble Beach and Los Angeles Food & Wine.

Family Fusion
Chef Billy Ngo’s latest venture, Chu Mai, is a tribute to his mother and his Chinese-Vietnamese heritage. The menu reflects the flavors he grew up with—classic Southeast Asian dishes made with precision and heart. For the first time in his career, he’s cooking the food that’s truly personal to him, honoring tradition while sharing his family’s culinary story.
Friendly Face
A local reporter once described Chef Billy as having “a wide perma-grin that’s magically devoid of artifice.” That warmth and authenticity define not only his personality but also his approach to hospitality. Guests return for his vibrant flavors—but just as often for his easygoing energy, self-deprecating humor, and deep respect for the craft of cooking.
Don’t Settle
For Chef Billy, sourcing is everything. While he champions California’s bounty, he refuses to compromise on quality—whether it’s Hokkaido uni, New Zealand salmon, or king crab from the Arctic. His philosophy is simple: the best ingredients, treated with care, create an unmatched dining experience, rooted in technique, precision, and respect for the product.
Street food was the star of this trip. I felt like I was on an awesome adventure with a group of friends.
I loved Vietnam. I was charmed by the people and seduced by the cuisine.
I was blown away by how flawlessly Modern Adventure executed this trip. You exceeded my every expectation.
Where We Sleep

Art-filled design hotels in Hue and Hoi An, a luxurious retreat in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City—our accommodations are stylish, modern takes on traditional Vietnamese styles.
Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre
HanoiThe Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre is conveniently located in the heart of Hanoi’s central business district. Noi Bai International Airport is a 40-minute drive away and the city centre and Old Quarter are a 5-minute walk. The hotel features distinctive French architecture with beautiful and well-appointed rooms and suites.

La Residence
HueAn Art Deco masterpiece built in 1930, situated on the banks of the Perfume River. Its stunning architecture embraces the past while incorporating contemporary twists. Whether you choose to kick back poolside or meander through its tropical gardens, La Residence is an absolute oasis of comfort.

Hotel Royal
Hoi AnAn impeccable retreat facing the bucolic Thu Bon River and just a stroll away from Hoi An’s ancient Old Quarter. Relax in expansive rooms or at their serene pool, admire their brilliant gallery, or just take in the views from the highest rooftop bar in the city.

Hôtel des Arts Saigon
Ho Chi Minh CityWith smooth lines and sumptuous curves inspired by the principles of Feng Shui, this airy, art-filled hotel combines timeless glamor with a very 21st-century sense of whimsy. Take tea at the Café des Beaux Arts, nestle down in the library with a book, or head to the rooftop saltwater pool for a refreshing dip — then perch on a waterside barstool to drink in panoramic views of the sun setting above the city below.


Book Vietnam with Billy Ngo
Make It Private
We understand that certain dates can work better than others, or sometimes a more private experience is more appealing. We’d be happy to modify this departure so it fits the needs of you and your group.
Start HereQuestions?
That’s OK, we have answers. Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure Trip Specialist.
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What does the price include?
Ten nights at unique four- and five-star accommodations; transportation to the trip’s starting and ending points; two internal flights from Hanoi to Hue and Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City; private travel for all day trips and excursions; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities, hands-on workshops; adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; local beverages with meals; gratuities for local staff.
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What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverage not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.
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Where does this trip start and end?
Our adventure begins at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), where we’ll transfer to Hotel de L’Opera Hanoi. Our last day is in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The closest airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).
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What travel documents are needed?
US citizens are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam. Modern Adventure will obtain this required travel document which is included in the trip cost. Additionally, your passport must be valid for six months beyond your arrival date.
Not a US citizen? Please check with the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.
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Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
For solo travelers, there is a $2,000 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. These spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Who is going on this trip?
Our adventures typically have between 10 and 20 guests, and our Modern Adventure Team. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.
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Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure Trip Leader. They’re an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
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What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel 120 days or more before departure and receive a full refund minus a $1500 per person service fee ($500 of which may be retained as a future travel credit, valid for one year after cancellation). If you cancel on or after 119 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 59 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee. See our full terms and conditions for details.
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Do I need Travel Insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.