Vietnam Tour with Craig Koketsu

January 14 – 24, 2027 | One Exclusive Departure

Vietnam One Bite at a Time

A culinary deep-dive across Vietnam’s markets, alleyway grills, and home kitchens

January 14 - 24, 2027 | 11 Days, 10 Nights

“The best immersive cultural experiences I have had while traveling. Accomodations are stellar, like-minded travelers become your friends, and no decisions are needed to be made while under the care of Modern Adevnture's guides.”
Suzy V.

Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018

$9,500

per person based on double occupancy; includes two internal flights flights from Hanoi to Hue, and from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Executive Chef-Partner of NYC’s Award-Winning Quality Branded Group, Craig Koketsu

Hue hums with quiet intensity. Early morning light cuts through alleys laced with incense and motorbike smoke, while market stalls overflow onto the sidewalks in a vivid blur of dragon fruit, morning glory, and chili oil. The scent of lemongrass rises from broth, mixing with the bitter-sweet burn of roasted rice and the caramel crackle of pork on the grill. You pause at a street cart where egg coffee steams in porcelain cups, its frothy top catching the breeze. Around you, the city shifts—soft and rhythmic, like water lapping against the Perfume River. Vietnam doesn’t shout. It unfolds. And from the first sip to the last laugh over dinner, you’ll find yourself moving at its pace.

Trip Highlights

  • Cook alongside Craig
  • Halong Bay Cruise
  • Cyclo tour of Old Town Hanoi
  • Dinner with the locals in Hue
  • Basket boat experience
  • Blessing Ceremony in Hue
  • Hoi An market walk and cooking class

3 Reasons to Travel with Craig Koketsu

Craig Koketsu is the Executive Chef-Partner of Quality Branded, the restaurant group behind celebrated NYC concepts like Quality Meats and Twin Tails. A James Beard-caliber chef trained under legends like Gray Kunz and Christian Delouvrier, Koketsu brings precision and reverence to every dish. At Twin Tails, he draws from Vietnamese culinary traditions—channeling bold flavors, careful technique, and deep cultural roots to create dishes that honor both heritage and innovation. His work has earned acclaim from New York Magazine, Esquire, and the New York Times.

Student of Taste

Craig Koketsu approaches cuisine with both precision and curiosity. As the creative force behind nearly a dozen acclaimed NYC restaurants, he’s known for deep-diving into the history, ingredients, and spirit of each concept. His newest? A Southeast Asian love letter rooted in research, bold flavors, and reverence for the culinary complexity of Vietnam.

Maximum Fun

At Twin Tails, Craig lets loose. His Southeast Asian menu isn’t afraid of fire, funk, or fun—it’s designed to delight. Think rich broths, bright herbs, and unexpected crunch creating food that is layered, playful, and complex. The kind of cooking that surprises you in one bite, then pulls you back in for another.

Family Meal

The spark that led to Twin Tails began over staff dinner. Craig’s former sous chef, a Vietnamese refugee and Top Chef winner, introduced him to the layered balance of savory, sour, spicy, and sweet. Those meals stayed with Craig. Now, he’s bringing those memories full circle—onto the plate, and into the heart of Vietnam.

Day by Day

*On rare occasions, this itinerary may change.

Day 1: Hanoi

January 14, Thu

Your first taste of Vietnam begins in Hanoi, where the city’s pulse is steady and the energy electric. After time to relax and regroup from travel, we gather for a celebratory first meal together.

Set atop what was once the hub for Vietnam’s most revered writers, La Table Hanoia brings a literary past to life through culinary expression. Michelin-starred chef Alain Dutournier’s inventive menu—lobster bisque as sherbet, risotto kissed with saffron—is a feast for the senses. It’s the kind of meal that sets the tone for everything to follow.

Tastemaker Moment: Craig will introduce himself and toast to an incredible journey

Day 2: Hanoi

January 15, Fri

Today, we begin our morning at the legendary Thanh Ha Market to commence our masterclass on Hanoi’s world-class street food. Alongside an expert guide, Craig will introduce us to his favorite local eats, from cà phê trúng (creamy egg coffee) to pho tiu (Vietnam’s original beef and noodle soup) at a hidden family-run shop.

Culinary tour de force complete, we’ll seek out repose at a local pagoda. Here, we’ll wind through gilded halls and intricate shrines, learning more about the pagoda’s role as a meeting spot for visiting Buddhist dignitaries. As the truly special culmination to our visit, we’ll sit down with the pagoda’s senior monk to explore the unique practices and philosophies that inform Vietnam’s Buddhist traditions.

We’ll round off our afternoon with a breezy cyclo ride through the city’s graceful Old Quarter before heading back to the hotel to freshen up for an incredible evening meal.

Tastemaker Moment: During the private street food tour, Craig will share his local favorites

Day 3: Ha Long Bay & Hanoi

January 16, Sat

After breakfast, we’re driving through sleepy villages and sun-kissed fields to one of the world’s most iconic seascapes: Ha Long Bay. Here, a private cruise awaits, ready to float us through an otherworldly landscape of limestone islands jutting from ancient emerald waters. From the boat’s upper deck, we’ll breathe in the symphony of looming, cave-lined karsts and sandy islets before gathering for a sumptuous lunch onboard. As a special treat, Craig will show us how to recreate a few of the dishes at home using a few easy tricks and choice ingredients; afterwards, we’ll settle back for a cup of creamy Vietnamese coffee to learn more about his cooking philosophy and approach in the kitchen.

At Bo Hon Island, we’ll disembark to explore Ha Long’s storied caves. Our first stop is Sung Sot, or “Surprise Cave,” named by the French for the mesmerizing view hiding behind the grotto’s mouth. We’ll then head onwards to Luon Cave, an ancient tunnel that serves as a portal to an ethereal hidden lake. Luon’s tranquil waters practically beg for a kayak ride or easy float on of its bamboo boats—either way, we’ll take our time to relax and explore here before heading back to the hotel for an evening of independent exploration.

Tastemaker Moment: Craig will answer everyone’s burning questions over a delicious cup of Vietnamese coffee for an informal Q&A

Day 4: Hanoi to Hue

January 17, Sun

Say tạm biệt (farewell) to Hanoi; after breakfast we’ll head to the airport for our short flight to Hue, seat of the Nguyen Dynasty and the national capital from 1802 to 1945. Keeping with the royal theme, we’ll meander onwards to the Royal Home of Tha Om and its stunning grounds, followed by lunch at a restored royal home and a visit to the former residence of a Nguyen Dynasty princess. The grand finale to our picturesque afternoon: a breezy boat trip down the Perfume River, complete with a stop at the iconic seven-story Thien Mu pagoda—one of the city’s best-preserved religious monuments.

Once we settle into a new hotel, we’ll reconvene for an authentic home-hosted dinner.

Tastemaker Moment: Craig will share his passion for Vietnamese food, the colonialist influences, and the differences with Vietnamese cuisine in the U.S.

Day 5: Hue

January 18, Mon

Our first stop is the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO Heritage site and the perfect setting for a garden stroll. Profoundly settled, we’ll get ready for an iconic street food lunch by cyclo.

We’ll warm up with a drink and some light finger food, then wind our way to local restaurants and street food stalls to sample everything from rice with river clams to sizzling lemongrass pork skewers. Don’t be shy about dessert: the region’s famous sweet soups—made from lotus seed, kidney bean, and purple yam—await!

After this experience, the rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to embellish.

Day 6: Hue & Hoi An

January 19, Tue

In the morning we’ll bid farewell to Hue and begin our drive to the jewel of central Vietnam: Hoi An. The famous Pass of the Ocean Clouds is our route, and we’ll pause at the crest of this mighty mountain pass to drink in stunning views of the turquoise sea below.

On the way to lunch, we’ll stop in Nam O, a historic fishing village known for its centuries-old tradition of crafting fish sauce. Here, we’ll visit a local fish sauce producer as the salty breeze mingles with the rich aroma of fermenting anchovies, and life moves to the rhythm of the sea. After, we’ll continue on to Danang and settle down for a seafood lunch.

Just down the road, Hoi An awaits and once we settle in at the hotel, we’ll reconvene for a walk through the city’s historic Old Town. This picturesque riverside city was a major trading port for centuries, and mansions built by merchants still line the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. We’ll stop to admire temples, artisan workshops, and the bustling market.

In the evening, we’ll have time to catch our breath back at the hotel before reconvening for dinner at the iconic Mango Mango restaurant. The award-winning eatery is an ode to contemporary Vietnamese cuisine, and we’re honored to have our tastemaker walk us through the menu’s global influences before we tuck into our first-class spread.

Day 7: Hoi An

January 20, Wed

We’ll ease into the morning with an energizing yoga session at a nearby studio, any lingering muscle stiffness all but a distant memory after our inspired flow. Grounded by the stillness of our final savasana, we’ll make our way to Hoi An’s bustling trading post by boat. The experience is a celebration of every sense: the vibrant colors, the cacophony of sounds, the exotic fruits and vegetables. Afterwards, we’re off to a gourmet cooking class led by Craig and local legend Ms. Lulu. The duo will teach us the ins-and-outs of knife work and Vietnamese herbs, then we’ll roll up our sleeves to create our very own lunch of local specialities: crab wontons, papaya salad, and muc nhoi thit (squid stuffed with pork).

From there, the afternoon is ours to explore our scenic surroundings—we won’t meet up again until the evening for our local guide’s take on dining like a true Hoi An local.

Tastemaker Moment: Craig will lead our cooking class by crafting a signature dish

Day 8: Hoi An

January 21, Thu

We hop on our bicycles this morning, passing through lush green rice paddies and grazing water buffaloes on our way to the water coconut forests of Cam Thanh. After trying our hand at fishing and crabbing in a traditional basket boat, we’re heading to the farming community of Tra Que, where we’ll roll up our sleeves to help harvest vegetables from the village garden. After a juggernaut of morning, we’ll reflect and pause for Vietnamese-style self care—an herbal foot massage to revitalize our tired muscles.

Later, we’ll join Craig in the home of a local family for a masterclass in traditional cooking techniques followed by a hearty, garden-fed lunch. From there, we’ll return to Hoi An, and then the afternoon and evening are ours to explore our scenic surroundings.

Tastemaker Moment: Craig will cook alongside the local family

Day 9: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

January 22, Fri

This morning we’re up bright and early for our short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. From the airport, we’ll go straight to lunch and belly up to the counter for some classic Pho.

Next, we’ll check into Hôtel des Arts Saigon, then embark straightaway on an immersive tour of the fabled city and its bustling streets, stopping to take in thought-provoking monuments like the Burning Monk Memorial and reveling in the French architecture.

Our day will end in quintessential Ho Chi Minh City fashion: aboard vespas, zipping through the city’s back allies, and sampling the very best street food along the way.

Tastemaker Moment: Craig will share his insights on the different local styles of Pho

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

January 23, Sat

Today begins on the water, with a private speedboat gliding past Saigon’s ever-changing shoreline. Our route winds toward the Phu Chau Floating Temple, an ornately tiled sanctuary perched above the waves, accessible only by boat. After a morning exploring this sacred site, we return to land for a guided visit to Ben Thanh Market, where stalls brim with tropical fruit, fragrant herbs, and hand-embroidered linens.

This afternoon, lunch is on your own, followed by a relaxed afternoon to unwind at the hotel. Later on, we’ll reconvene for a night of celebration. Our farewell dinner is at Mandarin—the perfect spot for casual but exquisite cuisine, and for raising a toast to ten days of joy and exhilaration.

After dinner, the night is yours to explore. You’ll find us at one of the city’s chic rooftop bars, nursing an unhurried nightcap in this city that never sleeps.

Tastemaker Moment: Craig will lead a round of farewell toasts

Day 11: Departures

January 24, Sun

It’s time to bid goodbye to Vietnam and our new friends. With all that we’ve experienced and tasted, we know it won’t be long before we return to this magical land.

Street food was the star of this trip. I felt like I was on an awesome adventure with a group of friends.
Lindsay S.
I loved Vietnam. I was charmed by the people and seduced by the cuisine.
Janice B.
I was blown away by how flawlessly Modern Adventure executed this trip. You exceeded my every expectation.
Joan P.

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

Hanoi

The 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

Hue

An 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 An

An 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 City

With 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 Tour with Craig Koketsu

Number of Travelers

Payment

Reserve your spot today with a $1,500 per-person deposit plus room supplements (if relevant). Please see our terms and conditions for full payment details.

$9,500

per person based on double occupancy; includes two internal flights flights from Hanoi to Hue, and from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Can't travel on these dates?
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+1 (855) 219-8018

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.

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Questions?

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Where does this trip start and end?

    Our adventure begins at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), where we’ll transfer to Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre. Our last day is in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The closest airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). 

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. When will my trip be confirmed?

    Because our trips are designed as small-group experiences, we need a minimum number of travelers for each departure. You will receive an email no later than 130 days prior to departure confirming your trip. If we don’t meet the minimum, you’ll have the option of a full refund, reinstatement of any applicable trip credits, transferring to a different departure date, or converting your booking to a private departure. Please see our terms and conditions for complete details.

    Important: We strongly advise booking refundable flights and pre-trip accommodations, or waiting until you receive your trip confirmation.

  11. What is the Small Group Supplement?

    Our trips are priced based on a minimum of 10 guests. If a departure runs with 9 or fewer travelers, a Small Group Supplement (SGS) will apply. The SGS ensures your trip is guaranteed to run with the full program intact while offering you a more intimate, exclusive group experience.

    The supplement amount depends on the final group size and will be confirmed no later than 130 days before departure. If additional guests join after the SGS has been paid, it will be refunded. Please review our full terms and conditions for additional details.

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