Booking, Payment & Cancellation Policy

1. Deposit & Reservation

• Reservation Confirmation: To secure your preferred dates and initiate private logistics planning, a 50% non-refundable deposit of the total expedition value is required at the time of booking.
• Final Balance: The remaining 50% balance is due strictly 30 days prior to your expedition start date. For bookings made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required immediately to confirm the reservation.
• Payment Methods: We accept international wire transfers. Full banking and wire instructions will be provided upon confirmation of your private concierge consultation.

2. Cancellation & Rescheduling

Because we operate on a strictly low-volume, highly exclusive model, reserving our private vehicles, expert guides, and boutique basecamp exclusively for your party, our cancellation terms reflect the bespoke nature of our operations:

• Cancellations Made 30 Days or More Prior to Departure: The 50% deposit is non-refundable. However, it may be held as a credit toward a rescheduled expedition within 12 months of the original departure date, subject to availability.
• Cancellations Made Less Than 30 Days Prior to Departure: The full expedition fee, 100% of the total cost, is non-refundable, as all custom preparations, permits, and team allocations will have already been finalized.
• Force Majeure & Jungle Conditions: As noted in our seasonal guidelines, we automatically pause all operations from August through late September due to monsoon conditions. If Mother Nature or unexpected regional safety advisories require us to reschedule your dates, your entire payment balance is 100% transferable to a future expedition date of your choice.
• Travel Insurance: Due to the strict nature of our cancellation policy, we strongly advise all guests to purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to cover potential losses from unexpected medical emergencies, illness, or travel disruptions.

3. Participant Changes & Custom Requests

• Adding Participants: If you wish to add guests to your reservation, please notify your concierge at least 14 days prior to departure so we can appropriately scale transport, clothing, and basecamp arrangements.
• Reducing Party Size: Reductions in guest count made within 30 days of departure are treated as partial cancellations and are not eligible for a refund or balance reduction.
• Dietary & Bespoke Modifications: All custom dietary requirements or special expedition wishes must be finalized during your pre-expedition private concierge consultation at least 14 days prior to arrival in Chiang Mai.

4. Guest Safety & Personal Responsibility

• Authentic Outdoor Environments: Your safety, comfort, and security are our absolute highest priorities. Because our bespoke expeditions immerse you in the beautiful natural landscapes of Northern Thailand, the experience inherently involves navigating natural terrain and outdoor elements. By joining us, guests embrace the authentic nature of this outdoor adventure.
• Personal Responsibility: While our expert guides meticulously manage every logistical detail of your journey, The Gem Journey and its operating partners cannot assume liability for personal illness, injury, or the loss or damage of personal property, including electronics or luxury items, while in the field.
• Peace of Mind (Insurance): For your ultimate peace of mind, we require all guests to carry comprehensive personal travel and medical insurance. We kindly recommend verifying that your policy covers general outdoor travel, ensuring you are fully protected so you can simply relax and enjoy the expedition.