PREPARE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
What expenses should I be prepared to pay for on-site?
A: Most meals, activities, transportation, and accommodations are included in the package price. You should be prepared to purchase lunches & dinners on leisure days & most dinners, which can range from $7–25 USD depending on the destination. Alcoholic beverages and all drinks are not included in the package price.
What should I pack?
A: You will receive a detailed seasonal packing list in time to gather everything you need for the trip. Given the warm, humid climate in both Thailand and Vietnam, light breathable clothing is recommended, along with modest attire for temple visits.
Is there an alcohol package?
A: An alcohol package will not be offered. It is recommended that participants plan to purchase a bottle or two at the airport duty free when returning home. Please note that imported alcohol in Thailand is heavily taxed and may be more expensive than you expect.
How do I purchase Travel Insurance?
A: We require that you purchase travel insurance after booking your reservation. Travel insurance is mandatory. Failure to provide proof of purchase will forfeit your ability to attend the trip. Coverage can include medical emergencies, trip interruption, baggage loss, and accidental incidents. If you have questions about coverage, we can assist. If you live outside of Canada, we have travel agent partners we can connect you with to provide a quote.
What currency should I bring?
Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB) and Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). As a reference point, 1 USD is approximately 32 THB and approximately 26,315 VND. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of major urban centres and tourist areas, so we recommend carrying local cash — especially for markets, smaller towns, and rural areas.
GETTING THERE
Are flights included in the price?
A: No. International flights are not included in the trip price. You are responsible for booking and managing your own flights.
What is the name of the airport we are flying into?
A: For the full 14-day Thailand & Vietnam itinerary, you will need a multi-city flight:
For the Thailand-only (7-day) itinerary:
Where can I find the best flight prices?
A: Online booking platforms allow you to compare pricing across airlines. Booking directly through airline websites is also an option. We recommend booking flights early to secure the best rates for an April departure.
What day and time should I arrive? When should I plan to depart?
A: Accommodations begin on April 27, 2027. Check-in is at 3:00 PM. Activities conclude in the evening of May 10, 2027 for the full 14-day itinerary, or May 3, 2027 for the Thailand-only option. All accommodations must be checked out of by 11:00 AM on departure day. Please book your departure flight accordingly.
How will I get from the airport to my accommodations?
A: Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your package. To be eligible, all travelers must provide their flight itineraries by the deadline communicated at the time of booking. Transfers are only available for flights on the official trip arrival and departure dates.
Is there someone that can help me book my flight?
A: Yes, you can reach out to us, and we will be happy to assist with your flight booking. There is no additional fee for our service. Please email hello@ellusivejourneys.com
Is there a specific airline recommended?
A: There is no specific airline that we recommend.
Entry Requirements
Do I need a visa to enter Thailand or Vietnam?
A: Thailand: No visa required for Canadian and American citizens. You receive a 60-day exemption on arrival. You must complete a digital arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival. Border officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.
A: Vietnam: Yes, a visa is required for both Canadian and American citizens. The easiest option is the Vietnam e-Visa, applied for entirely online. It is valid for up to 90 days (single or multiple entry), takes 3–5 business days to process, and starts at $25 USD for single entry. We strongly recommend applying well in advance of your departure date.
What are the passport requirements?
A: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in each country, and must have a minimum of two blank pages available. Please check your passport well in advance of the trip.
ACCOMMODATIONS & PACKAGEs
Which itinerary option should I book ? Thailand only or Vietnam only? Or Thailand & Vietnam?
A: That depends on how much time you have and how deep you want to go. The Thailand-only itinerary (7 days) takes you through Bangkok's culture and Phuket's island beauty. The full 14-day Thailand & Vietnam itinerary adds Hanoi, an overnight luxury cruise through Halong Bay, and the charming heritage town of Hoi An, an experience that truly stays with you. Both options are complete journeys in their own right.
Can I switch my itinerary after booking?
Yes, if space is available on the other itinerary, you are welcome to switch from either of the 7-day itinerary to the full 14-day itinerary, but you cannot switch from 14 day to 7 day. Switches must be requested no later than 6 months before the departure date (October 27, 2026). After that deadline, no itinerary changes will be accommodated. To request a switch, email hello@ellusivejourneys.com.
Can I upgrade my package from Double Occupancy to Single Occupancy?
A: Upgrade requests may be made by emailing hello@ellusivejourneys.com. Upgrades will be accommodated on a per reservation basis, and you will need your roommate to also agree to upgrade or accept entry into the Roommate matching program.
Downgrades are prohibited. No Downgrade requests will be taken.
Will I have to share a bed if I select double occupancy?
A: Rooms with double occupancy may have a shared king, queen bed or twin beds, depending on availability.
What hotels are we staying in?
A: For security purposes we only share accommodations with the guests that sign up to join us. That said, the pictures featured in the booking section of the web page are from the actual hotels that we’ll be staying in. We aim for 4 star accommodations and better.
How does the double occupancy package work?
A: The double occupancy package is for two people sharing one room. If you are booking with a friend, you each need to purchase the package separately and list each other as roommates on your registration forms. If you are booking solo and would like to be matched with a roommate, simply select double occupancy and we'll take it from there.
PRICING, PAYMENTS & BOOKING
What is included in the price?
A: Please refer to the inclusions section located here
Which methods of payment are accepted for booking?
A: Payments are processed through Stripe. As such all major credit cards are accepted (i.e., Visa, Mastercard, AmericanExpress, Discover) There is a transaction fee of 3.5% excluded in the price
How will I know my reservation is confirmed?
A: Once you’ve filled out the online registration form, and paid your deposit you will be contacted within 24 hours with an email confirmation of your registration. You will also receive a welcome guide that includes a detailed information package prior to the start of your trip.
What is the deadline for full payment?
A: All payments must be completed 60 days before departure.
What if I miss the payment deadline?
A: If you do not make your payment deadline(s) you will have 7 additional days to pay in full, with a late payment fee of $25/per day. Failure to pay will result in an assessment thereafter.
What if my roommate doesn’t complete their payment?
A: You will have two options if you’ve booked double occupancy and your roommate fails to complete payment.
1. You can upgrade to the next package within your selected accommodation style. For example if you have selected a hotel double occupancy package, you can upgrade to the single occupancy package where a $550 will be assessed.
2. You can find a replacement roommate and set up the replacement arrangements with your current roommate. If this happens your replacement will need to pay your former roommate directly for any portion already paid to Ellusive’s Journeys., and pay the remaining balance directly to Ellusive’s Journeys.
Do I have to use the payment plan or can I pay in full?
A: You can pay for the entire balance of your trip.
CANCELLATION AND TRANSFERABILITY
What if I get sick and can’t make it. Do I get my money back?
A: All payments are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another traveler for a fee of $75 usd. To cancel for any reason, trip insurance can help if you have a need to cancel unexpectedly.
What is the Policy for the name changes should I need to transfer my reservation?
A: Name changes are permitted for $75usd per person. Name changes are not permitted for the Roommate Matching Program
The person taking your place must not already be booked on the trip
They must register with an Ellusive Journeys staff member and provide their payment information
You must settle any money already paid between yourselves
The replacement traveler pays the remaining balance directly to Ellusive Journeys
Name changes must be completed no later than 120 days before departure. No changes will be made after this deadline.
OTHER
Can I stay longer than 10 days?
A: Yes. You are welcome to arrive before the trip and stay after if you like. Just note that the package only covers April 27th - May 10th, 2026, and airport transfers outside of these dates will not be offered.
Can I stay for only a few days?
A: If you’re unable to attend all the scheduled days that’s okay, but we’d love to see you enjoying all of the events.
How many people are joining this trip?
A: We anticipate hosting 8 people on this particular experience. On occasion we may have a few more guests than listed.
When does registration close?
A: Registration typically closes 4 weeks after the trip opens, though it may close sooner or later depending on how quickly the package sells out.
How can I make sure I’m staying matched with my friend as a roommate?
A: You’ll have the opportunity to list your roommate and travel partners in the registration form. We also have an additional step to collect this information as the trip gets closer.
Can I purchase the activities separately from the accommodation?
A: Unfortunately, what is considered an add-on, is the only activities that can be purchased separately. We do not have an activities & events only package. We negotiate a set number of spots with our vendors.