The 2001/2002 Expedition Season Applications ar being accepted for expedition dates in December 2001, January and February 2002 To apply, simply send a message with your prefered dates (primary and secondary), the number of participants and the rider(s) level of expierience (Beginer, Intermidiate or Advanced). All applicants are selected on a first come-first served basis and must include a return email address.

PROPOSED TOUR WINTER 2001-2002 ANTHROPOLOGICAL SITES THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF EASTERN THAILAND BY SEAN WALKER THE KHMER EMPIRE The once vast Khmer Empire expanded into Thailand from Cambodia where it is best known for the Angor Wat temple complex. Scattered throughout Esan, or Eastern Thailand, are the remains of Khmer temples constructed approximately 1000 to 1200 years ago. There are over one hundred sites most being only a pile of rubble. At least ten sites are worth seeing and many are either preserved or reconstructed by the Thailand Fine Arts Department. These temples are similar in nature to the Khmer temples in Cambodia and are constructed of laterite blocks, sculpted sandstone, and blue and pink slate. Exquisitely carved sandstone lintels are often found over temple doorways. These temples reflect the Khmer art in its pure form. The Khmer Tour Early cultures The excavations at Ban Chieng and Ban Prasat tell the story of an early people in the northeastern area of Thailand. Evidence suggests that the first known advanced cultures migrated into the fertile Sakhon Nakhon Basin in the North near Udon and the Ban Chieng site, then, presumably, moved south to another fertile area in the Korat Basin near Nakhon Ratchasima and the Ban Prasat site. Ban Chieng At Ban Chieng is found an early agriculture based culture possibly more than 4,000 years old that had developed a distinctive style of pottery that is comparable to other areas throughout the East. Later they developed into a bronze era that is arguably around 3,000 years old. This is contemporary with that of China, and a point of contention about whose bronze age came first. The Bronze age Ban Chieng culture produced bronze tools such as axes and also fine bronze jewelry. THE LARGEST AND MOST INTERESTING RUINS ARE : Phanom Rung located 53 km. south of the town of Buri Ram and Pratat Hin Pimai located 60 km. north of Nakhon Ratchasima. Other interesting ruins are: Prasat Phanom Wan located near Nakhon Ratchasima, Prasat Ta Muen Tam, Prasat Ta Muen Tom, Prasat Ta Muen Tot, and Prasat Ta Muen Bykreem located south of Prasat Phanom Rung progressively near the Cambodian border. Caution, and the assistance of the Thai Border Patrol, is needed to approach the ruins on the border and is necessary to protect you from accidentally crossing. Lastly I would be remiss not to mention the magnificent ruins of Prasat Viharn, located on the Cambodian side of the border south of Si Sa Ket. These ruins are not accessable at this time. Wat Pho Sri Nai museum Phu Phra Bat Historical Park The Buddhist temple of Pra Phu, combined with the odd geological rock formations and prehistoric cave paintings of people and animals at Tha Bat Bok, makes for an interesting morning or afternoon side trip. This area has long been revered as sacred from the prehistoric age throughout the Dhavaravadi era and including present times. It has also been the inspiration of the folk tale "Nang Ousa and Tao Baros." Two to three hours of easy walking are needed to see everything. FAVORITE PLACES My favorite places are: Kong Chiam, at the two colored river junction of the Mekong and the Moon rivers for serenity and temporary access to Laos, along the Mekong River for the scenic views, Pha Taem and Tha Bat Bok, Si Sa Ket, Surin, and Buri Ram, for the exploration of Khmer Ruins. LOGISTICS Applicants may suggest a tour date, three tours are availiable in Dec, Jan, and Feb, 2001-2002, allow min. two weeks. Degree of difficulty: Challenging, long distances of highway travel requires stamina and endurence. No tour date has been set to date; applicants may Email us. Curiosity seekers may leave any personal information blank as they wish; we respect your privacy and do not make any personal information available to anyone. Please leave some way to communicate to you the requested tour dates of the other applicants or recheck this site periodically for new info concerning this tour. Please contact us early, reservations are limited, Sean Walker, nmc.

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE EXPEDITION The Golden Triangle is the mountainous northern area where Thailand, Burma, and Laos intersect. Its name is derived from the golden fields of poppies that were once abundant. Through the Golden Triangle and along the Eastern Laotian border flows the Mekong River from its origins in Tibet. Other rivers are the Ruak, Kok, Ping, Yom, Nan, Lao and other numerous tributaries. All our excursions start in Chiangmai, the Northern Capitol City The North is populated by many ethnological groups including what are popularly called Hilltribes. Hilltribe People are immigrants from surrounding countries who may not own their land unless they have been granted citizenship, but occupy mostly unwanted land and farm the hillsides using slash and burn agriculture. These Hilltribes are quite friendly and many people find it interesting participating in their culture and perhaps even spending the night or several days in a village. Northern Thailand is mountainous and temperate with breathtaking scenery and lush jungle. Popular Tours are by bus, motorcycle, jeep, elephant and trekking. It's Capital City Chiangmai now has an International Airport and is only a one-hour flight from Bangkok, making this area easily accessible. Other cities of note are Chiangrai, Nan, Lampang and Mae Sai on the Burmese border. Northern Thailand is often considered to be a must see destination perhaps due to the many things that there are to do and the laid back attitude of its people. LOGISTICS Applicants may suggest a tour date, three tours are availiable in Dec, Jan, and Feb, 2001-2002, allow approx. two weeks. Degree of difficulty: Moderate, motocross, easy paced. Please contact us early, reservations are limited, Sean Walker, nmc.

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