Origins of Angkor

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Nakhon Ratchasima

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Inquire for specific dates.

Description: Research Mission
Explore the roots of Southeast Asia's most illustrious empire.

Situation Report
Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand -- The small rural village of Ban Non Wat in Northeast Thailand is rapidly becoming one of the most important locations for understanding indigenous societies ancestral to the Empire of Angkor. A major discovery has been the lavishly appointed Bronze Age burials (dating from about 1200 BC) suggesting a level of wealth and hierarchy in this society far beyond what has usually been assumed. In 2004, the foundations of what appears to be a huge Bronze Age building were discovered. Dr. Nigel Chang and his colleagues will build on earlier investigations by uncovering more of this structure to better understand how these ancient Bronze Age people lived as well as how they died. Chang and his colleagues are also investigating the building's history beyond the excavated area to better understand the relationship between the people of prehistoric Ban Non Wat, their environment, and other population centers in local region.

Meals and Accommodations
You will stay in the comfortable Phimai Inn, with a large swimming pool, hot showers, conventional Western plumbing, and air-conditioned rooms. Western or Thai breakfasts and delicious Thai dinners will be served in the open-air restaurants next to the swimming pool. The hotel is close to the center of Phimai town and there is easy access to a supermarket where you can buy butter, jam, yogurt and other delights. It's a short walk to town to experience the splendors of Angkor itself.

Highlights: On the Expedition
In the mornings your team will drive to the dig site, where you'll be given an assignment in excavating the remains of Ban Non Wat, a large mound ringed by banks and moats. You will excavate, screen, and float sediment to isolate microscopic materials, and search for human burials, food remains, pottery, metals, and other artifacts. You will then process your abundant finds at the field lab, helping to define the site's relationship to other nearby prehistoric sites. Your team will dig under the shade of a tarp, in a world of your own, helped by local villagers. The villagers are very welcoming, and are great fun to work with. After a day's work, you'll drive back in time to enjoy the local market, check your email, have a cold beer, take a swim, and enjoy a delicious Thai dinner.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 1,946 - 3,146

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18 - 90

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4-8

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971