Indochina

The diverse cultures of what would eventually become French Indochina traced their roots to pre-modern kingdoms and empires, each leaving its indelible mark on the region’s rich tapestry of traditions and customs. From the majestic Khmer Empire of Cambodia to the ancient kingdoms of Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, the legacy of these civilizations endures in the temples, palaces, and cultural practices that still thrive today.

Indochina, originally Indo-China, is a geographical term originating in the early 19th century for the continental portion of the region now known as Southeast Asia. The name reflects the intricate web of cultural and commercial ties that linked the region to the civilizations of India and China. It refers to the lands historically within the cultural influence of India and China and physically bound by India in the west and China in the north. This expansive region encompasses present-day Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and (variably) peninsular Malaysia.

The term “Indochina” later became synonymous with the colonial territories administered by France, comprising Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Today, while the political landscape has evolved, the term “Indochina” continues to evoke the shared history and cultural heritage of the region, now commonly referred to as the Indochinese Peninsula or Mainland Southeast Asia.