What is Indochina? Which Countries Are Included?

If you love traveling and research about it often, you have probably heard of the word “Indochina.” It is often used by wanderlusts, and it actually serves as a name for the Indochinese Peninsula that is a part of Southeast Asia.

This article will provide you with more detailed information on Indochina. Read on!

What Does Indochina Mean?

The word “Indochina" is used to refer to the Indochinese Peninsula, which is a region in Southeast Asia that includes several countries.

“Indochina" is a combination of two other words: “India" and “China,” reflecting the influences of these countries on the region. It was coined at the beginning of the 19th century. But today, it is not used as commonly as “Mainland Southeast Asia.”

The map of Indochina 

What Countries are in Indochina? The Location Map of the Indochina Region

Indochina is to the south of China and east of India. The region makes up 46% of Southeast Asia. In total, it covers about 2 million square kilometers.

There are six countries in Indochina: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and western Malaysia.

Vietnam
Vietnam, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the easternmost country of Indochina. It shares borders with China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and has a coastline along the South China Sea.

Vietnam's capital city is Hanoi, and its largest city is Ho Chi Minh City. The country is home to over 96 million people and has a fast-growing economy. In the past, Vietnam focused on agriculture. But nowadays, industries like tourism also play crucial roles.

Vietnam’s tourist destinations are loved by travelers from all around the world for their remarkable scenery, rich history, unique culture, and delicious cuisine. Some of the most popular places to visit include:
● Ha Long Bay - A UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning blue-green waters and karst limestones. You can take cruises and boat tours here.
● Hoi An - An ancient town where you can stroll along lantern-lit streets, enjoy delicacies, and visit shops for special souvenirs like silk scarves and pottery pieces.
● Phu Quoc - An idyllic island for those who love nature, relaxation, and adventure. You can do watersports, explore historical sites, and learn from locals about things like fish sauce production.
● Da Nang - A coastal city known for its beaches and seafood dishes. You can also see many impressive architectural marvels here, like the Dragon Bridge.

The travel length depends on where you want to go and what you want to experience. But we recommend arranging at least 8-12 days in Vietnam to fully explore all that the country has to offer.

12 Days Vietnam Nature and Culture Tour

Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Danang - Hoi An - Hue - Saigon

Cambodia
Cambodia is a country in the south of Indochina. It covers about 181,000 square kilometers with a population of nearly 16 million people. Cambodia is not a very rich country, but it has been seeing economic growth, particularly in the tourism sector.

Travelers coming to Cambodia can choose from a selection of historically and culturally rich destinations, such as:
● Angkor Wat - A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic temple complexes on the planet. You can come here to admire and take photos of the magnificent architecture. Learn more about how to plan Angkor Wat tour.
● Phnom Penh - The bustling capital city blending history and modernity. There are many attractions to learn about the country as a whole in Phnom Penh. For example, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Museum, etc.
● Siem Reap - A gateway to Angkor temples, buzzing with opportunities to learn about the people and culture. You can immerse yourself in lively markets and try Cambodian delicacies.
● Tonlé Sap Lake - The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. You can take boat tours to spot unique flora and fauna and watch how people live and work day-by-day on the water.

You should plan to stay in Cambodia for 5 to 10 days. This timeframe will allow you to experience the top tourist attractions and activities to the fullest.

6 Days Best of Cambodia Tour Package

Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

Laos
Laos is a landlocked country in the center of Indochina. The country also goes by Lao's People Democratic Republic. It is about 236,800 square kilometers in size and has a population of roughly 7.5 million people.

Laos is considered one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, with an economy focused on agriculture. However, it is blessed with natural resources that contribute to its growth potential.

Tourism is also fast growing in Laos. There are many destinations that are fantastic to explore across the countries. For instance:
● Vientiane - The capital city of Laos. Visitors can experience the bustling urban scene and sample lots of good food in Vientiane.
● Vang Vieng - A small haven for those who like adventure. You can do kayaking, tubing, zip-lining, and more.
● Nong Khiaw - A tranquil town where you can connect with nature and take photos for keepsakes. There are also exciting activities like kayaking.
● Luang Prabang - A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of Laos, filled with French-colonial buildings. You can explore many remarkable sites here.

When traveling to Laos, you should stay for at least a week. During this time, you can partake in a variety of travel activities and create cherished memories. Read more about How to Plan a first time and Second Time Laos Tour.

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Myanmar
Also known as Burma until 1989, Myanmar is the largest country of Indochina. It spans over 679,000 square meters and houses more than 57.5 million people.

The capital of Myanmar is Naypyidaw and the largest city in the country is Yangon. Myanmar’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in the world. Its main industries are agriculture, extractive, and tourism.

The most popular tourist destinations in Myanmar are large cities, religious sites, natural trails, and beaches:
● Large cities: Yangon, Mandalay, etc.
● Religious sites: Bago, Mon State, Pindaya, etc.
● Natural trails: Bagan, Kengtung, Putao, etc.
● Beaches: Mergui, Ngapali, Nabule, etc.

We suggest spending up to a week if you are traveling to Myanmar. This is enough time to visit Myanmar’s famous attractions and landmarks. It is also a good amount of time to immerse in the country’s culture. Besides, November to February are the best time to visit Myanmar.

7 Days Myanmar Tour to Bagan and Inle Lake

Yangon - Bagan - Heho - Inle Lake - Yangon

Thailand
Thailand, previously known as Siam and now is officially referred to as Kingdom of Thailand. Its population is nearly 70 million, and the country covers over 510,000 square meters. The capital of Thailand is Bangkok. This is also the largest city in the country.

Currently, Thailand is an NIC (Newly Industrialized Country) with an economy dependent on exports. After Indonesia, it is the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia. 6% of its economy is tourism.

In 2019, Thailand welcomed up to 39.8 million international tourists! The must-visit places in Thailand are:
● Bangkok - The vibrant capital with exciting city and nightlife experiences. You can also visit famous landmarks like the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
● Chiang Mai - A scenic city in the mountains. There are opportunities to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine and learn about the culture through festivals and more.
● Phuket - A tropical paradise for beautiful beaches and delicious seafood dishes. You can also try many thrilling water sports like scuba diving.
● Phi Phi Islands - A pristine island group where visitors can take boat tours and hikes through stunning landscapes. There are also adrenaline-pumping activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and cliff jumping.

If you travel to Thailand, you should arrange to stay here for at least 2 weeks, as there is a lot to discover and explore. Staying fewer days means you will miss out on a lot of fantastic attractions and activities!

16 Days In-depth Thailand Tour with Phuket

Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai - Phuket

Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the most populated countries in Southeast Asia. At present, there are roughly 33 million people residing in the country.

Like Thailand, Malaysia is a NIC. It is a larger exporter and importer. Manufacturing and tourism are Malaysia’s other key industries. In 2019, the latter made up 16% of its GDP. In the same year, it ranked 38th in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report.

Tourists coming to Malaysia often choose to visit:
● The Petronas Twin Towers - The symbol of Malaysia's modernization. These iconic skyscrapers are renowned for possessing stunning architecture. You can take an elevator to the observation deck on the 86th floor to enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
● Batu Caves - A series of caves and cave temples just outside of Kuala Lumpur. It is also a Hindu pilgrimage site with several shrines and statues.
● Sunway Lagoon - A theme park and entertainment complex near Kuala Lumpur. There are a variety of attractions here. You can enjoy thrilling rides and more.
● Menara Kuala Lumpur - A communications tower also known as the Kuala Lumpur Tower. It is also one of the tallest on the planet. You can go to its observation deck to look at the city below.

It is best to spend up to 7 days in Malaysia. There are many things to see and do, so going for 3-4 days might not be enough.

The Petronas Twin Towers

Is It Worth to Have an Indochina Trip? How to Plan?

Absolutely! An Indochina trip can be incredibly worth it! There are many reasons to embark on a journey to these countries. Let's go through them now.

Rich & Colorful Culture
Since there are six countries that make up Indochina, there are many cultures to explore. Each country has its history and heritage that you can learn about.

You can explore temples, markets, villages, historical sites, and other attractions in every Indochinese country to know more about the people and traditions, as well as enjoy an authentic experience.

Gorgeous Landscapes
There are countless breathtaking landscapes across Indochina's countries. From emerald waters and limestone karsts in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the raw beauty of Luang Prabang in Laos, every country has natural splendors that you can immerse in.

Friendly People
Hospitality is a hallmark of Indochina. The locals in all Indochinese countries are warm and welcoming. When you interact with them, you get a rewarding and heartwarming experience.

You can comfortably strike up conversations to learn about the people's way of life, make meaningful connections, and more.

Friendly and beautiful Thailand girl

Affordable Travel Costs
Traveling to Indochinese countries is quite budget-friendly. Everything, from accommodation and transportation to food and shopping, is reasonably priced. You will not have to spend your entire fortune to get memories that last a lifetime!

How to Plan?
First, decide which country you are going to. You can choose one or two, or explore all six to get a full experience of Indochina.

Here are some recommendations to help you make your decision:
● Vietnam: This country caters to all types of travelers. You can take a nature-, culture-, or history-focused trip, depending on the destination that you choose to visit. If you have lots of time to travel and want to go to many places, Vietnam is good for you.
● Cambodia: If you are fascinated by ancient ruins and want to be in a place with a deep spiritual heritage, Cambodia is ideal. You can visit Angkor Wat and Siem Reap's ancient temples.
● Laos: This country is ideal for those who love nature and seek tranquility. You can visit Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang for laid-back experiences. If you are budget-conscious, Laos is also a great option.
● Myanmar: If you are drawn to exploring cultural and historical sites, you should choose Myanmar as your Indochina destination. The top places to visit include Bagan and Yangon cities.
● Thailand: This country offers diverse activities and attractions, but it is not too expensive. If you want a mix of experiences without having to spend a lot, Thailand is for you.
● Malaysia: Urban adventurers and food lovers will love Malaysia. There are many places offering city experiences and delicious foods and drinks for you to savor across the country.

When you plan for your trip, do not forget to take the following steps:
● Check visa requirements.
● Look for flight options.
● Research and book accommodations.
● Arrange transportation options within the country.
● Get travel insurance.
● Check the weather and pack accordingly.

28 Days Indochina Panorama Classic Highlights Tour

Saigon - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Luang Prabang - Siem Reap - Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai - Mandalay - Bagan - Inle Lake - Yangon

Conclusion - We Are the Leading Indochina Local Travel Agency

Indochina is made up of 6 Southeast Asian countries (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia). All these countries attract lots of tourists every year. Perhaps you can be one of these tourists this year! If you are planning to go on an Indochina adventure, be sure to Contact us.

We are one of the leading local travel agencies in Indochina. We can help you go on the best vacation of your life! From planning your itinerary to arranging the detailed logistics of your experience, we have the local knowledge and expertise to ensure your Indochina trip is nothing short of exceptional.