What is Indochina? Which Countries Are Included?

If you love to travel, you've probably heard the word “Indochina.” It's a name that blends “Indo” and “China,” referring to the region between India and China.

Today, when we talk about Indochina, we typically mean Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar - several neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. Each of these countries has its own unique charm, yet they also share lots of similarities.

In this guide, we'll give you a clear introduction to Indochina - what it is, why it's special, and how you can start planning a journey through this unforgettable part.

What Does Indochina Mean? Historical and Cultural Background

"Indochina" refers to the Indochina Peninsula, a region in Southeast Asia that includes several countries. The name is a combination of "Indo" and "China," referring to the land between India and China. But it means much more than that.

The term was first used by European explorers and colonists in the 19th century. They found that the culture, religion, language, and art of this land in Southeast Asia were a blend of Indian and Chinese influences. For example, Buddhism and Hinduism, which originated in India, were introduced to the region very early. At the same time, Chinese writing styles, political ideas, and Confucianism also influence the local culture.

During the French colonial period, which controlled much of the region from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, the French created French Indochina, a colony that included Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

Although the French colonial period ended in the mid-20th century, the name "Indochina" is still used today. Thailand and Myanmar are not part of French Indochina, but they have a lot in common culturally with their neighbors. Because of this, we usually call Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar Indochina. Click here to discover how to plan an Indochina tour for the first-time traveler.

13 Days Glimpse of Vietnam Cambodia Laos Thailand and Myanmar Tour

Hanoi – Siem Reap – Luang Prabang – Bangkok – Yangon

Geographical Overview: The Location Map of the Indochina Region

Having known something about the history and culture of Indochina, we will now explore Indochina in terms of its geography.

Indochina is a large peninsula located in Southeast Asia, south of China and east of India, bordering the Bay of Bengal to the west and the South China Sea to the east. The region accounts for 46% of the total area of Southeast Asia, with a total area of about 2 million square kilometers.

Indochina includes five countries: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. Sometimes, the Malay Peninsula is also considered part of Indochina, but it is usually grouped with the Malay Peninsula or the maritime part of Southeast Asia.

Indochina is a land full of natural beauty, with mountains, rivers, forests and coastal areas. Most of it is tropical, which means that the region has a lot of rain in the rainy season, little rain in the dry season, and warm weather all year round. Click to know what’s the best and worst time to visit Southeast Asia countries.

The following is an approximate map of the Indochina region. By looking at a map, you will see that these countries are very close to each other.

The location map of several Indochina countries.

A Closer Look at the Indochina Countries Nowadays

Let's take a closer look at each country in Indochina to see what makes them unique and what life is like today.

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 is popular with its scenery, rich history, unique culture and delicious food. Some of the highlights include:

Ha Long Bay: With its blue-green waters and rising karst limestone, cruises and boat tours are available.
Hoi An: This town is more than 2,000 years old and is best visited on foot, walking through lantern-lit streets and sampling street food, shopping for souvenirs such as silk scarves and pottery.
Phu Quoc: A true paradise island for those who love nature, relaxation and adventure. You can enjoy water sports and learn fish sauce making from the locals.
Da Nang: A city on the coast of central Vietnam, it's filled with beaches and fresh seafood and overlooks many beautiful views, including the Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills.

Cambodia

Cambodia is situated in the south part of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia, with about 181,000 square kilometers of land area and a population of nearly 16 million people. The historical and cultural heritage in Cambodia is abundant; the following are worth visiting when you are on the journey to Cambodia:

Angkor Wat: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic temple complexes, where you can come to admire and take photos of the magnificent architecture.
Phnom Penh: This bustling capital is a blend of history and modernity, with numerous attractions that include the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Museum and more.
Siem Reap: The gateway to Angkor Wat, and you can enjoy vibrant markets, sample Cambodian food, and get in touch with the locals and local culture.
Tonlé Sap Lake: Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, where you can take a boat tour to get a close view of locals living and working on the water.

Unique Floating Village on Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia.

Laos

Laos, also known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in the middle of Indochina. The region is approximately 236,800 square kilometers in area and has a population of between seven and a half and eight million people.

Tourism in Laos is burgeoning really fast and there are so many wonderful places to visit across the country. For instance:

Vientiane: The capital is where you can take in the bustling city and try different types of food.
Vang Vieng: You can experience kayaking, tubing, zip lining and pretty much anything else, making this the perfect place for adventure seekers.
Nong Khiaw: A quiet little town to be in touch with nature, and you can take plenty of photos for keepsakes. There are also fun activities like kayaking.
Luang Prabang: The old capital of Laos is littered with French colonial architecture, the city offers plenty of stunning sightseeing to explore.

Thailand

Thailand, previously known as Siam, and now is officially referred to as the Kingdom of Thailand. Its population is nearly 70 million, and the country covers over 510,000 square kilometers.

As the second largest economy in Southeast Asia after Indonesia, it gets 6% of its economy from tourism. Here are some of the best places to visit in Thailand:

Bangkok: This capital city is full of life - from city to party! You could also go sightseeing at iconic sites, including the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Chiang Mai: A scenic mountain town. You can eat an authentic Thai meal, experience a local festival or learn about Thai culture in general.
Phuket: A destination with beautiful beaches and delicious seafood. You can also get active with a range of thrilling water sports, such as scuba diving.
Phi Phi Islands: A group of islands that are unspoiled, and can be explored by either boat tour or hiking through the beautiful landscape. There are also adrenaline-pumping activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and cliff jumping.

Myanmar

Also known as Burma until 1989, Myanmar is the largest country in Indochina. It spans over 679,000 square meters and houses more than 57.5 million people. Here are the most popular tourist destinations in Myanmar :

Bagan: Also known as Pagan, is an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are over 2,200 of these structures that remain visible in the surrounding plains.
Inle Lake: The second largest lake in Myanmar, it has floating gardens and stilt houses, where you can learn the traditional fishing skills of the locals.
Mandalay: Myanmar's second largest city, is known for its rich Buddhist heritage and is home to numerous temples and monasteries, including the iconic Mandalay Hill, a popular pilgrimage site.
Yangon: Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is Myanmar's largest city and former capital. Here you can visit the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda and Sule Pagoda, as well as colonial buildings.

Mandalay Hill is known for its abundance of pagodas and monasteries.

Why Visit Indochina? Is It Worth Having an Indochina Trip?

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

Each country in Indochina 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.

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!

Delicious Food

Each country in Indochina has its own specialty dishes, and street food is cheap, fresh, and delicious. Try Vietnamese pho, Cambodian amok fish curry, Laotian laksa, Thai pad thai, and Burmese mohinga soup.

14 Days Panorama of Indochina Tour

Saigon-Can Tho-Siem Reap-Luang Prabang-Chiang Rai-Golden Triangle-Chiang Mai-Yangon

Conclusion

Indochina is a beautiful and diverse region in Southeast Asia, a blend of Indian and Chinese cultures, including 5 Southeast Asian countries (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar).

All these countries attract lots of tourists every year with their beautiful scenery, rich cultures, and warm locals. Whether you're interested in history, nature, food, or adventure, a trip to Indochina is worth it. Perhaps you can be one of these tourists this year!