French Indochina is a term that refers to a region in Southeast Asia that was colonized by France during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The term "Indochina" originated from the French words "Indo" meaning India and "Chine" meaning China. However, there are numerous other synonyms that have been used to describe the region over the years, including French Southeast Asia, French colonial empire in Southeast Asia, French-occupied Indochina, and French Indochinese Union. Today, the region is known as mainland Southeast Asia, which comprises Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Regardless of the terminology used, it is important to recognize the complex and often tumultuous history of this region.