Indochina’s cultural traditions come from, and have been enriched, by many ethnic groups, with Chinese and Indian influence, dating back thousands of years, being the major contributors.  While Vietnam emerges as an agricultural civilization based on wet rice cultivation, with Animism and Confucianism practices, Laos has its own distinct culture through Theravada Buddhism.   It is reflected throughout the country through its language, temples, art, literature, and performing arts.  The culture of Cambodia has had a rich and varied history dating back many centuries and has been heavily influenced by India and China.