This is a concise and engaging history of one of the world's most exciting, dynamic, and culturally diverse regions. From the earliest Christian era in Europe - during which it was known as the 'Land of Gold' - Southeast Asia has been regarded as a region blessed with an incredible diversity of cultures, peoples, and scenery. A Traveller's History of Southeast Asia is a lucid and concise introduction to the unique histories of the modern states that make up the region - Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, and East Timor - providing an essential guide for both tourists and armchair travellers. Spanning the history of the region from 'Java Man' some one-million years ago to the development of the high-tech skyscraper cities of the new millennium, this is an indispensable volume for anyone interested in this fabulous destination.