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Nationalities
At present there are 54 different ethnic groups inhabiting
Vietnam, in which Kinh (Viet) people make up nearly 90% of the
whole population, and 53 other ethnic groups represent over 10%.
(Detail)
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Ba Na ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Ba Na (To Lo, Krem, Con Kde, Ala Cong, Krang).
Population:
174,456 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Kon Tum
Province and the western parts of Binh Dinh and Phu Yen
Provinces.
(Detail)
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Ba Na ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Ba Na (To Lo,
Krem, Con Kde, Ala Cong, Krang).
Population:
174,456 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Kon Tum Province and the
western parts of Binh Dinh and Phu Yen
Provinces. |
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| Ba Na girl |
Customs and habits
The Ba Na lives in houses built on stilts.
In each village, there is a communal house
called rong which stands out due to its
height and beauty. According to matrimonial
customs, a young man and woman can take the
initiative in marriage, and the parents are
only involved to ensure the respect of
traditional principles. After the birth of
the first child, they are allowed to set up
their own family environment. The Ba Na
venerates the spirits which relate to human
beings.
Culture
The Ba Na language belongs to the Mon Khmer
Group. Their musical instruments are very
diversified with various combinations of
gong sets, t'rung xylophones, bro, klong
put, ko ni, khinh khung, and to tiep
trumpets. The aesthetics of the Ba Na are
expressed in their unique woodcarvings and
extraordinary decorative crafts.
Costumes
The men tend to wear loincloths and the
women wear sarongs.
Economy
Their main source of income
is slash-and-burn agriculture and the
rearing of livestock. Almost every village
has forges to make metal products. Women
also weave cloth to make their families
garments and the men practice basketry and
mat-making, the Ba Na often barter goods.
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| Ba Na man |
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Bo Y ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Bo Y (Chung Cha, Trong Gia, Tu Di, Tu Din and Pu Na).
Population: 1,864
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Lao Cai,
Yen Bai, Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang provinces.
(Detail)
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Bo Y ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Bo Y (Chung
Cha, Trong Gia, Tu Di, Tu Din and Pu Na).
Population:
1,864 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Ha Giang
and Tuyen Quang provinces.
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Customs and
habits
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| Tu Di girl |
Ancestor worship is the basis of Bo Y
religion. The Bo Y live in houses built on
the ground. There is always an extra room in
this type of house constructed of wooden
boards that rest on the main beams of the
house. These rooms serve as the bedroom for
unmarried boys and as a granary. The wedding
ceremony of the Bo Y is a complicated and
expensive endeavor. A unique characteristic
of this wedding ceremony is that the groom
does not attend the ceremony. Instead, he
sends his younger sister to the bride's
family to lead a pink horse during the
wedding. When the parents die, the children
must practice strict mourning rites, 90 days
to mourn their mother and 120 days to mourn
their father.
Culture
The Bo Y language belongs to the Tay - Thai
Group.
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| Bo Y costume |
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Brau ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Brau (Brao).
Population: 313 people
(Year 1999).
Locality: Dak Me
Village, Bo Y Commune, Ngoc Hoi District, Kon Tum Province.
(Detail)
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Brau ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Brau (Brao).
Population: 313
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Dak Me Village, Bo Y
Commune, Ngoc Hoi District, Kon Tum
Province. |
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| Old-costume of
Brau |
Customs and habits
The Brau have a tradition of tattooing their
faces and bodies and filing their teeth.
Their houses are built on stilts. Young men
and women are free to choose their partners.
The wedding ceremony is organized by the
bride's family and the groom must live with
his wife's family for several years before
bringing his wife and children home.
Culture
The Brau language belongs to the Mon-Khmer
Group. The Brau like to play gongs and
traditional musical instruments. In
particular, a set of two gongs called the
chieng tha has great value in their culture.
Young girls often play Krong Put, a musical
instrument that consists of 5-7 bamboo
tubes, both long and short, which are joined
together. The sound is produced when air is
forced into them by the clapping of the
hands.
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| Brau in Kon Tum
province |
Costumes
Women wear a lot of jewelry
around their arms, ankles, and necks. Men
often wear loincloths and women wear pagnes.
Economy
The Brau have led a nomadic
life for a very long time, but also practice
slash-and-burn cultivation in order to grow
rice, corn, and cassava using rudimentary
tools.
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Bru - Van Kieu ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Bru-Van Kieu (Tri, Khua, and Ma-Coong).
Population: 55,559
people (Year 1999).
Locality: The mountain
regions of Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien-Hue provinces.
(Detail)
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Bru - Van Kieu ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Bru-Van Kieu
(Tri, Khua, and Ma-Coong).
Population:
55,559 people (Year 1999).
Locality: The mountain regions of
Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien-Hue
provinces. |
Customs and
habits
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| Pleasure with
work |
The Bru - Van Kieu live in small houses on
stilts. These villages are usually located
near rivers or streams and are always
arranged along the water current flows. The
houses are arranged in circles around a
communal house on flat and expansive
terrain. Young Bru - Van Kieu men and women
are free to choose their partners. The
maternal uncle says the last words at
marriage or burial ceremonies for his
nephews and nieces. He also has the decision
power in house construction. Ancestor
worship is the most common religious
activity. Also, the Bru - Van Kieu pay
veneration to sacred objects such as a sword
or a fragment of a bowl, and they especially
worship fire and kitchen deities.
Culture
The Bru-Van Kieu language belongs to the
Mon-Khmer culture. The Bru - Van Kieu love
creative arts and maintain a rich treasury
of traditional art and culture. They possess
numerous musical instruments such as drums,
castanets, knob gongs, wind instruments, and
string zithers (including the a-chung and
po-kua). Folk singing is popular as is cha
chap (sung stories), and sim, an alternating
chant between young men and women.
Folksongs, proverbs, and old tales make up
the rich culture of the Bru - Van Kieu.
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| Bru Van Kieu
costume |
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Cham ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Cham (Cham, Chiem Thanh, and Hroi).
Population: 132,873
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Concentrated
populations live in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces. The
Cham also live in An Giang, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai provinces, and Ho
Chi Minh City.
(Detail)
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Cham ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Cham (Cham, Chiem
Thanh, and Hroi).
Population: 132,873
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Concentrated populations live in
Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces. The
Cham also live in An Giang, Tay Ninh, Dong
Nai provinces, and Ho Chi Minh City.
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| Pottery of Cham |
Customs and habits
The Cham follow Islam and Brahmanism.
Brahmanism's doctrines draw about
three-fifths of the Cham population in Ninh
Thuan and Binh Thuan Provinces. Matriarchy
still exists in Cham society as daughters
carry the family name of their mothers. A
woman's family marries the groom for their
daughter. After marriage, the groom comes to
live with his wife's household. The right of
inheritance is reserved for daughters only.
The youngest daughter, however, must care
for her aging parents.
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| Cham Tower |
Culture
The Cham language belongs to the
Malayo-Polynesian Group. These people enjoy
singing and dancing. Cham dances are
well-known through the nation.
Economy
The main economic activity of the Cham is
rice farming in submerged fields. Pottery
making and cotton cloth weaving are two
other sideline occupations |
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Cho Ro ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Cho Ro (Do Ro, Chau Ro).
Population: 22,567
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Dong Nai, Binh
Thuan, Binh Phuoc and Binh Duong provinces.
(Detail)
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Cho Ro ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Cho Ro (Do Ro,
Chau Ro).
Population: 22,567 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Dong Nai, Binh Thuan, Binh
Phuoc and Binh Duong provinces. |
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| Cho Ro in Dong
Nai province |
Customs and habits
The Cho Ro lives in houses built on stilts
and on the ground. Both patriarchal and
matriarchal customs have significance in the
family life of the Cho Ro. The Cho Ro
believes that all things have souls and
spirits. These spirits have an invisible
control over humans which forces them to
become involved in worshipping rituals and
puts special taboos on them. The most
important worshipping ritual is the one that
pays respect to the souls of the forest and
the rice plant.
Culture
Cho Ro language belongs to
the Mon-Khmer Group and has close ties to
the Ma and the Xtieng languages. Their
musical instruments are comprised of a set
of seven-pattern gongs, string instruments
with a bamboo sound-box, and alternating
songs.
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| Cho Ro girl
costume |
Costumes
The Cho Ro has adopted the
Kinh style of dress. The women wear
necklaces and bracelets made of copper,
silver, or beads.
Economy
The main economic activity
practiced is slash-and-burn cultivation. In
certain places, rice cultivation in
submerged fields has been developed. Animal
husbandry, hunting, gathering, fishing,
basketry, and wood carving are |
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Chu Ru ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Chu Ru (Cho Ru and Ru).
Population: 14,978
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Don Duong
District in Lam Dong Province and Binh Thuan Province.
(Detail)
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Chu Ru ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Chu Ru (Cho Ru
and Ru).
Population: 14,978 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Don Duong District in Lam
Dong Province and Binh Thuan Province.
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Customs and
habits
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| Ask for a boy's
hand of Chu Ru |
The Chu Ru worship their ancestors and these
rituals are carried out in the cemetery.
Each family in the Chu Ru clan consists of
three to four matrilineal generations, and
monogamy is observed in Chu Ru society.
Young women choose their husbands and
initiate the process of marriage. The
husband then lives with his wife's family.
Culture
The Chu Ru language belongs to the
Malayo-Polynesian group. They have adopted a
sedentary life and have developed a rich
oral literature composed of popular songs,
folk songs, and proverbs. The "play"
(village) contains many family lineages, and
other ethnic groups may reside in the same
village. "Poplay" (village chiefs) are
elected by the inhabitants of the village
and a sorcerer.
Economy
The Chu Ru developed farming practices very
early in the culture. They also developed
agriculture, raised cattle, made bamboo and
rattan articles, and sculpted pottery.
Hunting and gathering have now become
sideline occupations in every family.
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| Chu Ru girl |
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Chut ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Chut (Ruc, Sach, Arem, May, Ma Lieng, Tu Vang, Pa Leng, Xe Lang,
To Hung, Cha Cu, Tac Cuc, Ymo, and Xa La Vang).
Population: 3,829
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Minh Hoa
and Tuyen Hoa districts of Quang Binh Province.
(Detail)
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Chut ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Chut (Ruc,
Sach, Arem, May, Ma Lieng, Tu Vang, Pa Leng,
Xe Lang, To Hung, Cha Cu, Tac Cuc, Ymo, and
Xa La Vang).
Population: 3,829 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Minh Hoa and Tuyen Hoa
districts of Quang Binh Province.
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| Ruc girl (Quang
Binh province) |
Customs and habits
Though most Chut live a sedentary life,
their villages are quite separated and their
houses are temporary. Each lineage has its
leader and an altar to worship their common
ancestors. Among the leaders of the
lineages, those who can win the highest
prestige will be proclaimed village chief.
Matrimony is still practiced. The Chut have
very simple funerals.
Culture
The Chut language belongs to the Viet-Muong
Group. The Chut have inherited a rich folk
art and culture. The folk songs are called
Ka-tum and Ka-lenh, and are very popular
among many people. The ancient tales of the
Chut are diverse and have various themes.
The Chut play pan-pipes and six-hole flutes.
Economy
The Chut are primarily
involved in agriculture and they practice
slash and burn cultivation. They also
practice hunting, gathering, fishing, and
animal husbandry. Carpentry and basketry are
another means of income generation.
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| Prepare arbalest
for going mountain field |
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Co ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Co (Cor, Col, Cua and Trau).
Population: 27,766
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Bac Tra My
and Nam Tra My districts of Quang Nam Province; Tra Bong
District of Quang Ngai Province.
(Detail)
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Co ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Co (Cor, Col,
Cua and Trau).
Population: 27,766 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Bac Tra My and Nam Tra My
districts of Quang Nam Province; Tra Bong
District of Quang Ngai Province.
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| Neu pole in
Buffalo-stabbing festival
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Customs and habits
The Co believes that all things have souls,
and they worship the souls of rice grains.
In former days, the Co lived in long houses
built on stilts. Recently, the Co has built
shorter houses that are level with the
ground. The village chief is chosen on the
basis of knowledge, experience in
production, behavior, and the trust of
villagers. In the past, no Co lineage had an
individual name; they all took the family
name of Dinh. Now, they have taken the
family name of Ho, after President Ho Chi
Minh.
Culture
The Co language belongs to the Mon-Khmer
Group. The Co like to sing, dance, beat
drums, and gongs. Folksongs such as the Xru,
Klu and Agioi are very popular.
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| Co girl in Tra
Bong |
Costumes
Men leave their upper torsos naked and cover
their lower torsos with loincloths. Women
wear a skirt, bra and shirt with short
sleeves. Women often tie colourful beaded
strings around their waists. In winter, they
cover themselves with blankets.
Economy
The Co lives mainly from slash-and-burn
agriculture. They grow rice, maize, cassava |
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Cong ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Cong (Xam Khong, Mang Nhe, and Xa Xeng).
Population: 1,676
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Muong Te
District in Lai Chau province and along the Da River.
(Detail)
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Cong ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Cong
(Xam Khong, Mang Nhe, and Xa Xeng).
Population: 1,676 people
(Year 1999).
Locality: Muong Te District
in Lai Chau province and along the Da River.
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| Cultural
activities of Cong |
Customs and habits
The Cong live in houses built on stilts.
Each Cong lineage has a leader, its own
social taboos, and its own manner of
worshipping their ancestors at the altar.
According to customs, young men and women
can each take initiative in marriage. People
of direct relations can only get married to
their seventh generation relative. The man's
family actively proposes marriage. After the
betrothal, the man lives with his future
wife's family for several years. Women wear
their hair knotted in a chignon on top of
their heads which shows that they are
married. The wedding is often celebrated
once the couple has had children. The man
must then offer pieces of silver money to
his wife's parents. The woman's family must
prepare a dowry for the bride to bring to
her husband's house. Every year, each Cong
Village holds a communal ceremony where
several rites are performed to pray for
bumper crops.
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| Cong Costume |
Culture
The Cong language belongs to the Tibet-Burman
Group. The Cong folk arts are diverse. Their
songs are characteristically composed of
smooth melodies with alternating songs that
are sung at communal ceremonies.
Economy
The Cong use a slash and
burn method of cultivation. The Cong grow
cotton which is used to barter for other
cloth. Other handicraft activities include
basketry and, particularly, red dyed rattan
mat making. |
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Co Ho ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Co Ho (Xre, Nop,
Co lon, Chil, Lat and Tring).
Population: 128,723 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Di Linh Plateau of Lam Dong
Province.
(Detail)
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Co Ho ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Co Ho
(Xre, Nop, Co lon, Chil, Lat and Tring).
Population: 128,723 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Di Linh Plateau of Lam Dong
Province. |
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| The Chil |
Customs and habits
The young Co Ho women play
an active role in marriage. Monogamy is
practiced in Co Ho society. After the
wedding, the groom comes to live with his
wife's family. The Co Ho believes in the
existence of many deities including the sun,
moon, mountain, river, earth, and rice.
Culture
Co Ho language belongs to the Mon-Khmer
Group. The Co Ho possesses an abundant
wealth of folklore and culture. The verses
of their lyrical poems, called Tampla, sound
very romantic. They have many traditional
dances to perform at festivals and
ceremonies. Their instruments include gongs,
dear-skin drums, bamboo flutes, box
pan-pipes, lip organs, and six-stringed
zithers.
Economy
The Co Ho cultivates rice
through burning the land and submerging
their fields.
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| Mountain climbing
festival |
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Co Lao ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Co Lao (Ke Lao).
Population: 1,865
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Dong Van
and Hoang Su Phi districts in Ha Giang Province.
(Detail)
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Co Lao ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Co
Lao (Ke Lao).
Population: 1,865 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Dong Van and Hoang Su Phi
districts in Ha Giang Province. |
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| Pi Le musical
instrument of Co Lao |
Customs and habits
Each village has about 15 to
20 households. The Co Lao houses are built
level with the ground. A patriarchal system
has been adopted. During pregnancy, Co Lao
women observe strict abstinence to
facilitate delivery and to give healthy
babies. In Dong Van District, people
incinerate the placentas of new born babies.
Three days and nights after their birth,
male babies are baptized by their parents.
Culture
The Co Lao language belongs
to the Kadai Group. Ceremonies and festivals
are held on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar
month, the 5th day of the 5th lunar month,
the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, and the
9th day of the 9th lunar month. The Lunar
New Year Festival is the biggest festival of
the year.
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| Co Lao costume |
Costumes
Men wear trousers like many other ethnic
groups around the northern borders. Women
also wear trousers and a five-panel dress
running below the knees. The dress buttons
under the left armpit and is decorated with
bands of different coloured cloth that are
attached to the chest from the middle to the
right armpit along a fringed slit.
Economy
The Co Lao practice terraced farming and
grow maize in mountain rock hollows.
Basketry and woodwork are popular
handicrafts that are produced by this group.
The Co Lao are also known for their bamboo
mats, lattices, large winnowing baskets,
panniers, tables, chairs, and horse saddles.
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Co Tu ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Co Tu (Gao, Ha, Phuong, and Ca Tang).
Population: 50,458
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Tay Giang,
Dong Giang and Nam Giang districts in Quang Nam Province; A Luoi
and Phu Loc districts in Thua Thien-Hue Province.
(Detail)
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Co Tu ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Co Tu
(Gao, Ha, Phuong, and Ca Tang).
Population: 50,458 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Tay Giang, Dong Giang and
Nam Giang districts in Quang Nam Province; A
Luoi and Phu Loc districts in Thua Thien-Hue
Province. |
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| Co Tu in pupils
in traditional cultural activitie |
Customs and habits
The Co Tu believes in and
worships Giang (Genie). The houses are set
out in the form of an ellipse. In the middle
of the village is the Rong (Communal House),
a large and beautiful building used for the
reception of guests, to hold meetings,
rituals and cultural performances.
Patriarchy prevails among the Co Tu as the
children take the family name of their
father. The right of inheritance is reserved
only for sons. Marriage dowries are also a
common practice.
Culture
Co Tu language belongs to
the Mon-Khmer Group.
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| Co Tu costume |
Costumes
Men wear loincloths and leave their upper
torsos naked. Women wear skirts and short
vests. In winter they wear a piece of cloth
to keep them warm. Popular ornaments consist
of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Economy
The Co Tu practice a slash
and burn cultivation, often dig holes to
plant seeds, practice animal husbandry,
weave cloth and baskets, gather, hunt, and
fish. The exchange of products is carried
out by bartering. |
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Dao ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Dao ("Dao Quan Trang" (Dao with white trousers), "Dao Quan Chet"
(Dao with tight trousers), "Dao Tien" (Dao with coins), "Dao
Thanh Y" (Dao with blue dress), "Dao Do" (Red Dao), Man, Dong,
Trai, Xa, Diu Mien, Lim Mien, Lu Giang, Lan Ten, Dai Ban, Tieu
Ban, Col Ngang, Col Mua and Son Dau).
Population: 620,538
people (Year 1999).
Locality: The Dao
live along the Sino-Vietnamese and Vietnamese-Lao borders and in
some midland provinces and provinces along the coastline of
northern Vietnam.
(Detail)
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Dao ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: Dao
("Dao Quan Trang" (Dao with white trousers),
"Dao Quan Chet" (Dao with tight trousers),
"Dao Tien" (Dao with coins), "Dao Thanh Y"
(Dao with blue dress), "Dao Do" (Red Dao),
Man, Dong, Trai, Xa, Diu Mien, Lim Mien, Lu
Giang, Lan Ten, Dai Ban, Tieu Ban, Col Ngang,
Col Mua and Son Dau).
Population: 620,538 people (Year
1999).
Locality: The Dao live along the
Sino-Vietnamese and Vietnamese-Lao borders
and in some midland provinces and provinces
along the coastline of northern Vietnam.
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| Bride in wedding
day |
Customs and habits
The Dao worship their
ancestors called Ban Ho. Two forms of
matrilocals exist, a temporary matrilocal
and permanent matrilocal. Their funerals
reflect many ancient customs. In some
regions, dead people from 12 years old and
older are cremated. The houses are built
either on stilts, level with the ground, or
half on stilts and half on beaten earth.
Culture
Dao language belongs to the Mong-Dao Group.
The Dao have long used Chinese writings (but
pronounced in the Dao way) called Nom Dao
(Dao Demotic Script).
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| Dao costumer in
Quang Ninh |
Costumes
The attire of the Dao men consists of
trousers and short vests. Women's attire is
more diversified and is often decorated with
many traditional motifs.
Economy
The Dao mainly live off of rice cultivation
and by growing subsidiary crops. Sideline
occupations include weaving, carpentering,
blacksmithing, papermaking and vegetable oil
production. |
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E De ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
E De (Rade, De, Kpa Adham, Krung, Ktul, Dlie Rue, Bio, Epan,
Mdhur and Bich).
Population: 270,348
people (Year 1999).
Locality:
Concentrated in Dak Lak Province, southern Gia Lai Province, and
western parts of Khanh Hoa and Phu Yen provinces.
(Detail)
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E De ethnic group |
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Name of ethnic group: E De
(Rade, De, Kpa Adham, Krung, Ktul, Dlie Rue,
Bio, Epan, Mdhur and Bich).
Population: 270,348 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Concentrated in Dak Lak
Province, southern Gia Lai Province, and
western parts of Khanh Hoa and Phu Yen
provinces. |
Customs and
habits
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| E De village
patriarch |
The E De live in houses built on stilts.
These houses are generally elongated. The
interior of the house is divided into two
parts. The main part, called the Gah, is
reserved for receiving guests. The rest of
the house (called the Ok) is divided into
compartments for a kitchen and for living
quarters. At each side of the house there is
a floor yard. The yard lying in front of the
entrance is called the guest yard.
Matriarchy prevails in E De society. Women
are the heads of their families. The
children take the family name of the mother.
The right of inheritance is reserved only
for daughters. The husband comes to live at
his wife's house after marriage. If the wife
dies and nobody among the wife's relatives
replaces her position, the man then returns
to his home and lives with his sisters. The
E De practice a polytheistic religion.
Culture
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| E De musical
instrument |
E De language belongs to the
Malay-Polynesian Group. The E De have a rich
and unique treasury of oral literature
including myths, legends, lyrical songs,
proverbs, and particularly well-known khan
(epics). Their musical instruments are
comprised of gongs, drums, flutes, pan pipes
and string instruments. The Ding Nam is a
very popular musical instrument of the E De
which is much liked by many people.
Costumes
Women wear a skirt and vest with colourful
motifs. Men simply wear loincloths. The E De
like to wear copper, silver, and beaded
ornaments.
Economy
The E De practice slash-and-burn agriculture
and cultivate rice in submerged fields.
Besides cultivating, the E De also practice
animal husbandry, hunting, gathering,
fishing, basketry, and weaving. |
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Giay ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Giay (Nhang, Dang, Pau Thin, Pu Na, Cui Chu and Xa).
Population: 49,098
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Concentrated
in Bat Xat, Bao Thang and Muong Khuong districts (Lao Cai
Province); Yen Minh and Dong Van districts (Ha Giang Province);
Phong Tho and Muong Te districts (Lai Chau Province); and Cao
Bang Province.
(Detail)
|
|
Giay ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Giay
(Nhang, Dang, Pau Thin, Pu Na, Cui Chu and
Xa).
Population: 49,098 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Concentrated in Bat Xat,
Bao Thang and Muong Khuong districts (Lao
Cai Province); Yen Minh and Dong Van
districts (Ha Giang Province); Phong Tho and
Muong Te districts (Lai Chau Province); and
Cao Bang Province. |
 |
| Traditional
musical instrument performance |
Customs and habits
The Giay worship not only their ancestors
but also the genies of the heaven, the
earth, and the kitchen, including the
Goddess of Childbirth. The Giay villages are
very crowded, containing hundreds of
households. Houses are built on stilts or on
level ground. The central bay of the house
serves as a place for receiving guests and
for the ancestor altar.
Patriarchal customs rule Giay families. The
children take on the family name of their
father. The family of a young man usually
seeks a marriage for their son. During
pregnancy, Giay women must obey certain
taboos and a special altar is set up for the
delivery.
Culture
Giay language belongs to the Tay-Thai Group.
The cultural heritage of the Giay is rich
including many ancient tales, poems,
proverbs, puzzles, and alternating songs.
 |
| Giay costume |
Costumes
Men wear trousers, short vests and wind a
turban around their heads. Women wear a
five-paneled vest open at the side, which
buttons under the right armpit, and
trousers. They wear their hair wound around
their head or wind it in a turban.
Economy
The Giay practice rice cultivation in
submerged fields and rear animals to
provides for additional income. The Giay
also rear plenty of horses as pack animals
|
|
|
Gia Rai ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Gia Rai (Gio Rai, To Buan, Hobau, Hdrung and Chor).
Population: 317,557
people (Year 1999).
Locality:
Concentrated in Gia Lai Province, parts of Kon Tum Province and
northern Dak Lak Province.
(Detail)
|
|
Gia Rai ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Gia
Rai (Gio Rai, To Buan, Hobau, Hdrung and
Chor).
Population: 317,557 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Concentrated in Gia Lai
Province, parts of Kon Tum Province and
northern Dak Lak Province. |
Customs and
habits
 |
| Gia Rai girl |
The Gia Rai believe in the existence of
Giang (Genies) and hold many rituals
connected to their genies. They live in
separate villages called ploi or bon. Houses
are built on stilts. The village chief and
the elders have great prestige in Gia Rai
society and play a role in running
collective activities. Each village has a
communal house called a Rong. A matriarchal
system has been adopted. Women are free to
choose their lovers and decide who they
marry. The husband lives with his wife's
family and has no rights to inheritance. The
daughter, after marriage, no longer lives
with her parents and inherits from them. The
children take the family name of the mother.
Culture
Gia Rai language belongs to the
Malayo-Polynesian Group. Long epics and old
tales such as "Dam Di Di San" (Dam Di Goes
Hunting) and "Xinh Nha" are very popular in
Gia Rai society. Musical instruments include
gongs, T'rung, To-Nung, and Krong-Put.
Costumes
The Gia Rai garments resemble Tay Nguyen's
garments.
Economy
The Gia Rai live on slash-and-burn
cultivation and terraced fields. Rice is
their staple food. They also breed
elephants. The men are very skillful in
basketry, and the women in cloth weaving.
Hunting, gathering, and fishing are other
sideline occupations.
 |
| Everyday workk |
|
|
|
Gie Trieng ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Gie Trieng (Dgich,
Tareh, Giang Ray, Pin, Trieng, Treng Ta Lieng, Ve, La Ve, and
Bnoong).
Population: 30,243 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Kon Tum Province and the
mountainous areas of Quang Ninh Province.
(Detail)
|
|
Gie Trieng ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Gie
Trieng (Dgich, Tareh, Giang Ray, Pin, Trieng,
Treng Ta Lieng, Ve, La Ve, and Bnoong).
Population: 30,243 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Kon Tum Province and the
mountainous areas of Quang Ninh Province.
|
Customs and habits
 |
| Pleased with good
crop |
The Gie Trieng lives in long houses built on
stilts. Houses in the village are arranged
in a circle around the Rong (communal
house). Young woman decide when they will
marry according to their own initiative. The
Gie Trieng believes that all beings have a
"soul" and a "spirit". Therefore ritual
ceremonies and the watching of good and bad
omens have prevailed. The sacrifice of
buffaloes is a common ritual ceremony.
Culture
The Gie Trieng language belongs
to the Mon-Khmer Group.
Costumes
Men usually wear loincloths. Women wear
skirts long enough to cover their chests and
some have adapted to wearing a bra sewn into
their skirts.
Economy
The Gie Trieng lives mainly on the
cultivation of the land, hunting, fishing,
and gathering.
 |
| Festive costume
of Gie Trieng woman |
|
|
|
Ha Nhi ethnic group
Name of ethnic group:
Ha Nhi (U Ni and Xa U Ni).
Population: 17,535
people (Year 1999).
Locality: Lai Chau
and Lao Cai provinces.
(Detail)
|
|
Ha Nhi ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Ha
Nhi (U Ni and Xa U Ni).
Population: 17,535 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Lai Chau and Lao Cai
provinces. |
Customs and
habits
 |
| Ha Nhi children |
The Ha Nhi have adopted a sedentary
lifestyle. Every year during Tet (New Year's
Day), the people of the same lineage get
together to listen to an elderly man speak
about their ancestors. Young men and women
are free to choose their partners. Each
marriage goes through two stages. In the
first stage, young men and women become
husband and wife and take the family name of
the husband. The second stage is organized
when the couple becomes established and has
a child. When a person dies, the bedroom
partition of the deceased is dismantled, as
well as the altar for their ancestors. The
dead body is placed on a bed in the kitchen
and a good hour and day must be chosen for
the burial ceremony.
Culture
The Ha Nhi language belongs to the Tibet-Burman
Group. The Ha Nhi possess many ancient tales
and long versed stories. Young men and women
enjoy dancing. Young couples express their
love by playing leaf panpipes, lip organs
and a vertical flute. Young girls like to
play "am ba" and "met du" and young boys
like to play "la khu". There are many types
of songs in Ha Nhi society such as
lullabies, duet songs, wedding songs,
mourning songs, songs reserved for new
houses, receiving guests, and welcoming Tet
holidays.
 |
| Ha Nhi girl in
Lai Chau province |
|
|
|
Hoa ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Hoa (Han).
Population: 862,371 people (Year 1999).
Locality: The Hoa live in all parts of
Vietnam from north to south, in both urban centres and rural
regions.
(Detail)
|
|
Hoa ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Hoa
(Han).
Population: 862,371 people (Year
1999).
Locality: The Hoa live in all parts
of Vietnam from north to south, in both
urban centres and rural regions.
|
Customs and
habits
 |
| Hoa in Quang Ninh
province |
They build houses usually with three rooms
and live close together. The families of the
same lineage always reside together. In a
Hoa family, the husband is the head of the
household. The right of inheritance is
reserved for the sons only. The eldest son
always gets the greater part of the
property. Parents decide the marriage
arrangement of their children, and early
marriages are common. The choices of a
husband or a wife are often based on the
desires of the family to have equal social
standing or are dictated by business
considerations.
According to customs, funerals must go
through several rituals. The cycle starts
with informing others of the mourning
process, wearing mourning clothes, wrapping
the corpse, opening the road for the dead
soul, burying the dead, bringing their soul
to the "country of Buddha in the west", and
the last rite is the completion of the
mourning process. Since respect for the dead
is very important, in all villages and
hamlets, there are temples, pagodas, and
shrines built for veneration of the dead.
 |
| Hoa girls enjoy
the sping |
Culture
The Hoa language belongs to the Han Group.
Costumes
Hoa men have adopted a dress similar to the
Nung, Giay, Mong, and Dao. Hoa women's
garments consist of a pair of trousers, a
five-panelled vest which falls to mid-thigh,
and a short sleeve shirt with five-panels.
Economy
The Hoa practice various occupations
including agriculture, handicrafts, trading,
fishing, and salt-making. Hoa farmers have a
long tradition of cultivating submerged
fields. They also work as laborers,
teachers, cadres, and other professionals.
|
|
|
Hre ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Hre (Cham Re, Chom
Kre and Luy).
Population: 113,111 people (Year 1999).
Locality: The western parts of Quang
Ngai and Binh Dinh provinces.
(Detail)
|
|
Hre ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Hre (Cham
Re, Chom Kre and Luy).
Population: 113,111 people (Year
1999).
Locality: The western parts of Quang
Ngai and Binh Dinh provinces. |
 |
| Hre female
costume |
Customs and habits
The Hre are atheists. The small-sized
nuclear family unit is very common among the
Hre. They live in stilt houses and the
village chief is considered to have high
prestige and plays an important role in
village life.
Culture
The Hre language belongs to the Mon-Khmer
Group and has close ties to the Xo-Dang and
Ba Na languages. The Hre often hold
buffalo-stabbing ceremonies which are
accompanied by verses and songs. The Ka choi
and Ka leu are two very popular tunes. Their
musical instruments include the Brook, Ching
Ka la, Ling Ia (traversal flute), and Ta lia
(longitudinal flute).
 |
| Hre man costume |
Costumes
Men wear loincloths and waist-deep vests.
They may also remain bare chested and wear
turbans as headgear.
Economy
The Hre grow wet rice and farm. Basketry and
weaving are other forms of income
generation. |
|
|
Khang ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Khang (Xa Khao, Xa
Xua, Xa Don, Xa Dang, Xa Hoc, Xa Ai, Xa Bung, and Quang Lam).
Population: 10,272 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Son La and Lai Chau provinces.
(Detail)
|
|
Khang ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Khang
(Xa Khao, Xa Xua, Xa Don, Xa Dang, Xa Hoc,
Xa Ai, Xa Bung, and Quang Lam).
Population: 10,272 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Son La and Lai Chau
provinces. |
 |
| Begin making a
separate home |
Customs and habits
The Khang live in houses built on stilts,
with three rooms. Each house has two
kitchens, one kitchen is used to cook daily
meals and the other is used to warm and cook
meals which are offered to worship dead
parents. Khang marriage ceremonies go
through three steps. First, a marriage
proposal is made. Next, parental approval is
sought; and finally the wedding occurs. The
first stage is held for the groom's family
and the second stage is held in order to
accompany the bride to her husband's home.
Culture
Khang language belongs to
the Mon-Khmer Group.
 |
| Khang costume |
Costumes
Khang women dye their teeth
black and chew betel like the Thai.
Economy
The Khang mainly practice slash-and-burn
cultivation using traditional techniques
such as digging holes and planting seeds in
these holes. They grow sticky rice which
serves as their food staple. Their weaving
products include chairs, baskets, flat
baskets, suitcases, packs, and wooden boats.
The Khang also grow cotton and exchange it
for cloth and garments. |
|
|
Khmer ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Khmer (The Viet is
of Mien origin and Khmer Krom).
Population: 1,055,174 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Can Tho,
Kien Giang and An Giang provinces.
(Detail)
|
|
Khmer ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Khmer
(The Viet is of Mien origin and Khmer Krom).
Population: 1,055,174 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Can
Tho, Kien Giang and An Giang provinces.
|
Customs and
habits
 |
| Khmer costume |
The Khmer mainly practice Brahmanism and
Hinayana Buddhism. Before reaching
adulthood, young Khmer people often go to
pagodas to study and improve their virtues
and knowledge.
Culture
The Khmer have managed to preserve their own
language and writings. They usually live
with the Kinh and Hoa in "soc" (villages),
and "phum" or "ap" (hamlets). The houses are
simply built with thatched or tiled roofs.
Major Khmer festivals include "Chon Cho Nam
Tho May" (New Year Festival), Buddha's
Birthday, "Don Ta" (Forgive the Crimes of
the Dead), and "Ooc Om Bok" (Moon Worship).
Economy
The Khmer have a long tradition in wet rice
cultivation. Animal husbandry, weaving,
pottery and sugar making from the "Thot Not"
Tree are other forms of economic activity.
 |
| Khmer pagoda in
south Vietnam |
|
|
|
Kho Mu ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Kho Mu (Xa Cau,
Mun Xen, Pu Thenh, Tenh, and Tay Hay).
Population: 56,542 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Nghe An, Lai Chau, Son La,
Thanh Hoa, and Yen Bai provinces.
(Detail)
|
|
Kho Mu ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Kho
Mu (Xa Cau, Mun Xen, Pu Thenh, Tenh, and Tay
Hay).
Population: 56,542 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Nghe An, Lai Chau, Son La,
Thanh Hoa, and Yen Bai provinces.
|
 |
| Nhi musical
instrument of Kho Mu |
Customs and habits
The Kho Mu still live a nomadic lifestyle.
Their houses are built with temporary and
rudimentary materials and have very little
furniture. The husband must live with his
wife's family for one year after marriage.
Marriage between the same lineages is
strictly forbidden. The Kho Mu believe in
the existence of spirits. The heavens, the
sound of thunder, the earth, the forests,
and the field are all assisted by spirits.
The worshipping of spirits of the village
and of ancestors is very common. They also
pray for bumper harvests and good annual
production.
Culture
 |
| Kho Mu costume |
The Kho Mu language belongs to the Mon-Khmer
Group. A rich heritage of tradition and
culture can be found in this ethnic group.
Costumes
The garments of the Kho Mu resemble the Thai
group, but the women's ornaments are unique
to this group.
Economy
The Kho Mu live on slash-and-burn
cultivation, hunting, and gathering.
Basketry is also a very developed skill
among the members of this group.
|
|
|
Viet (Kinh) ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Kinh (Viet).
Population: About 65.8 million people
(Year 1999).
Locality: These people live in all
provinces but are densely clustered in the delta areas and urban centres.
(Detail)
|
|
Viet (Kinh) ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic
group: Kinh (Viet).
Population: About 65.8 million people
(Year 1999).
Locality: These people live in all
provinces but are densely clustered in the
delta areas and urban centres.
|
 |
| Hue girl |
Customs and habits
The Kinh ancient villages
are usually surrounded by bamboo groves. The
communal house is a place for meeting and
conducting common ritual ceremonies. The
Kinh also live in mud houses. They enjoy the
habits of chewing betel, smoking water pipes
and cigarettes, drinking tea, and eating
ordinary rice.
The husband is considered the head of the
family. Children take the family name of
their father. The eldest son is responsible
for the worship of dead parents and
grandparents. Each family lineage has a
temple for their forefathers and the head of
the family lineage handles all common
affairs.
Monogamy is observed during marriage. The
family of the man approves the marriage and
organizes the wedding for him. After the
wedding party, the bride goes to live with
her husband's family. The Kinh attach much
importance to fidelity and the virtues of
the bride.
They worship their ancestors and also
practice Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism or
Christianity to various extents.
 |
| Village festival
in Nouth Vietnam |
Culture
The Kinh have a rich collection of
literature which includes old tales, folk
ballads, and proverbs. The written
literature takes many forms such as poems,
writings, books, and edicts. Song, music,
sculpture, painting, dance and performance
are also well developed and popular.
Costumes
The traditional attire of the Kinh in the
north is a brown pajama set for men. A four
paneled robe, bra, and trousers for women,
also in brown, are usually worn. In the
southern delta plains, both men and women
wear black pajamas. At present, the Kinh's
costumes resemble western clothing.
Economy
Rice cultivation in submerged fields is the
main economic activity of the Kinh. They
also erect dykes and dig canals which help
in the growing of wet rice, gardening, and
sericulture. They also raise cattle and
poultry. Pottery production has been very
developed for a long time. |
|
|
|
La chi ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: La Chi (Cu Te and
La Qua).
Population: 10,765 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Xin Man District in Ha Giang
Province, and Muong Khuong and Bac Ha districts in Lao Cai Province.
(Detail)
|
|
La chi ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: La
Chi (Cu Te and La Qua).
Population: 10,765 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Xin Man District in Ha
Giang Province, and Muong Khuong and Bac Ha
districts in Lao Cai Province. |
 |
| La Chi in Ha
Giang province |
Customs and habits
The typical La Chi house is
built on stilts has three apartments and an
ancestral altar in the largest apartment.
Each household has its own drums and gongs
which are used in ritual ceremonies
conducted by the head of the family lineage.
Children take the family name of their
fathers. As part of the wedding presents,
the groom's family has to offer the amount
of money that was needed to pay for the
bride's upbringing. The 7th Lunar Month
Festival is the largest and merriest
activity of the La Chi culture.
Culture
The La Chi language belongs to the Kadai
Group. Young boys and girls like to sing "nica"
songs. The traditional musical instruments
of this group include drums, gongs,
three-stringed zithers (dan tinh), and
lip-organs made from tree leaves. Popular
games played at festivals are con throwing,
top spinning, and swinging.
 |
| La Chi costume
traditional |
Costumes
Men wear five-panelled shirts that fall
below their knees (nowadays these shirts are
shorter), wide trousers, and head turbans.
The women usually wear a four-panelled dress
with a belt, a bra, and a long turban, along
with a pair of trousers or a skirt.
Economy
The La Chi grow wet rice in terraced fields.
La Chi women have a tradition of weaving and
indigo dyeing. The La Chi live a sedentary
life |
|
|
|
La Ha ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: La Ha (Phlao, Xa
Khan and Khla).
Population: 5,686 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Son La and Lao Cai provinces.
(Detail)
|
|
La Ha ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: La Ha
(Phlao, Xa Khan and Khla).
Population: 5,686 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Son La and Lao Cai
provinces. |
Customs and
habits
 |
| Preparing for
going to the mountain field |
The La Ha house is built on stilts with two
entrances and ladders at both ends. Young
boys and girls are free to seek their love.
A young boy will visit a young girl at her
house playing a flute or a two-string violin
to try to engage her in normal conversation.
After the marriage proposal, the bridegroom
lives in the bride's family house for four
to eight years before the wedding actually
takes place. The bride then joins her
husband's family and takes his family name.
Old customs require that a dead person be
buried along with their money and a rice
paddy. The La Ha believe there are many
supernatural forces including spirits of the
forest, the water, the mist, and the house.
In each family, only the soul of the father,
which will turn into the spirit of the house
after his death, is worshipped. Every year,
when the ban flowers blossom, a
celebration is held by every family to
honour their parents.
 |
| La Ha costume |
Culture
The La Ha language belongs to the Kadai
Group.
Costumes
The La Ha dress the same as the Black Thai.
Economy
The La Ha live on slash-and-burn farming.
Nowadays, many villages cultivate rice in
submerged fields and build embankments to
protect the soil from erosion. The La Ha
grow cotton but do not weave. |
|
|
La Hu ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: La Hu (Xa La Vang,
Co Rung, Khu Sung, and Kha Quy).
Population: 6,874 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Muong Te District of Lai Chau
Province.
(Detail)
|
|
La Hu ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: La Hu
(Xa La Vang, Co Rung, Khu Sung, and Kha Quy).
Population: 6,874 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Muong Te District of Lai
Chau Province. |
Customs and
habits
 |
| La Hu in Lai Chau
province |
The La Hu live in villages built on mountain
slopes. These houses are level with the
ground and divided by bamboo partitions. The
altar for the ancestors and the kitchen are
always placed at the bay of the house, which
is used for the family sleeping quarters.
The right of inheritance is only reserved
for sons. Young men and women are free to
choose their partners. After the wedding,
the groom has to live with his wife's family
for several years, but then takes his wife
to his family house.
La Hu women usually give birth in their
bedroom. Three days later, the baby is given
its name. If an unexpected guest comes
during this time, he or she is given the
honour of naming the newborn. The worship of
the ancestors is reserved for the dead
parents. Every year the La Hu hold
ceremonies to worship the spirits of the
earth and to pray for peace. They conjure up
the souls of the corn and the rice spirits
after the sowing and harvesting duties have
been completed.
Culture
La Hu language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman
Group. There are a dozen "khen" (pan-pipe)
dances in La Hu culture. The songs are sung
in the Ha Nhi language, but the La Hu have
kept their own rhythms. The La Hu have a
rich heritage of ancient tales, and they
even maintain their own calendar in which
the days are defined corresponding to twelve
animals, including the tiger, rabbit,
dragon, mouse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog,
pig, squirrel, snake and buffalo.
 |
| Tool of
production and life |
Costumes
Women wear trousers and a long-lap shirt
that falls to their ankles. They also wear a
short vest during festive days. The collar,
chest stripes, and sleeves are either
embroidered or sewn with colourful pieces of
cloth, silver, tin coins, or red fringes.
Economy
The La Hu live on slash-and-burn cultivation
and hunting. La Hu men are very skilled at
blacksmithing and making rattan chairs,
trays, mats. |
|
|
Lao ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Lao (Lao Boc and
Lao Noi).
Population: 11,611 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Concentrated in Dien Bien City
(Dien Bien Province); Phong Tho and Than Uyen districts (Lai Chau Province);
Song Ma District (Son La Province).
(Detail)
|
|
Lao ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Lao
(Lao Boc and Lao Noi).
Population: 11,611 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Concentrated in Dien Bien
City (Dien Bien Province); Phong Tho and
Than Uyen districts (Lai Chau Province);
Song Ma District (Son La Province).
|
Customs and
habits
 |
| Cultural
activities of Lao |
The Lao worship their ancestors and are
influenced by Buddhism. The Lao often take
the family names of Lo, Luong, or Vi.
Children take the family name of their
father. When a person dies, a funeral
ceremony and burial is carefully organized.
Cremation occurs only if the deceased is the
chief of a "muong" or a "ban" (village).
Culture
The Lao language belongs to the Tay-Thai
Group. The "mo lam" (sorcerers) of Lao
culture are very good at writing and
narrating ancient tales and folksongs. Lao
folklore and its legacy is heavily
influenced by Thai culture. The "lam vong"
(Lao folk dance) are always performed during
festivals and ceremonies.
Costumes
 |
| Lao in Lai Chau
province |
Women wear black skirts that are knotted at
the front and come up to their chests. The
hems are usually decorated with two bands of
embroidered motifs in different colors. Lao
men used to have a Han script and an animal
tattooed on their wrist and thighs.
Economy
The Lao primarily grow rice in submerged
fields using advanced techniques such as
ploughing, harrowing, and irrigating.
Additional family income is generated
through weaving, blacksmithing, pottery, and
silver production. |
|
|
Lo Lo ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Lo Lo (Mun Di, Lo
Lo Hoa and Lo Lo Den).
Population: 3,307 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Dong Van and Meo Vac districts
of Ha Giang Province, Bao Lac District of Cao Bang Province and Muong Khuong
District of Lao Cai Province.
(Detail)
|
|
Lo Lo ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Lo Lo
(Mun Di, Lo Lo Hoa and Lo Lo Den).
Population: 3,307 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Dong Van and Meo Vac
districts of Ha Giang Province, Bao Lac
District of Cao Bang Province and Muong
Khuong District of Lao Cai Province.
|
Customs and
habits
 |
| Girdle cake of Lo
Lo |
The Lo Lo mainly worship their ancestors.
Their villages are located on mountain
slopes close to sources of water. They live
in grouped villages, each village having 20
to 25 houses. These houses are built either
on stilts, half on stilts and half on the
ground, or level with the ground. People of
the same lineage live in the same village.
The leader of the lineage is called the Thau
Chu. This leader is responsible for ritual
ceremonies and the preservation of the
customs of that lineage. The Lo Lo practice
monogamy and the wife comes to live in her
husband's house after marriage. The Lo Lo
use bronze drums for special occasions, but
bury these drums in the earth for
maintenance, and unearth them only for
usage. The head of each family lineage is
the keeper of the bronze drums. These drums
are only used at funerals or to keep time
during dances.
Culture
The Lo Lo language belongs to the
Tibeto-Burman Group. Their written language
used pictographic scripts which are no
longer in use. The calendar of the Lo Lo
divides the year into 11 months, each
corresponding to the name of an animal. The
folklore culture of the Lo Lo is diverse. It
is expressed particularly well in dances,
songs, and old tales. The Lo Lo people have
a high level of education, as many are
university graduates or they have finished
secondary education.
 |
| Black Lo Lo
costume |
Costumes
The Lo Lo Hoa women often wear a low-neck
vest and a pair of trousers underneath a
short skirt. Lo Lo Den men wear pajama-style
trousers and a square necked vest pulled
over their heads. Colourful designs are
incorporated into their turbans, vests,
skirts, and trousers.
Economy
The Lo Lo depend mainly on maize and rice as
forms of income generati |
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Lu ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Lu (Nhuon and Duon).
Population: 4,964 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Phong Tho and Sin Ho Districts
of Lai Chau Province.
(Detail)
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Lu ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Lu (Nhuon
and Duon).
Population: 4,964 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Phong Tho and Sin Ho
Districts of Lai Chau Province. |
 |
| Xoe dance of Lu |
Customs and habits
The Lu practice Buddhism. After their dead
is buried, the family hold a rite which
brings the dead's soul to the pagoda. The Lu
lives in houses built on stilts with two
roofs and the entrance to their homes faces
the northwest.
Young men and women are free to choose their
partners. Their parents' approval must be
sought first, however, before the marriage
can take place. The couple must then consult
a fortune-teller for an age examination. If
the fortune-teller finds that the ages of
the couple are compatible, they can then
prepare for marriage. The children take the
father's family name after birth. Boys have
a common middle name, "Ba", and girls, "Y".
The Lu are a very friendly and faithful
group of people. Divorce rarely takes place
in Lu society.The Lu enjoys eating sticky
rice with chilly and drinking tea.
Culture
 |
| Lu costume |
The Lu language belongs to the Tay-Thai
Group. The Lu like to sing "khap" (song
verses), tell old stories, proverbs, recite
poems, play flutes, two-string violins, and
drums.
Costumes
Lu men wear trousers and
women wear skirts. Their garments are
decorated with colourful motifs on dark
indigo cloths.
Economy
The Lu has been engaged in farming for a
long time. The Lu also utilize
slash-and-burn land to grow corn, cassava,
groundnut, indigo, and cotton. |
|
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Ma ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Ma (Chau Ma, Ma
Xop, Ma To, Ma Krung, and Ma Ngan).
Population: 33,338 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Lam Dong Province.
(Detail)
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Ma ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Ma (Chau
Ma, Ma Xop, Ma To, Ma Krung, and Ma Ngan).
Population: 33,338 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Lam Dong Province.
|
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| Village patriarch |
Customs and habits
The Ma live in bons
(villages). Each bon is comprised of five to
ten elongated houses. The chief of a bon is
called the quang bon. The family of a young
man proposes marriage, but after the wedding
the groom comes to live in his wife's house.
Only when he has enough wedding presents to
hand over to the bride's family can he take
his wife to his house. The Ma believe in the
existence of spirits in the river, the
mountains, and the rice field.
Culture
The Ma language belongs to
the Mon-Khmer Group. They possess a rich
folklore including many ancient tales,
myths, and legends. Their musical
instruments consist of gongs, drums,
pan-pipes with bamboo-boxes, horns, bamboo
string zithers, and three-holed bamboo
flutes.
 |
| Ma in Lam Dong
province |
Costumes
The women wear skirts that fall below their
knees and the men wear loincloths. They also
file their teeth, stretch their earlobes,
and wear a lot of ornaments.
Economy
The Ma cultivate rice, corn, and cotton. Ma
women are very skilled at cloth making. They
are also very skillful at forging. |
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Mang ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Mang (Mang U and
Xa La Vang).
Population: 2,663 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Sin Ho, Muong Te, Phong Tho
districts of Lai Chau Province; and Muong Cha District of Dien Bien Province.
(Detail)
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|
Mang ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic
group: Mang (Mang U and Xa La Vang).
Population: 2,663 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Sin Ho, Muong Te, Phong Tho
districts of Lai Chau Province; and Muong
Cha District of Dien Bien Province.
|
 |
| Mang in Lai Chau
province |
Customs and habits
The chief of the village,
together with the council of the oldest men,
takes responsibility for the affairs of his
village. The houses are built on stilts.
Young Mang men and women are free to choose
their own partners. According to customs,
the two families are made to struggle for
the bride on the wedding day as the bride is
brought from the house of her family to
worship the heavens.
Culture
The Mang language belongs to the Mon-Khmer
Group. Chin tattooing is considered a rite
for young men to mature into adulthood.
 |
| Everyday work |
Costumes
Men wear garments consisting of a short vest
open at the front and trousers. Women wear a
long skirt, a short vest open at the front,
and a piece of white cloth decorated with
various motifs.
Economy
The Mang practice
slash-and-burn cultivation techniques with
rudimentary home-made tools. The Mang
cultivate rice in terraced fields similar to
the Tha and practice basketry. |
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Mong (H'Mong) ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Mong (H'Mong): (Mong
Do, White Mong, Mong Lenh (Variety Mong), Mong Si (Red Mong), Mong Du (Black
Mong) and Mong Sua (Man Mong).
Population: 787,604 people (Year 1999).
Locality: The Mong are concentrated in
Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Lai Chau, Son La, Cao Bang and Nghe An
provinces.
(Detail)
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|
Mong (H'Mong) ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Mong
(H'Mong): (Mong Do, White Mong, Mong Lenh
(Variety Mong), Mong Si (Red Mong), Mong Du
(Black Mong) and Mong Sua (Man Mong).
Population: 787,604 people (Year
1999).
Locality: The Mong are concentrated
in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai,
Lai Chau, Son La, Cao Bang and Nghe An
provinces. |
 |
| Black Mong |
Customs and habits
Each lineage lives within a
group setting. The head of the village
assumes the common affairs for the lineage.
Young Mong men and women are free to choose
their partners. Marriages are absolutely
forbidden between men and women of the same
lineage. Matrimonial life of the Mong is
very harmonious and divorce is very rare.
Culture
Mong language belongs to the Mong-Dao Group.
The Traditional Tet (New Year's Day) of the
Mong is organized every December. They
refrain from eating green vegetables during
the three days of the Tet Holiday. The
musical instruments of the Mong include
various kinds of "khen" (pan-pipes) and lip
organs. After a hard working day and to
celebrate spring, the young men and women
often play "khen" and lip organs to express
their feelings for their partners.
 |
| Jewelry of Mong |
Costumes
The Mong make their clothes
from linen. Women's attire consists of a
skirt, a blouse that opens at the front and
has embroidery on the back, an apron to
cover the skirt at the front, and leggings.
Economy
The Mong live mainly on slash-and-burn
cultivation. They also grow rice and corn on
terraced fields. Their principal food plants
are corn, rice, and rye. Apart from these
crops, they also grow medicinal plants and
linen plants to supply the fibers for cloth
weaving. |
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M'Nong ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: M'Nong (Bru Dang,
Preh, Ger, Nong, Prang, PJam, Kuyenh, Chil Bu Nor, and M'Nong Bu Dang).
Population: 92,451 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Concentrated in the southern
parts of Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces, and parts of Lam Dong and Binh Phuoc
provinces.
(Detail)
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M'Nong ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group:
M'Nong (Bru Dang, Preh, Ger, Nong, Prang,
PJam, Kuyenh, Chil Bu Nor, and M'Nong Bu
Dang).
Population: 92,451 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Concentrated in the
southern parts of Dak Lak and Dak Nong
provinces, and parts of Lam Dong and Binh
Phuoc provinces. |
 |
| Weave fabric |
Customs and habits
The M'Nong live in houses built on stilts or
level with the ground. Each village usually
has dozens of households. The village chief
plays a major role in village life. They
like to drink alcohol from jars with pipes
and smoke tobacco threads rolled in leaves.
Matriarchy is observed and the children take
the family name of their mother. The wife
holds the key position in the household. The
M'Nong like to have many children,
especially daughters. One year after the
birth of a child, the baby is given a name.
At funerals, people sing, and beat gongs and
drums at the side of the coffin. After
placing the coffin in the grave, they cover
it with plants, tree boughs, and leaves
before filling the grave with earth. After
seven days, the family holds a rite which
completes the mourning process. The M'Nong
believe in the existence of many spirits
which are related to their life. One such
spirit is Mother Rice who has a special
role.
Culture
M'Nong language belongs to the Mon-Khmer
Group.
 |
| M'Nong in
festival |
Costumes
Men generally wear
loincloths and leave their upper torsos
naked. Women wear skirts which fall to their
ankles. Dark indigo loincloths, skirts, and
vests are decorated with red-coloured
designs.
Economy
The M'Nong use the slash-and-burn method of
farming. The M'Nong in Ban Don are well
known for their elephant hunting and
domestication. Women handle the weaving of
cotton cloth, while the men work on
basketry. |
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Muong ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Muong (Moi, Mual,
Moi, Moi Bi, Au Ta and Ao Ta).
Population: More than 1,137,515 people
(Year 1999).
Locality: The largest population is
concentrated in Hoa Binh Province and the mountainous districts of Thanh Hoa
Province.
(Detail)
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Muong ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Muong
(Moi, Mual, Moi, Moi Bi, Au Ta and Ao Ta).
Population: More than 1,137,515
people (Year 1999).
Locality: The largest population is
concentrated in Hoa Binh Province and the
mountainous districts of Thanh Hoa Province.
|
 |
| Festive day in
Muong village |
Customs and habits
In former days, the "lang dao" system
characterized Muong society. The "lang dao"
ruled the Muong regions. A head of a "muong"
was a "lang cun", "lang xom", or "dao xom".
Muong marriage customs are similar to the
Kinh. When a woman is giving birth to a
child, her family surrounds the main ladder
to the house with a bamboo fence. The child
will be given a name when it is one year
old. The Muong hold funerals with strict
rules. Muong practice a polytheistic
religion and ancestor worship.
Culture
The Muong language belongs to the Viet-Muong
group. The popular literature and arts of
the Muong are rich and include long poems,
"mo" (ceremonial songs), folksongs, dialogue
duets, proverbs, lullabies, and children's
songs. The gong is a favorite musical
instrument of the Muong, as are the two
stringed violins, flutes, drums and pan
pipes.
The Muong hold many ceremonies year round
such as the Going to the Fields Ceremony ("Khuong
Mua"), Praying-for-Rain Ceremony (during the
fourth lunar month), Washing Rice Leaves
Ceremony (during the seventh and eighth
lunar months), and the New Rice Ritual.
Costumes
 |
| Muong girl in Phu
Tho province |
Men dress in indigo pajamas. Women wear
white rectangular scarves, bras, long
skirts, and short vests that are open at the
front (or at the shoulders) without buttons.
The skirt is complemented by a very large
silk belt embroidered with various motifs
such as flowers, figures, dragons,
phoenixes, deer, and birds.
Economy
The Muong have practiced farming for a long
time. Wet rice is their main food staple.
Other family income is generated through the
exploitation of forest products including
mushrooms, dried fungus, ammonium, and
sticklac. Muong handicrafts include weaving,
basketry, and silk spinning. Muong women are
known to be very skilled at loom weaving.
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Ngai ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Ngai (Ngai Hac Ca,
Lau Man, He, Sin, Dan, and Le).
Population: 4,841 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Bac
Ninh Lang Son, Cao Bang, Bac Kan and Thai Nguyen provinces.
(Detail)
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Ngai ethnic group |
|
Name of ethnic group: Ngai
(Ngai Hac Ca, Lau Man, He, Sin, Dan, and
Le).
Population: 4,841 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Bac
Ninh Lang Son, Cao Bang, Bac Kan and Thai
Nguyen provinces. |
Customs and
habits
 |
| Ancestral altar
of Ngai |
A typical Ngai house consists of three
rooms. All families have ancestor altars,
and all hamlets have temples and pagodas
built to honour the dead. The Ngai have
great respect for their ancestors, as well
as souls and spirits. Young women do not
receive their inheritance after their
parents die. Young Ngai people must obey
their parents’ wishes. Marriage is comprised
of two steps: a wedding and a nuptial rite.
Culture
The Ngai language belongs to the Han group.
The Ngai maintain a love duet called the
"Suong Co" that exemplifies their rich
cultural heritage. Other forms of
entertainment include a lion dance, a stick
dance and a follow-the-leader game.
 |
| Ngai Costume |
Costumes
The Ngai wear garments similar to the Hoa
(or Han).
Economy
The Ngai live mainly on rice cultivation and
fishing. They have a very elaborate system
of water irrigation as a result of digging
canals, building dams and water reservoirs,
and reinforcing sea dykes. They are also
good at mat-making, bamboo screen making,
blacksmithing, carpentry, and lime, tile and
brick-baking. |
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Nung ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Nung (Xuong, Giang,
Nung An, Nung Coi, Phan Sinh, Nung Chao, Nung Inh, Qui Rin, Nung Din, and Khen
Lai).
Population: 856,412 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Lang Son, Cao Bang, Bac Thai,
Bac Giang, Bac Ninh and Tuyen Quang provinces.
(Detail)
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O du ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: O Du (Tay Hat).
Population: 301 people (Year 1999).
Locality: The O Du live in the villages
of Kim Hoa and Xop Pot in Kim Da Commune, and the rest live in nearby villages
in Tuong Duong District, Nghe An Province.
(Detail)
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Pa Then ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Pa Then (Pa Hung
and Tong).
Population: 5,569 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Concentrated in communes of Ha
Giang and Tuyen Quang provinces.
(Detail)
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Phu La ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Phu La (Xa Pho, Bo
Kho Pa, Mu Di Pa, Pho, Va Xo and La Dun Dang).
Population: 9,046 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Lai Chau, Son La, Lao Cai, and
Ha Giang provinces. The largest settlements are in Lao Cai Province.
(Detail)
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Pu Peo ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Pu Peo (Ka Beo,
Penti, and Lo Lo).
Population: 705 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Concentrated along the
Sino-Vietnamese border in Dong Van, Yen Minh, and Meo Vac districts of Ha Giang
Province.
(Detail)
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Ra Glai ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Ra Glai (Ra Glay,
Krai, Orang Glai, No-Ana, and La Vang).
Population: 96,931 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Mainly in the southern regions
of Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan provinces.
(Detail)
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Ro mam ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Ro Mam.
Population: 301 people (Year 1999).
Locality: The Ro Mam live in Le Village,
Mo Rai Commune, Sa Thay District of Kon Tum Province.
(Detail)
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San Chay ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: San Chay (Cao Lan,
San Chi, Man Cao Lan, and Hon Ban).
Population: 147,315 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Concentrated in Tuyen Quang,
Thai Nguyen, and Bac Giang provinces. Communities of San Chay are also found
scattered in Quang Ninh, Yen Bai, Lang Son, and Vinh Phuc provinces.
(Detail)
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San Diu ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: San Diu (San Deo,
Trai, Trai Dat, and "Man Quan Coc" (Man in Shorts)).
Population: 126,237 people (Year 1999).
Locality: The San Diu live in the
midlands of Quang Ninh, Hai Duong, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Vinh Phu, Thai Nguyen,
and Tuyen Quang provinces.
(Detail)
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Si La ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Si La (Cu De Xu,
Kha Pe).
Population: 840 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Lai Chau Province.
(Detail)
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Tay ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Tay (Tho, Ngan,
Phen, Thu Lao, and Pa Di).
Population: 1,477,514 people (Year
1999).
Locality: The Tay lives along the
valleys and the lower slopes of the mountains in Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac Kan,
and Quang Ninh provinces, and in some regions of Bac Giang and Bac Ninh
provinces.
(Detail)
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Ta Oi ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Ta Oi (Toi Oi, Pa
Co, Ba Hy, and Ba Ghy).
Population: 34,960 people (Year 1999).
Locality: A Luoi District of Thua Thien-Hue
Province and Huong Hoa District of Quang Tri Province.
(Detail)
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Thai ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Thai (Tay, Tay
Dam, Tay Khao, Tay Muoi, Tay Thanh, Hang Tong, and Pu Thay).
Population: 1,328,725 people (Year
1999).
Locality: Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La,
Hoa Binh, and Nghe An provinces.
(Detail)
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Tho ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Tho (Keo, Mon,
Cuoi, Ho, Tay Poong, Dan Lai, and Ly Ha).
Population: 68,394 people (Year 1999).
Locality: The Tho live in the western
parts of Nghe An Province.
(Detail)
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Xinh - mun ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Xinh Mun (Puoc,
and Pua).
Population: 18,018 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Son La and Lai Chau provinces
and along the Vietnamese-Lao border regions.
(Detail)
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Xo dang ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Xo Dang (Xe Dang,
Ca Dong, To Dra, Ha Lang, Mo Nam, Ta Tri, Ka Rang, Bri La Teng, and Con Lan).
Population: 127,148 people (Year 1999).
Locality: The Xo Dang are concentrated
in Kon Tum Province and scattered in the mountainous areas of Quang Ngai and
Quang Nam provinces.
(Detail)
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Xtieng ethnic group
Name of ethnic group: Xtieng (Xa Dieng).
Population: 66,788 people (Year 1999).
Locality: The Xtieng live in four
northern districts of Binh Phuoc Province and in Dong Nai and Tay Ninh
provinces.
(Detail)
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