Ethnic Groups in Vietnam – Minorities Guide 👲

Ethnic Groups in Vietnam: Major Minorities and Culture

Vietnam is home to 54 officially recognised ethnic groups, making it one of the most diverse countries in Southeast Asia. The majority Kinh people account for about 85–88% of the population and live mainly in lowland and coastal areas. Ethnic minorities form a smaller share but are spread across northern mountains and the Central Highlands.

Among the largest minority groups are the Tay, who live in northern Vietnam and are known for rice farming, stilt houses and traditional clothing. The Hmong people inhabit high mountain regions and are recognised for colourful textiles, handicrafts and distinctive cultural traditions.

In southern Vietnam, the Khmer Krom community lives mainly in the Mekong Delta. They share cultural roots with Cambodia and follow Theravada Buddhism, with their own language, temples and festivals.

Ethnic Minorities in Vietnam: Population Overview

Ethnic minorities in Vietnam make up roughly 8–15% of the population (around 9 million people). The Kinh majority represents about 85–88% and lives mainly in lowland areas.

Most ethnic minorities live in mountainous areas of northern Vietnam and along the Truong Son range in central Vietnam. These regions are often remote, where communities maintain traditional lifestyles, languages and crafts.

Homes are usually simple wooden houses, sometimes built on stilts. Many groups can be recognised by their distinctive clothing, local languages and cultural traditions.

Ethnic Groups in Vietnam by Language Families

Ethnic groups in Vietnam are often classified by language families. Linguists divide the population into 8 major language groups, which together include all 54 officially recognised ethnic groups.

List of ethnic groups by language group

1. Vietic
Chut, Kinh, Muong, Tho

2. Austroasiatic
Ba Na, Brau, Bru Van Kieu, Cho Ro, Co, Co Ho, Co Tu, Gie Trieng, Hre, Khang, Khmer, Kho Mu, Ma, Mang, M’nong, O Du, Ro Mam, Ta Oi, Xinh Mun, Xo Dang, Xtieng

3. Tay – Thai
Bo Y, Giay, Lao, Lu, Nung, San Chay, Tay, Thai

4. Tibeto – Burman
Cong, Ha Nhi, La Hu, Lo Lo, Phu La, La Si

5. Malayo – Polynesian
Cham, Chu Ru, E De, Gia Rai, Ra Glai

6. Kadai
Co, Lao, La Chi, Ha La, Pu Peo

7. Mong – Dao
Dao, Hmong, Pa Then

8. Han
Hoa, Ngai, San Diu

Subgroups by clothing and traditions

Some ethnic groups can be further divided into smaller subgroups, often based on traditional clothing and local customs.

Hmong: Red, White, Black, Green, Flower Hmong
Dao: Red Dao, Black Dao, Dao with white trousers, Dao with blue clothing and other variations

Shared traditions and lifestyle of ethnic minorities in Vietnam

Despite their diversity, many ethnic minority groups in Vietnam share similar elements in daily life, shaped by rural environments and long-standing traditions.

• Rural lifestyle based on farming and local resources
• Village communities with traditional wooden or stilt houses
• Customs and rituals linked to family life and spiritual beliefs
• Strong traditions of ancestor worship and protection against spirits
• Historical roots in tribal conflicts and migration
• Some groups maintain semi-nomadic or shifting cultivation practices
• Rice wine is commonly shared during festivals and community gatherings

These shared features create a strong sense of identity and community, even as each ethnic group maintains its own language, clothing and cultural practices.

Experience daily life in ethnic minority villages

In many parts of northern Vietnam, daily life in ethnic minority villages is easy to observe. Local people work in rice fields, collect firewood, gather herbs and produce handmade goods such as textiles and traditional clothing.

By staying in a homestay, visitors can take part in these everyday activities. You may walk through rice terraces, help with simple farming tasks or join locals on short trips into the surrounding countryside.

This hands-on experience offers a closer look at traditional lifestyles and creates a more meaningful connection with local communities.

The history of ethnic minorities in Vietnam

The origins of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities go back thousands of years, although historical records are often limited. Many groups lived in the region long before the ancestors of the Kinh (Viet) people arrived from southern China around 4,000–5,000 years ago.

Over time, the Kinh population settled in fertile lowland areas such as the Red River Delta and gradually became the dominant group. In contrast, many ethnic minorities remained in more remote regions or moved into the mountains, where they preserved their independence, languages and traditional ways of life.

Some groups have lived in Vietnam for many centuries, while others arrived more recently. For example, the Hmong migrated to northern Vietnam around 300 years ago and continue to maintain a strong cultural identity in the highlands today.

Tay people – largest ethnic minority in Vietnam

The Tay are the largest ethnic minority in Vietnam, making up around 1.5–2% of the population (about 1.7 million people). They mainly live in the north-east of the country, especially in provinces such as Cao Bang, Lang Son and Ha Giang.

Historically, the Tay have been present in Vietnam for many centuries. They are traditionally wet-rice farmers and are known for irrigation techniques and stable village communities in fertile valleys.

Tay culture includes folk songs, poetry and festivals. One of the best-known traditions is Hat Luon, a form of duet singing between men and women. Handwoven brocade textiles are also an important part of their cultural heritage.

Clothing is simple compared to other ethnic groups. Most garments are made from indigo-dyed cotton, with minimal decoration. Women typically wear skirts or trousers with a dark blouse and headscarf.

Traditional Tay houses are built on stilts using wood and bamboo, with roofs made from tiles or palm leaves. Villages are often located at the foot of mountains and near rivers or rice fields.

Thai people – second largest ethnic minority in Vietnam

The Thai are the second largest ethnic minority in Vietnam, making up around 1.5–2% of the population (about 1.5 million people). They mainly live in northern regions such as Son La, Mai Chau, Lai Chau and Lao Cai.

There are two main subgroups: Black Thai and White Thai, each with distinct clothing and traditions. Both groups are known for their strong cultural identity and long history in the region.

• Housing: stilt houses built to protect against floods and animals
• Clothing: women wear fitted blouses, long skirts and headscarves
• Crafts: traditional weaving and decorative textiles
• Culture: rich folklore, legends and oral traditions
• Dances: Xoe, Sap and other traditional performances

Thai culture is closely tied to community life and celebrations. Music and dance play an important role, especially during festivals and social gatherings.

A traditional custom is that a husband may live with his wife’s family after marriage before moving to his own household.

HMONG people – one of the largest ethnic group in the north.

The Hmong is one of the largest ethnic group in Vietnam (about 1 mil. people). They inhabit mainly the mountainous area in the north near the chinese border. There are different ethnic subgroups and they can be easily identified by the clothes and according to tradition they comply.

The Black Hmong are known for their craft and their traditional indigo blue clothes. The Flower Hmong wear expressive colorful clothes, and it is not difficult to meet them at the marketplaces such in Bac Ha and Coc Ly in Lao Cai province. The Other subgroups of Hmong are White Hmong, Red Hmong, Green Hmong and also Chinese Hmong.

The Hmong came to Vietnam fom South China about 300 years ago, during the reign of Ming and Qing dynasties. This departure comes from their rebellion against Chinese imperialism. The large number of Black Hmong can be found just in Sapa or Lao Cai province.

Husband´s obligation consist in the care of the whole family, he gives a major decisions about the safety and welfare of the family. He is also seen as a major provider of money. His wife must be mainly a good housewife caring for children and preparing meals. Part of the work of women are also handicraft such handmade traditional clothing or jewelry.

For the manufacture of clothes it is used also hemp and indigo color. The Hmong use traditional method for coloring and decorating – batik. Hmong are very well known by this creating of clothes and cultivation of hemp for making clothing. Watch interesting video – Hmong and batiks.

BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜

The situation is also slowly changing with the arrival of tourists in Vietnam. Lots of Hmong in Vietnam has left many of their traditions and customs. They adapt to new customs and culture, change clothes or make a business and ride a motorcycle. Hmong live mainly in northern Vietnam and there you can see their simple and difficult life in beautiful natural areas.

DAO people (“Jungle people”)

Dao is another large group of ethnic population of Hmong language groups but the group of Dao, which can be seen in northern Vietnam. The history of this minority is not fully known. They came from China. Immigrating began between the 12th or 13th century and the early 20th century.

Religion of Dao people has elements of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Ban House (Ban Vuong) was the legendary holy man and the oldest ancestor of the Dao minority group. The Dao group has population of around 600 000 in Vietnam and is divided into another subgroups (Dao with white trousers, Dao with narrow trousers, Dao with coins, Dao with blue clothes…).

Women in this group are easily identifiable through a triangular red turban / scarf decorated with silver coins and red tassels. Men wear mostly long pants and a shirt and a scarf on head. Family roles is similar to the Hmong. A man has a dominant role in the family, community, and he is also a major economic factor. Woman takes care of the household, their children and the associated work.

Very important is also choose the place where the family will live. Customary of this choice is fulfillment bowl of rice for whole night on this place. It represents the richness of the area, the number of cows, buffaloes, money and property. They follow their dream and when the rice is on this place, family stay here or move to another location. Check out the video about the life of Red Dao people.

Challenges and changes in traditional lifestyles

Modern development has brought both opportunities and challenges to ethnic minorities in Vietnam. Access to electricity, education and healthcare has improved living standards, but it has also led to gradual changes in traditional cultures.

In popular destinations such as Sapa, many communities have adapted quickly, offering handmade products, guiding services and cultural experiences for visitors.

Rules to follow when visiting ethnic minority villages

When trekking in northern Vietnam, you will often visit ethnic minority villages. Respecting local customs helps preserve traditions and ensures a positive experience for everyone.

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