Vietnam’s population is often thought of as synonymous with the majority Kinh (or Viet) group. Yet, this view overlooks the depth of its cultural richness. The nation is home to 54 officially recognized ethnic groups, each with distinct languages, rituals, and ways of life. The ethnic minority in Vietnam is a living testament to the country’s history, cultural diversity, and traditions. From the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta’s waterways, every ethnic minority in Vietnam has adapted to diverse landscapes, making Vietnam a true crossroads of cultural currents.
A Brief History of Ethnic Minority in Vietnam
Historically, the geographic breadth of Vietnam has positioned it at the intersection of trade routes that connected China, India, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The country’s ethnic composition is a living record of millennia of migration and adaptation, from the Austroasiatic ancestors who first settled the land, to more recent groups like the Hmong and Dao who arrived from southern China.
The Hmong
Amidst the highlands of northern Vietnam, the Hmong people carve out a life that speaks to resilience and creativity. Without pen or paper, the Hmong have kept their history alive through the power of the spoken word — epic tales spun from memory, binding past to present. This oral tradition isn’t just storytelling; it’s a lifeline. When the Hmong left southern China, driven by conflict and the relentless pursuit of freedom, this prominent ethnic minority in Vietnam brought with them no written script. Instead, they carried their culture in their voices, layered in songs that told of ancient battles, migration over rugged landscapes, and the dream of a homeland. Each tale serves as a reminder that their embroidered fabrics, dyed in deep indigo and stitched with intricate patterns, are not just decorative; they are living texts, ancestral codes that echo the songs and stories of their ancestors. Likewise, when the first notes of the khèn flute cut through the cold night air during the Tết người Mông festival, it is not just music; it’s the echo of a history carried on the wind, a testament that this ethnic minority in Vietnam have never forgotten where they came from.
The Dao
Red Dao PeopleJourneying deeper into the northern provinces, one encounters the Dao people, another significant ethnic minority in Vietnam, who are known for their unique spiritual practices. Their rites, which blend Taoist practices with indigenous animist beliefs, are profound expressions of their worldview. The cap sac ceremony, an initiation rite for young men, illuminates this blend of the sacred and the communal. Held by firelight, with chants that have resonated for centuries, it is as much a rite of passage as it is a declaration of cultural continuity. The Dao migrated into Vietnam from China during the Ming Dynasty, bringing with them not just beliefs, but a written script and religious texts that are rare among other ethnic groups. These documents, detailing practices and herbal medicine, are preserved in homes and consulted for everything, from blessings to healing. They are living chronicles of people who have chosen integration over assimilation, maintaining their spiritual identity even as they adapt to the modern world.
The Tay and Nung
Tay PeopleThe fertile northern valleys are the domain of the Tay and Nung communities, two ancient ethnic minority in Vietnam whose agrarian lifestyle has long centered around the cultivation of rice and other crops. The terraced fields they’ve sculpted over generations are not just utilitarian but are works of art, a seamless blend of human ingenuity and natural landscape. These groups are among Vietnam’s earliest inhabitants, predating the arrival of later migratory waves. Central to the Tay cultural identity is Then singing, a form of musical storytelling that is both prayer and performance. Accompanied by the soft strum of a dan tinh,Then songs are used to call upon deities for blessings, recount folk legends, and bond communities through shared experiences. The tradition is deeply tied to the land and the agricultural cycles that sustain life. The Tay’s communal spirit is exemplified by Pá Cầu, a system of mutual aid in which families pool resources for large-scale projects or emergencies. This collective approach to life is echoed in the Nung, whose customs and language share similarities, showcasing a long history of cultural exchange and shared resilience.
The Cham
The Cham people, descendants of the ancient Champa Kingdom, are a remarkable ethnic minority in Vietnam. In central and southern Vietnam, the Cham people are living reminders of an ancient maritime empire that once rivaled neighboring states. Descendants of the Kingdom of Champa, this ethnic minority in Vietnam also has endured centuries of upheaval—from wars with the Khmer and Vietnamese to the eventual decline of their Hindu and Islamic kingdoms. Despite this, they’ve maintained a vibrant cultural identity marked by elaborate temple dances, rituals, and traditional crafts. Cham architecture, such as the towers of Po Klong Garai, reveals their rich history and their mastery in melding religious and artistic expression. These monuments are places of pilgrimage and pride. Cham women, known for their weaving skills, continue to create textiles that embody their heritage, each piece resonating with motifs that stretch back to the days when their ancestors sailed the South China Sea.
The Khmer Krom
In the Mekong Delta’s lush expanse, the Khmer Krom represents a colorful ethnic minority in Vietnam, reflecting the influence of their cultural kin in Cambodia. The Delta, with its labyrinth of rivers and rice paddies, has been the cradle of their civilization for centuries. Their temples, called wat, stand as vibrant centers of community life, where prayers are sung in Pali, and monks offer guidance to young and old alike. The Khmer Krom have preserved the art of Lakhon Bassac, a traditional theater form blending song, dance, and folklore. This performance art isn’t just entertainment; it is a repository of their myths, morals, and history. Yet, like many ethnic groups, the Khmer Krom face challenges of integration and economic marginalization. Their struggle is a poignant reminder of the tensions between cultural preservation and national identity in a rapidly modernizing Vietnam.
A Living Dialogue of Heritage and Modernity
Ethnic minority in Vietnam is more than colorful footnotes to its history; they are chapters that enrich the nation’s ongoing narrative. From the highland festivals of the Hmong to the Khmer Krom’s river songs, these cultures speak of survival, adaptation, and profound connection to the land. The traditions of every ethnic minority in Vietnam, from Then singing to buckwheat festivals, remind us that identity is not static, but a living dialogue between past and present. As Vietnam continues to develop and integrate into the global community, the challenge remains to listen closely and safeguard these voices—so that the echoes of ancient gongs, temple chants, and festival songs may continue to sound for generations to come. Join YESD’s tour to connect with the vibrant ethnic minority in Vietnam, immerse yourself in their traditions, and contribute to sustainable tourism that supports these communities. Book your experience today and make a positive impact!
