Ethnic Minorities in Vietnam: Who They Are and Where to Meet Them
Ethnic minorities in Vietnam: the 54 recognized groups, the Hmong, Thai, Tay, Dao, Cham and Khmer, where to meet them, markets and visiting respectfully.
Vietnam officially recognizes 54 ethnic groups: the Kinh majority, about 85% of the population, and 53 ethnic minorities in Vietnam, many living in the northern mountains, the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta. This guide from our Vietnam travel blog introduces the groups you are most likely to meet, where to meet them, the best markets and how to visit respectfully.
Meeting minority communities is a highlight of trips to Sapa, Ha Giang and the highlands, and it works best with local guides and homestays. If you are planning such a trip, apply for a Vietnam e-visa online first.
Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups
According to the 2019 census, the Kinh make up 85.3% of Vietnam's population. Six minority groups each have more than a million people: the Tay, Thai, Muong, Hmong, Khmer and Nung.
The Tay are the largest minority. Several small groups number only a few thousand people or fewer. Each group has its own language, clothing, architecture and festivals, though many people also speak Vietnamese.
Groups you may meet
Different groups live in different regions, so where you travel shapes who you meet. Here are the main ones by region.
In the northern mountains
Hmong people in Vietnam live high in the northern mountains around Sapa, Ha Giang and Mu Cang Chai, known for indigo clothing and embroidery. The Red Dao wear red headscarves, and Flower Hmong in Bac Ha wear bright patterned dress. The Thai ethnic group farms valleys such as Mai Chau and lives in stilt houses.
In the Central Highlands
The Bahnar, Jarai and Ede live around Kon Tum, Pleiku and Buon Ma Thuot, with tall communal Rong houses, longhouses and gong music. Our Central Highlands guide covers the region, and our guide to traditional houses explains the architecture.
In the south
The Khmer live mainly in the Mekong Delta, with ornate Theravada Buddhist pagodas in Soc Trang and Tra Vinh. The Cham, descendants of the Champa kingdom, live in Ninh Thuan and around Chau Doc, some Hindu-influenced and some Muslim.
Where to meet ethnic minorities in Vietnam
The best places to meet minority communities are on the main northern and highland routes. The table lists easy starting points.
| Area | Groups | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Sapa | Hmong, Red Dao, Giay | Sapa |
| Ha Giang | Hmong, Dao, Lo Lo | Ha Giang loop |
| Mai Chau and Pu Luong | Thai, Muong | Homestays |
| Central Highlands | Bahnar, Jarai, Ede | Kon Tum, Pleiku |
| Mekong Delta | Khmer, Cham | Soc Trang, Chau Doc |
Markets
Weekly markets are where mountain communities trade livestock, food and textiles, and they are lively to visit. Bac Ha market, held on Sunday mornings near Sapa, is the best known, with Flower Hmong in bright dress.
Other markets in Ha Giang and Lao Cai provinces run on set days of the week or lunar calendar; ask your guide. Arrive early, before tour groups. Two practical points help any visit: homestays and guides, and photos and gifts.
Visiting respectfully
Respectful visits benefit both visitors and communities. These two points matter most.
Homestays and guides
Stay in family homestays and hire local guides from the community, so money stays in the village. Follow your host's lead on meals, sleeping arrangements and customs.
Photos and gifts
Always ask before photographing people, and accept a refusal. Do not give sweets or money to children, which encourages begging; support schools or buy crafts directly from makers instead. Traditional dress, such as the ao dai of the Kinh, also deserves respect when you try it on.
VietnamVisa-Easy.com is a private visa service operated by H2 Global Travel JSC since 2012, not a government website, and you can apply directly at evisa.gov.vn for US$25. If you would like your application checked first, start your application with us.
Read more about Vietnam Visa Blog
- Day Trips From Hanoi: Half-Day, Full-Day and Overnight Options
- Things to Do in Da Nang: Beaches, Mountains and Day Trips
- Da Lat Travel Guide: Things to Do in Vietnam's Highland City
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc, and How to Get There
- Is Con Dao Heaven for Tourists in Vietnam? A Practical Island Guide
- Co To Island Guide: Getting There, Permits and Best Beaches
- Cat Ba Island Guide: Lan Ha Bay, the National Park and Getting There
- Best Time to Visit Vietnam: Month by Month for North, Center and South
- Best Luxury Resorts in Vietnam: By Region, With Airports and Seasons
- Banh Mi: Vietnam's Sandwich, Its Fillings and Where to Eat It
- No Hidden Charges
- Competitive price
- Fast reliable services
- Prompt Support via chat, email, phone
- Customer - Focused approach
- Money-back guarantee for declined applications
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ethnic groups are there in Vietnam?
Vietnam officially recognizes 54 ethnic groups. The Kinh are the majority at 85.3% of the population in the 2019 census, and the other 53 groups are ethnic minorities, the largest being the Tay, Thai, Muong, Hmong, Khmer and Nung.
Which is the largest ethnic minority?
The Tay are Vietnam's largest ethnic minority, with about 1.85 million people in the 2019 census, living mainly in the northeast, around Cao Bang, Lang Son and Bac Kan. They are known for stilt houses and their then singing.
Where can I learn about all the groups in one place?
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi has exhibits on all 54 groups and an outdoor garden of full-size traditional houses. Allow two to three hours. It is a good introduction before a trip to the mountains.
Do I need a visa to visit minority areas?
You need a Vietnam visa or a visa exemption to enter the country. Some border districts, such as parts of Ha Giang, also require a border-area permit, usually arranged by tour operators. Read Do I need a visa for Vietnam? for your passport.
