The Dao (also spelled Yao) are one of Vietnam’s 54 officially recognized ethnic groups, mostly living in the northern mountainous provinces like Lao Cai, Ha Giang, and Yen Bai. With a population of over 700,000, the Dao have a long history that traces back to southern China, migrating to Vietnam centuries ago. They speak various dialects of the Hmong-Mien language family, and many also speak Vietnamese.
Housing
Dao homes are usually built on stilts or directly on the ground, depending on the terrain. Materials are local—wood, bamboo, and thatch. Houses are practical, made to withstand the cold winters and heavy rains of the northern highlands.
|
| Dao ethnic village |
Costumes
Dao clothing is one of the most striking among Vietnam’s ethnic groups. Women wear hand-embroidered garments with red, indigo, and silver decorations. The Red Dao, a well-known subgroup, are famous for their bright red headscarves and heavy silver jewelry. Men often wear simpler but still traditional tunics and trousers.
Food
Dao cuisine is earthy and medicinal. Herbal ingredients from the forest play a big role, not just in food but also in drinks and health remedies. Steamed glutinous rice, forest vegetables, and smoked or dried meats are common dishes. Rice wine is a staple at every gathering.
Culture
The Dao have a strong spiritual life rooted in ancestor worship and Taoist beliefs. Shamans play a key role in ceremonies, especially during major life events. Oral traditions, rituals, and symbolic decorations are passed down through generations.
|
| Traditional New Year's Day of the Dao Lo Gang people in Mau Son (Lang Son) |
|
| Traditional embroidery instruction for the younger generation. |
|
| Dao wedding bride costume |
Festivals
The most important festival is Tet Nhay (Dancing Tet), held during Lunar New Year. It involves traditional dances, music, and rituals to honor ancestors. It’s a time for community bonding and cultural expression. Other ceremonies like maturity rituals and weddings are vibrant, elaborate, and deeply symbolic.
|
| A festival of the Dao ethnic group in Tuyen Quang |
|
| Dao people's harvest festival |
The Dao people maintain a unique identity despite modern influences. Their culture, rooted in nature and spirituality, remains a living thread in Vietnam’s diverse ethnic mosaic. Visiting a Dao village isn’t just a trip to the mountains—it’s a glimpse into a resilient way of life.