Vietnam is home to a vibrant collage of ethnic groups. There are 54 recognised ethnicities that filter into hundreds of subgroups. Wondering where to start? The best way to understand Vietnam’s ethnic makeup is through hands-on experiences. From mountain homestays to medicinal herbs, encounters with ethnic culture are a highlight of any trip to Vietnam. Here are five authentic ways to get to know the Dao, Hmong, Tay, Bahnar, and Khmer ethnic groups.
Experience the unique healing traditions of Dao herbal medicine.
The Yao—also known as the Dao or Dzao—have lived in Vietnam since the 13th century and were among the earliest ethnic groups to settle in the northern highland provinces of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, and Ha Giang. Over centuries, they have developed rich agricultural traditions and a deep knowledge of traditional medicine rooted in nature. The Yao cultivate a wide variety of medicinal herbs, used not only to treat illnesses but also in calming herbal baths and healing therapeutic massages.
La Vie Vu Linh in Yen Bai invites travelers to join a traditional doctor on a medicinal plant tour through rolling hills. After a challenging trek in Sapa or Lao Cai, indulging in a Yao herbal bath—renowned for its detoxifying properties and potential bone-health benefits—is an experience not to be missed. For a truly memorable retreat, consider the social enterprise Sai Duan, the luxurious spa at Topas Ecolodge, or the award-winning Dao Lodge in Ha Giang.
Explore the highlands on a guided hike with the Hmong.
The Hmong people in Vietnam are traditionally grouped into four main branches: White Hmong, Blue Hmong, Flower Hmong, and Black Hmong. Their villages are scattered across some of the country’s most rugged highland regions, where harsh weather, typhoons, landslides, and cold temperatures are part of daily life. In Mu Cang Chai, the Hmong shape breathtaking spiral rice terraces; in Ha Giang, their cornfields cling to near-vertical mountain slopes; while in Sapa, Hmong communities overlook lush valleys often wrapped in mist. Enduring such challenging environments has forged the Hmong into resilient highlanders and highly skilled guides of mountain trails.
Hmong guides warmly share insights into their rich cultural heritage while welcoming you into their mountain homes. For passionate hikers, Mu Cang Chai and Ha Giang offer breathtaking new trails that are just beginning to open, while Sapa invites you to slow down and embark on a memorable multi-day trek through its scenic valleys and traditional villages.
Book a lakeside homestay with the Tay people for an authentic and relaxing cultural experience.
The Tay are Vietnam’s second-largest ethnic group, known for their charming traditional homes scattered across the country’s northern provinces. Unlike the Hmong, the Tay typically settled in fertile, flat valleys. Their houses, mainly built of wood and raised on stilts, are often located near rivers, streams, and lakes. Living close to water has shaped their way of life, making wet rice cultivation central to their agriculture, while fishing in natural waterways remains a widely practiced skill among the Tay.
To gain deeper insight into Tay culture, make the six-hour journey from Hanoi to Ba Be Lake. Spend a few days staying in a Tay village, where your host family will introduce you to traditional fishing and boating through hands-on experiences.
Learn about Bahnar architecture
Scattered across Vietnam’s Central Highlands, charming Bahnar villages dot the landscape, each crowned by an impressive communal house rising above the surrounding trees. The Bahnar people are warm and deeply proud of these iconic structures, which function as centers for rituals, festivals, and community life. Traditionally, the houses stand around twelve meters high and long, with a width of eight meters. In some villages, however, taller and more imposing designs are built to showcase prestige, strength, and prosperity.
Bahnar communities are typically grouped close to one another, allowing travelers to easily move from one village to the next. The most easily accessible Bahnar villages are located in Kon Tum, with additional settlements found around Pleiku and Buon Ma Thuot. Among the highlights are the impressive communal houses in Kon Kotu, Kon Harachot, and Kon Tum Kapong, which are well worth a visit.
Discover the beauty of Khmer pagodas across the Mekong Delta.
Buddhism plays a central role in the cultural life of the 1.3 million ethnic Khmer communities along the Mekong River in southern Vietnam. Many Khmer boys spend formative years living in pagodas, studying Buddhist teachings and traditional customs before reaching adulthood. The Mekong Delta is dotted with striking Khmer pagodas, with the most remarkable found in Soc Trang and Tra Vinh. Rise early to observe monks from Xon La Pagoda on their alms rounds, then visit Hang Pagoda or Ang Pagoda to engage with resident monks and gain deeper insight into their spiritual beliefs and daily practices.
Mid-April is an ideal time to explore the Mekong Delta, as Buddhists mark Chol Chnam Thmay, the Khmer New Year. During this vibrant celebration, pagodas are beautifully adorned, and the streets come alive with traditional games and festive activities.
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