The Tay-the biggest ethnic minority after Viet (Kinh) ethnic minority occupies 1st place in te ethnic minorities of Vietnam. While people have 86% of the population, Tay residents have less than 2%. Their number is estimated at approximately 1,7 million. This group is divided into smaller groups.
People inhabit the area mainly in the north-eastern part of northern Vietnam, in the provinces of Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac Kan, Quang Ninh, Ha Giang, in smaller numbers in Yen Bai and Lao Cai.
The culture of the Tay ethnic group is very rich. Starting with traditional folklore and wedding songs,
poems, dances and music. The well-known song is Hat Luon… it’s called duet between lovers. During the year, there are several festivals and celebrations that have different meanings. They are typical farmers and some traditions have persisted to the present.
Clothes are not so colorful as with other ethnic minorities. Clothes are made of cotton that is dyed indigo color. There is not so much to see the embroidery or other decorations. Women wear skirts or pants, polo shirt and back scarf, men wear trousers and shirt or T-shirt. The house is built on the pillars. They use the tiles, straw or palm leaf for building the roof and wood or bamboo for walls. The villagers’ houses are often built in the foothills and are often named according to mountains, rivers or fields that are located here. Villagers are often large and have dozens of homes at once.
