The Dao ethnic group, which has a total population of nearly 1 million people. A small number of the Dao group, who traditionally live in the northern mountain provinces, have migrated to the Central Highlands. There are many subgroups differentiated by habits, customs, and costumes. Each Dao group is easily identified by their costumes. Generally, a woman’s costume includes shirt, skirt, headscarf, a pair of leggings, and jewelry. A man wears a short shirt with a line of buttons.
The Dao have maintained their traditional culture in costumes and language. Although they include many groups living in many different localities, they speak one language. Social development and integration have affected many ethnic minority customs, but the Dao people have maintained their unique cultural values and in doing so have helped to preserve and promote the culture of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
