From the Kinh to the Khmer, Vietnam is home to a rich tapestry of cultures and ethnic groups. In this post, we’ll introduce you to some of the most prominent ethnic groups in Vietnam and tell you a little bit about their history, culture, and traditions.
The Kinh
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photo: Nguyễn Hoàng
The Kinh people of Vietnam are a dominant ethnic group in the country. They make up over 85% of the population and account for over 98% of the country’s Catholics. The Kinh people have been present in what is now known as Vietnam since at least 3000 BC, though they were not unified until the centuries after 1000 BC. The name “Vietnam” comes from the Chinese word “the Red River” or “the Red Water”, referring to the Red River delta region around Hanoi.
With a long history of agriculture and trade, the Kinh people have developed into a diverse group that includes farmers, fishermen, merchants, artisans and bureaucrats. Over time, they have intermarried with other groups such as Cham ethnic group (who are also known as Khmer), which has led to a complex culture that still exists today.
The Hmong
photo: Lan Anh Hoàng
The Hmong are an ethnic minority group who live in the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam. The Hmong have a long history in Vietnam; they first migrated from southern China to northern Vietnam over 2,000 years ago. Traditionally, the Hmong have been a largely agricultural people, growing crops like rice, maize, and sweet potatoes.
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Hmong culture is very distinct from that of the Kinh majority. The Hmong language belongs to the Miao-Yao family of languages, which is unrelated to Chinese or Vietnamese. Hmong traditional dress is also very different from that of the Kinh; women typically wear colorful embroidered blouses and skirts, while men wear black trousers and blue shirts.
The Khmer
photo: Bunly Hort
The Khmer are an ethnic group who live in southern Vietnam, specifically in the Mekong Delta region. They are closely related to the Cambodian people and share many cultural similarities with them. The Khmer first settled in what is now southern Vietnam over 1,000 years ago; however, they only began migrating to the Mekong Delta region in large numbers during the 18th century CE.
Like other ethnic groups in Vietnam, the Khmer have their own unique language and culture. The Khmer language belongs to the Austroasiatic family of languages, which includes Vietnamese and Cambodian. Khmer traditional dress consists of sarongs for both men and women; however, men typically wear white sarongs while women wear sarongs that are brightly colored or patterned.
Vietnam is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups with their own unique histories, cultures, and traditions. In this post, we introduced you to three of the most prominent ethnic groups in Vietnam: the Kinh (Vietnamese), Hmong (Chinese), and Khmer (Cambodian). Understanding these different groups is essential for any traveler wanting to truly experience all that Vietnam has to offer!
It’s truly intriguing to discover the diverse ethnic diversity in Vietnam. From the Kinh, Hmong, and Khmer communities to the lesser-known groups like the Tay, Dao, and Muong, each ethnic group brings their own distinctive customs and traditions, creating a tapestry of cultural abundance that is truly captivating.
I just wanted to ask for some advice. I’m really interested in learning about the different ethnic groups in Vietnam, and this guide provided some fascinating insights. It’s amazing how the Kinh people, who make up the majority of the population, have such a rich cultural heritage due to intermarriage with other groups. The Hmong, on the other hand, have their own unique traditions and live in the beautiful mountainous areas of northern Vietnam. And did you know that the Khmer people in southern Vietnam have been settling there for over a thousand years? It’s incredible to see the diversity within the country. Any recommendations on where I can learn more about these ethnic groups? Thanks in advance!
It’s amazing to think about the vast number of ethnic groups that exist within Vietnam. Each group has its own unique customs and traditions that make them stand out from one another. I would love to explore the different communities and learn more about their way of life and how they contribute to the rich culture of Vietnam.
You’re in for an amazing experience! Exploring the different ethnic communities in Vietnam is a fantastic way to fully immerse yourself in its rich and diverse culture. From the vibrant traditions of the Hmong people in the mountainous regions to the unique customs of the Cham people in the coastal areas, each group has its own incredible story to tell. I highly recommend visiting the Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi to learn more about these communities and their awe-inspiring contributions to Vietnamese culture. It’s a truly eye-opening and awe-inspiring adventure!
Vietnam is a true gem with its array of vibrant ethnic groups, and I would love to immerse myself in their culture and traditions by visiting their villages and participating in cultural activities.
Well, you do not have to have a mundane life, you know. Try to put A LOT of fantasy in it, that is NOT to follow the herd.
Oh great, just what I needed, another reminder of how much more cultured and interesting Vietnam is compared to my mundane life.
It’s amazing to see the diversity of cultures that Vietnam has to offer, isn’t it?
I love learning about different cultures! It’s so interesting to see how different groups of people live their lives. I’m definitely going to have to visit Vietnam sometime to check out all the different ethnic groups!
I found this article interesting. It is great to learn about the different ethnic groups in Vietnam and their unique culture.
I love learning about different cultures! It’s so interesting to see how different groups of people live and what their traditions are. I’m so glad you’re sharing this with us!
The ethnic groups in Vietnam are: Hmong, Khmer, Lao, Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
Nice article, I learned a lot about the different ethnic groups in Vietnam. The article was well-written and had good information.
Why can’t we just all get along and learn to speak the same language?
Why are the Khmer in Vietnam, and what is their culture like?
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I’m curious to find out! From what I hear, the Khmer have a strong connection with the land and a rich cultural history that’s worth exploring. I’m excited to learn more about them and their culture in Vietnam!
I will be honest, I did not know there was this much diversity in Vietnam. On the surface, you would not know it. Not unless you knew what to look for in different locations. This is really cool!
As a travel expert, I can say that a visit to Vietnam would be incomplete without getting to know the different ethnic groups that call this country home
They may be similar in appearance
On the contrary, every minority has different costumes, especially the women; that’s how you can determine which one they are: Black H’mong (black costume), Green and Blue Hmong, Flower H’mong (multicolor costume with many stylised small flowers, White Thai (white skirt and white blouse), Black Thai (white skirt and black blouse), Red Dao (big red turban), etc.
Your comment is an excellent reminder that we should avoid lumping all minority groups together, as each has its own distinct traditions and customs.
I was not aware of there being this many differences according to the regions found around Vietnam. This is very cool stuff! I would love to learn more.
I love how diverse one group of people can be. They may be similar in appearance but their culture, traditions, etc. are so vastly different and beautiful.
This is a must-read for anyone planning to travel to Vietnam and wanting to learn more about the country’s unique heritage.