Tay People: Vietnam’s Timeless Ancient Ethnic Group

Vietnam is home to 54 diverse ethnic groups, each with distinct traditions. Meanwhile, the Tay people, one of the oldest and the second-largest after the Kinh, live in Northern Vietnam’s serene valleys, are known for many features in culture, people, lifestyle, and are also considered the earliest inhabitants of ancient Viet.

Who are the Tay people?

The Tay, with a population of 1.8 million, is Vietnam’s second-largest ethnic group, primarily living in Northern Mountainous Vietnam. Descendants of the Bach Viet tribes from the Phung Nguyen culture (3rd millennium BC), they contributed to the Dong Son Civilization (800-200 BC) and Au Lac kingdom. Historical figures like Nung Chi Cao, leader of the Tay-Nung-Zhuang people, who allied with the Ly Dynasty, and modern leaders like Hoang Van Thu and Nong Duc Manh reflect their lasting role in Vietnam’s history.

All facts about the Tay people

Language

Tay (Tày) is the language of the Tay people, part of the Tai branch in the Tai-Kadai family, closely related to Nung and Zhuang, allowing direct communication with Lao and Thai speakers. Historically, it used Chinese characters and Nom Tay script, recognized as Vietnam’s cultural heritage in 2014.

Though rarely written today, Tay is still spoken in northern Vietnam’s markets and villages, offering travelers a glimpse into its linguistic roots. The Tay-Thai language group spans over 90 million people across southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and India’s Ahom region.

Traditional costumes

Tay clothing, crafted from rich indigo-dyed cotton, beautifully blends simplicity with deep cultural identity while showcasing the artistry of Vietnam’s Tay ethnic group. Women’s outfits are elegant, featuring calf-length dresses reminiscent of the iconic ao dai with chest slits, round necks, and long, slender sleeves. These are often layered with a short, light-colored blouse that has fabric buttons and small hem pockets, creating a refined yet practical look. During festivals, women accent their attire with vibrant silver jewelry and square scarves draped gracefully around the head, adding a touch of timeless charm.

Men’s attire is understated yet distinctive. It includes four-piece black blouses with chest slits, round necks, tiny sleeves, and dual side pockets. These are paired with loose pants designed with unique “crippled leg” cuts and sturdy waistbands. Subgroups like the Thu Lao bring flair with pointed scarves, making their styles stand out at lively local gatherings.

Architecture

Tay villages are located in fertile valleys, with stilt houses made of bamboo or earth with thatched roofs, designed in harmony with nature. Since the 1960s, stone foundations have supported houses with attics for storage and livestock below.

Another popular material used by the Tay in house construction is Chan stone. This type of stone is durable and resistant to time, making it very suitable for building traditional Tay houses in the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam. Some stone houses you can easily find in the Khuoi Ky Stone Village in Cao Bang. Some families now live in ground-level houses due to changes in resources, providing a glimpse of the evolving tradition.

Handicrafts and Art

Tay women skillfully weave brocade and embroidery textiles adorned with vibrant floral or geometric patterns, while men expertly craft bamboo baskets, fishing nets, and sturdy rice storage containers, showcasing the community’s deep-rooted craftsmanship.

Silver jewelry, including intricate necklaces and bracelets, is handcrafted to shine during vibrant festivals, adding elegance to traditional attire. Central to Tay cultural expression is the “đàn tính”, a soulful three-stringed lute, handcrafted and played during Hát Then, a UNESCO-recognized ritual folk singing tradition that blends spiritual lyrics with enchanting melodic strums. This sacred performance, often accompanied by graceful dance, captivates audiences at ceremonies, festivals, and markets.

Religion and Beliefs

The Tay practice polytheism, venerating ancestors and nature gods through home altars and village temples. Shamans, called “can tha lang,” lead rituals like the Long Tong festival, praying for good harvests. Influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, their beliefs emphasize community and balance, seen in New Year and Trung Nguyen ceremonies.

Festivals and Celebrations

The Long Tong festival, a major agricultural event, features UNESCO-recognized Luon and Then folk songs, blending ritual with music to pray for bountiful harvests.

Then Kin Pang, held in spring in areas like Bac Kan, honors village spirits with Hát Then performances and communal feasts, drawing locals and visitors.

Tet Thanh Minh (Clear and Bright Festival), observed in early April, involves ancestor worship and tomb cleaning, reflecting family ties.

Vietnamese New Year (Tet) markets, like Thong Hue in Cao Bang, offer rice cakes, crafts, and community interaction, providing a vibrant cultural experience for travelers interested in Tay ethnic festivals.

The Economy of the Tay people

Wet rice farming, supported by irrigation, anchors Tay livelihoods, alongside upland crops and livestock. They collect forest products like bamboo shoots and herbs, while brocade weaving and market trade sustain their economy.

Where to meet Tay ethnic group?

The Tay reside in northern Vietnam, primarily in Lang Son (282,000), Cao Bang (216,000), Bac Kan (165,000), and Ha Giang (about 25% of the province’s population). Travelers can engage with Tay culture through the following regional highlights:

Ha Giang:

Communities live in valleys like Quan Ba and Yen Minh, where stilt houses line riverbanks, suited for wet rice farming and fish cultivation.
The Khau Vai Love Market, held annually in April, gathers Tay, Nung, and Giay communities for cultural exchanges, including Hát Then performances and craft displays.

Bac Kan:

Pac Ngoi village near Ba Be Lake offers homestays in traditional stilt houses with local meals, such as That Khe roast duck, and lake views.
The Then Kin Pang festival in spring features communal meals and music, providing a setting for cultural engagement.

Cao Bang:

Thong Hue market, held every 5 days on the 2nd and 7th, features brocade textiles, silver jewelry, and foods like ant egg sticky rice, with increased activity during Vietnamese New Year.