Imagine a place where time seems to have stood still, in the heart of Ba Be National Park in Vietnam. This is where the Tay people live, one of the largest ethnic minorities in the country, with their unique traditions dating back over 2000 years!
What makes the Tay so special?
Their stilt houses are true masterpieces of traditional architecture. Built without a single nail, they are perfectly adapted to their environment. The ground floor serves as a stable or storage area, while the family lives upstairs.
The Tay are divided into five groups, each with their distinctive style of clothing: the Tho dress like the Thais, the Ngan wear short shirts, the Phen prefer brown, the Thu Lao sport a pyramidal headband, and the Pa Di are distinguished by their roof-shaped hats.
Music plays a central role in their culture. The dan tinh (string instrument) and the Then singing recount their stories and legends. These oral traditions are their way of preserving their heritage.
On the lake, you will come across their “doc moc” canoes, carved from a single tree trunk – a true symbol of their way of life.
In terms of cuisine, it’s a festival of flavors! Don’t miss their famous Banh Cooc Mo (horn-shaped rice cake), smoked pork, fermented shrimp, and fish soups flavored with herbs.
The Tay mainly practice Then, a religion that blends ancestor worship and Taoist influences. Their festivals, like the Lồng tồng (“field descent” ceremony), mark the year.
Today, you can meet the Tay in the villages of Coc Toc, Pac Ngoi, and Ban Cam. They continue their traditions while adapting to the modern world, creating a fascinating blend of old and new.
So, the next time you pass through Vietnam, make a detour to Ba Be. The Tay will welcome you with open arms, happy to share their unique culture and authentic way of life with you!
► Learn more here
