Cong ethnic group

Proper names: Xam Khoong, Phuy A.

Population: 1,261 people.

Language: Cong language, as well as languages spoken by the Lahu, Phula and Sila, belong to the Tibeto-Burmese group (of the Sino-Tibetan language family), and is close to Burmese language. Thai language is also used in daily conversation.

History: The Cong traveled directly to Vietnam from Laos.

Production activities: The Cong mainly cultivate swidden fields by hand, preparing their fields using slash-and- burn method. Recently, however, they have started to use oxen or buffaloes to draw ploughs, though in the past hand-held hoes were used to work the land. Gathering still plays a major role in Cong life. The Cong do not weave cloth, but they do grow cotton which they trade for textiles made by other groups. They are skilled in making rattan mats, ornamented with red dyes, and bamboo-woven containers such as gui (back carriers), baskets, cases, etc. Because the Cong settled down along the Da river, they have grown accustomed to using boats to travel along the river.

Diet: The Cong eat sticky and ordinary rice.

Clothing: Cong attire is similar to that of the Thai people. Some Cong families still keep their traditional costumes made with fabrics imported from Laos.

Housing: The Cong live in houses built on stilts. Each house comprises three or four bays with only one entrance and one window in the central bay. A defining characteristic of the Cong house is a kind of "flap seat" that no longer serves a particular function by is located along the interior wall on the facade side of the house.

Transportation: The Cong use boats to travel along the Da river. They use back baskets supported by a head strap to transport goods and produce and when they go to work in the fields.