Lao ethnic group

Proper name: Thay, Thay Duon, Thay Nhuon.

Other names: Phu Thay, Phulao.

Local groups: Lao Boc (on- soil Lao), and Lao Noi (small Lao).

Population: 9,614 people.

Language: The Lao language belongs to the Tay-Thai language group (Tai-Kadai language family).

History: The Lao immigrated into Vietnam from Laos.

Production activities: The Lao practice wet rice cultivation with a well-developed irrigation system. In addition, they also farm on terraces and raise cattle and poultry. Family craft making is highly developed. The Lao make good quality pottery products, such as different kinds of jars and earthen pots. There are high value brocade weaving products, which also display distinctive artistic value. Metal smithing and silver work also bring good incomes for many families. However, the gathering of fruit still plays a certain role in the Lao economy.

Diet: Sticky rice is the main food. The Lao like to eat fishy food; there is a famous dish of preserved fish called padec.

Clothing: Lao women wear wrapped skirts that hang from their waist to mid-calf length. The fringe of the skirt has either flower embroidery or just colorful printed flower. The women's shirts are short. Lao silver hairpins are skillfully carved; the turban women wear around their head is also carefully embroidered. Lao men wear clothes in a style similar to that of Thai men.

Housing: The Lao live together with the Thai, the Lu, and the Kho Mu in Dien Bien and Phong Tho districts (Lai Chau), and Song Ma district (Son La). They live in stilt houses. The inside of the house is big and airy, and the columns are meticulously carved. The house roof extends to create a shaded verandah area where the loom and other tools for weaving are placed.

Transportation: The Lao carry baskets; they are especially good at using boats. In some places, they use horses to carry goods.

Social organization: In the past, Lao society was dependent on the administrative machine of the Thai, but they were self-ruled at the village level. There was a head person in each village called chau ban to represent the interests of that community. Self-ruling was also effective in other aspects of life, such as economic activities, spiritual life, and traditional moral values.

Like the Thai, the Lao believe that there are three important kinds of kinship relations: Ai Noong - Lung Ta - Dinh Xao. Each kin line has its own taboos linked to totemic religious beliefs.