The Hmong people

The Hmong are the third-most-numerous ethnic grouping in Laos, and they live throughout the provinces of northern Laos.

 Unlike the Khmu and Lao, their houses are built directly on the ground – and not on stilts. The Hmong preserve and use their own language, as well as their traditions and way of life. If the Lao and the Khmu are Laos’s two main ethnic groups – their cultures are also both rather similar, and they frequently intermarry – then the Hmong are more aloof. It’s believed that the Hmong originally came to the peninsular hundreds of years ago, from Tibet. 

One ancient tradition which they preserve takes place during the New Year festivities in December – a colourful gathering of young people is assembled from different villages, to enabling dating with a view to marriage.

The Hmong divide into eighteen recognised clans. Inter-clan marriage is not permitted. Children join their father’s clan.