The La Chi are one of Vietnam’s long-established ethnic minorities living in the northern mountains. With a distinctive history, unique cultural identity, and strong connection to their ancestral lands, the La Chi people add to the rich cultural diversity of Ha Giang.
Origins and History
The La Chi are considered an ancient indigenous group of northern Vietnam. Some branches, however, trace their roots to migration: the Lung clan, originally Nung people from Na Co (Yunnan, China), migrated to Vietnam around 100–120 years ago, while the Vuong clan has more recent Chinese origins. Despite these variations, most La Chi communities have deep, native ties to this region.
Geographical Distribution
Today, the La Chi population is concentrated in four communes: Ban Phung, Ban Diu, Ban Pang, and Ban May in Xin Man District (Ha Giang). They also reside in Hoang Su Phi, Bac Quang, and scattered across Dong Van, Meo Vac, Yen Minh, Quan Ba, Bac Me, Vi Xuyen, and Ha Giang City.
In Ban Diu Commune, the La Chi live alongside other ethnic groups such as the Tay, Dao, Nung, and Hmong, creating a vibrant multicultural landscape.
Population and Language
According to the 2019 survey of Vietnam’s 53 ethnic minorities, the La Chi population totals 15,126 people (7,523 men and 7,603 women), mainly residing in Ha Giang and parts of Lao Cai.
Their traditional language belongs to the Kadai language family, though it has gradually faded in many areas, replaced by Nung or Dao. Interestingly, La Chi phonetics and vocabulary are quite similar to those of Nung and Tay, making cross-communication natural and easy.
Traditional Social Structure
The La Chi traditionally follow a patrilineal family system, where the father holds authority over household, production, marriage, and community relations. The family is viewed as a single economic unit. When the father grows old or weak, the eldest son assumes leadership—reflecting the continuation of patriarchal lineage.
Beliefs and Spiritual Life
The La Chi believe that each person has twelve souls, with the two most important located at the shoulders. Ancestral worship is practiced for three generations, from the father to the grandfather and great-grandfather. Their rituals are meticulously observed, symbolizing a deep spiritual connection and reverence for their ancestors.
Traditional Houses
A La Chi traditional house combines stilt and earth-floor architecture. The earthen area contains the kitchen, while the raised floor serves as the main living space. Houses typically have one staircase, three sections, and an average size of 6–7 meters wide and over 7 meters long.
Traditional Attire
La Chi women wear a traditional outfit consisting of a headscarf, blouse, bib, skirt, belt, bag, bracelet, earrings, and silver chain. In Nan Xin Commune (Xin Man, Ha Giang), this attire is still beautifully preserved.
Men wear long shirts, trousers, head wraps, and carry crossbody bags.
Cuisine and Lifestyle
The La Chi’s main dish is steamed rice, prepared by boiling rice until nearly cooked, draining it, then steaming again for fragrant, sticky grains. Signature dishes include dried buffalo skin and sour-marinated meat.
Rice wine is essential both in rituals and daily life, and smoking tobacco with bamboo pipes remains a common habit.
Education and Literacy
According to the 2019 survey, 64.8% of La Chi aged 15 and above can read and write Vietnamese. Primary school attendance reaches 100.4%, lower secondary 87.9%, and upper secondary 39.1%. About 17.9% of children remain out of school, showing ongoing educational challenges within the community.
Agriculture
Agriculture, especially rice cultivation, is the main livelihood of the La Chi. They grow both glutinous and non-glutinous rice:
- Non-glutinous varieties: Kim phai tho (long grain, aromatic but low yield), Kho ti tung, and Kho ta bi (high-yield, widely used today).
- Glutinous varieties: Peo nhi nhi and Peo y lo — fragrant local strains used for festivals and Lunar New Year.
Since the 1990s, tea cultivation has become an important commercial product. Fish farming in rice paddies has also emerged, bringing additional income.
Animal Husbandry
The La Chi raise diverse livestock such as buffaloes, horses, goats, pigs, chickens, and ducks. Livestock not only provide income and labor power but also hold cultural and ritual significance in traditional ceremonies.
Handicrafts
Among traditional crafts, weaving has declined yet still exists, while bamboo weaving remains active. They produce practical items such as grain baskets, winnowing mats, and rice carriers.
Many also create decorative crafts used in weddings, cultural events, and trade exchanges.
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Source: Compiled
Photos: Demen Travel
