Muong Ethnic Group

Found predominantly in Hoabinh Province, the male-dominated Muong live in quell, grouped into uong. Each muong is overseen by lang. Though their origins lie close to the ethnic-Vietnamese and nowadays they are difficult to distinguish, the Muong have a rich culture and are more similar to the Tai. The women ware long skirts and short vest-like blouses while the men traditionally wear indigo tops and trousers.

They are known for producing notable folk literature, poems and songs, much of which has been translated into Vietnamese. Musical instruments such as the gong, drums, panpipes, flutes and two-stringed violin are popular with the Muong. They too cultivate rice in paddies, though in the pas sticky rice was a staple part of their diet.