Tribasia Blog

On 12th June, we went riding around Dien Bien Phu as planned. Although many minority villages can be easily spotted from the road, not all are within reach. You often have to ride up dirt roads and zigzag to avoid holes and rocks before getting anywhere close.

Thai villages are easier to visit as they are often based alongside main roads, in the valley.
We rode more than 25 kms away from Dien Bien towards the Lao border. We crossed a Thai settlement and decided to enter by crossing a suspended bridge.
Although our visit was unnannounced, we felt welcome. A group of young Thais invited us to share some sour mango. They were curious of our appearances and laughed at the pictures we made of them.

However, within 15 minutes of our arrival, two policemen, probably residing in the village, asked us to leave. We are still not sure if we were beyond permitted land or too close to the border for their taste but we had to comply.

On the way back, we spotted a Hmong village sitting on a hill top. How did we know it was a Hmong village? Well, because Hmong women were waiting down the dirt track at the foot of the village. Besides, even from a distance, the houses' structure looked very much typical of the Hmong (compacted mud walls, etc.).
We decided to venture into the village. This is not a decision we took lightly as Hmong villages are ALWAYS populated with rabid dogs.

We were lucky enough this time that dogs gave us a break. We were able to chat with a few Hmong women sitting in front of their houses with their young children. The Hmong of this area adorn their black headdress with colourful pompoms (mostly pink or orange), a colourful top whose long sleeves' pattern (stripes) differ from that of the body (flowery motives) and a black silky skirt.

We then headed back to Dien Bien for a well-deserved rest. On 13th June, we have to wake up very early...

Labels: Black Hmong, Dien Bien Phu, North Vietnam, pompoms, Thai Tay, villages

We arrived at dusk in Dien Bien Phu, Western Vietnam, on 11th June. This town is famed as a historical battle site which witnessed the defeat of the French colonial forces at the hands of the Viet Minh in 1954 . However, the focus of our visit here remains the minority groups.

Dien Bien is 34 kms away from Laos. When exploring the local markets in town, we met many Black Thai, also known as Thai Tay. Black Thai women look taller than their Viet fellows with their long black skirts, silky long-sleeve tops and towering headdress.

The Black Thai, both men and women, are easy to approach. They are not weary of curious foreigners and happy to smile back.

This group is actually similar in appearance to the Tai Dam from Laos. If you explore the 'Ethnic Groups' section of this website, you will be able to gather further information about this minority under the 'Laos' country tab.

We also witnessed a few Hmongs going around town. They also seem less aggressive in this area - possibly the Lao influence on people... who knows?

Today, we are off exploring the surroundings of Dien Bien and take a closer look at Black Thai and Hmong villages. Back on the bike for a bumpy ride ;0)

P.S. For those of you wishing to get more information about the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, please check the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Dien_Bien_Phu

Labels: battle, Black Hmong, Black Thai, Dien Bien Phu, Laos, minorities, Tai Tay