The Dao Quan Chet People – Exploring a Distinctive Cultural Identity in Northwest Vietnam

Amid the rolling mountain ranges of Northwest Vietnam, the Dao Quan Chet people have quietly preserved a remarkably rich and distinctive cultural heritage. On a journey through the Northwest, visiting Dao Quan Chet villages is far more than a simple travel experience. It offers a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insight into a culturally rich community that has steadfastly maintained its ethnic traditions amid the rhythms of modern life.

Introduction to the Dao Quan Chet People

The Dao Quan Chet are a small subgroup within the Dao ethnic community in Vietnam. They have a long history of settlement in the northern mountainous regions. According to various ethnographic records, their ancestors migrated from China around the 13th century, following major river routes such as the Chay River and the Lo River into present-day Vietnam. Over time, they settled and established communities in provinces including Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, and Hoa Binh. Today, many Dao Quan Chet people continue to live in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Province. The name “Quan Chet” originates from the traditional trousers worn by Dao women. These trousers are tightly fitted from the knees downward, creating a neat and elegant silhouette. In addition, this Dao group is known by other names in different regions. Some refer to them as Dao Nga Hoang, named after the Nga Hoang area in Phu Tho Province. Others call them Man Son Dau, a name derived from the custom practiced by Dao Quan Chet women in certain areas of coating their hair with beeswax.

The name “Quan Chet” is closely associated with the distinctive trousers worn by Dao women, which are tightly fitted from the knees downward (Source: Vietnam Pictorial).

In the past, the Dao Quan Chet people mainly lived in high mountainous areas. However, after 1963, they gradually moved to lower-lying regions. This shift was closely linked to the government’s sedentarization and fixed cultivation policies. Thanks to these changes, the Dao Quan Chet gained more favorable conditions for wet rice farming and were able to establish a more stable, long-term way of life.

They speak the Dao language, which belongs to the Tai–Thai language group. In addition to their spoken language, the Dao Quan Chet also possess their own writing system known as Dao Nom script. This script is primarily used in rituals and for recording genealogies. Genealogy holds great significance for the Dao Quan Chet, as it helps preserve ancestral roots and reminds future generations of their family lineage. Besides farming, the Dao Quan Chet continue to maintain many traditional occupations. They are skilled in weaving, brocade embroidery, and traditional herbal medicine. These crafts not only support daily life but also represent important cultural values. It is precisely these preserved traditions that shape the unique identity of the Dao Quan Chet, making their culture especially appealing to visitors interested in learning about ethnic minority communities in northern mountainous Vietnam.

Read more: Northwest Vietnam in february: A season of blooming flowers and vibrant festivals

Traditional costumes of the Dao Quan Chet

For the Dao Quan Chet people, traditional clothing plays a particularly important role in their spiritual and cultural life. Every stitch and pattern carries its own story, about ancestry, gender, age, and even social status. Let us explore the unique beauty found in each detail of the traditional Dao Quan Chet costume.

Women’s traditional costume of the Dao Quan Chet

The traditional attire of Dao Quan Chet women is rich in cultural identity and refined craftsmanship. They typically wear a long indigo-dyed tunic with a loose silhouette and a distinctive design. The tunic is made from two pieces of fabric, each approximately 30 cm wide and about 2.5 meters long. The fabric is folded to form the front and back panels. The back panel is sewn closed from the neckline down to the hem. The front panel is attached to the back from the armpit down to the waist, while the remaining section is left open to form a slit. The sleeves are long and made from folded fabric, with cuffs often trimmed in red or white cloth to create a striking accent. The tunic’s edging is also commonly decorated with bright red fabric. Under the tunic, women wear an indigo-colored yếm (bodice) with a rectangular shape. When worn, the two front panels of the tunic are crossed over each other, revealing a small portion of the bodice in the center, an understated yet distinctive detail of Dao Quan Chet women’s traditional dress.

Traditional attire of Dao Quan Chet women (Source: Vietnamnet) 

The trousers worn with the outfit are close-fitting, with narrow legs from the knees downward. The lower sections of the trouser legs are embroidered with vibrant patterns using colorful threads. These embroidered motifs often depict natural elements such as flowers, leaves, and geometric shapes, highlighting the dexterity and craftsmanship of Dao Quan Chet women. The waistband is an important component of the costume. Older women typically tie indigo-colored fabric belts, while younger girls wear belts made of red or lotus-pink silk. The number of belts worn also carries symbolic meaning: unmarried girls usually wear two to three belts, whereas married women wear only one.

The headscarf worn by Dao Quan Chet women is a distinctive feature that cannot be mistaken for any other (Source: Vietnam Pictorial)

In addition, Dao Quan Chet women always wear a headscarf—an indispensable and highly distinctive element of their traditional attire. The scarf may be plain and unembroidered, or elaborately decorated with intricate motifs such as zigzag patterns, pine trees, or peacocks. During festivals and traditional celebrations, the headscarf is neatly tied and made more prominent, adding a sense of elegance and formality to the wearer. Equally important are silver ornaments, which serve as accessories rich in cultural and spiritual significance. Elaborate silver chain belts, round earrings, bracelets, and necklaces made of pure silver not only enhance beauty but also symbolize patience, craftsmanship, and the social role of women within the community.

Traditional attire of Dao Quan Chet men

Compared to women’s clothing, the traditional attire of Dao Quan Chet men is simpler, yet it still reflects a distinctive sense of refinement and cultural identity. Men typically wear short jackets with a standing collar, metal buttons, and horizontal red fabric slits as decorative details. The jacket is made from four narrow fabric panels, extending slightly below the waist and slit from the waist down. The sleeves reach the wrists, and the hem is neatly cut straight across. Some jackets feature three small pockets embroidered with delicate motifs such as birds or tree branches, adding subtle decorative touches that highlight traditional craftsmanship.

Traditional attire of Dao Quan Chet men (Source: Vietnam Pictorial)

Men’s trousers are long, straight-cut, and indigo-colored, complementing the simple and neat style of the short jacket. They are worn with an indigo headscarf, wrapped neatly around the head, creating a tidy appearance that highlights the man’s dignified and upright demeanor. Although simpler than women’s clothing, men’s attire still plays an important role in completing the shared cultural identity of the Dao Quan Chet in their spiritual and daily life.

Unique cultural practices and beliefs of the Dao Quan Chet

The Dao Quan Chet possess a rich system of customs and beliefs that reflect deep respect for nature and ancestors. One of the most prominent cultural practices is ancestor worship. Every family maintains an ancestral altar, where incense is burned and offerings are made to express gratitude and seek protection from their ancestors. Typical offerings include rice, pork, fermented rice wine, and fruits. In addition to ancestor worship, the Dao Quan Chet place great importance on rituals dedicated to deities and spirits. They believe that all elements of nature have souls and can influence human life. As a result, ceremonial offerings are held to pray for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and family well-being. One particularly significant ritual is the rain-praying ceremony, usually performed during the dry season to seek divine blessings for fertile crops. Another ritual that attracts strong interest from visitors is the Cap Sac ceremony. This is an important coming-of-age ritual for Dao men, marking the transition from youth to adulthood. Only after completing the Cap Sac ceremony is a man officially recognized as eligible to participate in religious rites and acknowledged as a full and respected member of the community.

Traditional weaving and embroidery skills passed down through generations of the Dao Quan Chet people (Source: VOV4)

Traditional handicrafts are an indispensable part of the cultural life of the Dao Quan Chet. Dao women are highly skilled in weaving, embroidery, and making handcrafted products. Their traditional costumes are not only visually striking but also deeply imbued with cultural identity, featuring motifs and patterns that carry profound symbolic meanings. The Dao Quan Chet are also well known for their traditional herbal medicine practices. In daily life, they possess a rich body of knowledge about natural plants and traditional healing methods. Dao Quan Chet healers, known locally as “thầy lang”, use medicinal herbs gathered from forests and mountains to treat a wide range of ailments. They believe that herbal remedies not only cure illnesses but also help balance the body, improve overall health, and promote longevity. All of these customs and beliefs not only help the Dao Quan Chet preserve their cultural identity but also strengthen community bonds. They live in harmony with nature, show deep respect for their ancestors, and place strong faith in the protection of spiritual beings, forming a distinctive, profound, and meaningful spiritual world.

Visiting Dao Quan Chet villages in Mai Chau

Mai Châu District, Hòa Bình Province, is home to Dao Quan Chet communities, one branch of the Dao ethnic group distinguished by its unique cultural heritage. Villages such as Phú Xuyên, Tân Mai, and Mai Hịch are ideal destinations for visitors who wish to experience the traditional lifestyle of the Dao people. When visiting these villages, travelers have the opportunity to take part in distinctive cultural activities of the Dao Quan Chet. One experience not to be missed is attending traditional ceremonies such as thanksgiving rituals, the Cap Sac initiation ceremony, or spring festivals. During these occasions, visitors can witness rituals honoring ancestors and deities, as well as enjoy traditional dances and folk songs that vividly reflect the spiritual life and cultural identity of the Dao Quan Chet people.

When visiting the villages, travelers will have the opportunity to take part in the distinctive cultural activities of the Dao Quan Chet people (Source: Lang Van Hoa)

By participating in these cultural activities, visitors not only gain firsthand experiences but also contribute to the preservation and promotion of the traditional cultural values of the Dao Quan Chet community.

Read more: Northwest Vietnam culinary travel – A journey to discover the flavors of the mountains

If you are looking for a destination that is both close to nature and deeply rooted in cultural heritage, the Dao Quan Chet villages in Mai Chau are an ideal choice. Come and experience the warmth, hospitality, and unique cultural beauty of the Dao Quan Chet people. And don’t forget to choose Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort as your resting point, an elegant and well-appointed retreat nestled in the mountains of Northwest Vietnam.