Discover Tho Ethnic Group in Vietnam’s northern and central regions

Numbering over 91,000 individuals, the Tho people (also known as the Mon, Cuoi, or Keo) form a vital cultural bridge in Vietnam’s central midlands. Tracing their origins back nearly 4,000 years to ancient Vietnamese communities who chose to remain in the rugged mountains rather than migrating to the coastal deltas, they primarily reside in the western regions of Nghe An and Thanh Hoa provinces. The Tho are renowned not only for their unique Viet-Muong dialect but also for their extraordinary craftsmanship, particularly the weaving of hemp hammocks, a recognized national intangible cultural heritage.

For travelers seeking an authentic encounter, visiting the Tho reveals a world of ancient dating customs, striking indigo attire, and a resilient agrarian lifestyle.

Tho People wander through life, yet their bond feels unbreakably strong always.

Quick facts about the Tho

History, language, and geography

Deep roots in the central midlands

The Tho people have called the intersection of Vietnam’s northern and central regions home for millennia. Their ancestors are believed to be part of the ancient Viet population who stayed in the midlands while others moved toward the plains. Over centuries of interaction with migrating Muong people from the north and Viet people from the coast, the Tho forged a distinct identity. Exploring these historical roots is highly recommended for anyone planning to travel to Vietnam with a focus on deep cultural immersion.

A unique Viet-Muong language mosaic

Because the Tho ethnic group was formed through centuries of cultural convergence, there is no single, unified Tho language. Instead, they speak various dialects belonging to the Viet-Muong language branch, such as Cuoi, Mon, and Keo. Some of these dialects share up to 98% of their vocabulary with the Muong language, while others are remarkably similar to early Vietnamese. This linguistic diversity makes their communities a living museum for historians and linguists alike.

Traditional clothing worn by Tho ethnic women in Vietnam.

Architecture: traditional stilt houses

Adapting to the mountainous terrain

Historically, the Tho adapted to the dense forests and uneven terrain of the central mountains by constructing sturdy stilt houses. Utilizing simple tools like axes and machetes, they built homes using wooden pillars, bamboo walls, and thatched roofs. In some areas, they employed a unique “cot ngoam” (forked pillar) architectural style, reflecting their practical ingenuity.

The transition to modern ground houses

In recent decades, as infrastructure has improved, many Tho families have transitioned from traditional stilt houses to modern ground houses similar to the ethnic Kinh majority. Despite this modernization, their villages remain tightly knit, often built near water sources in valleys or along gentle mountain slopes, preserving their strong sense of community.

Traditional Tho stilt house reflecting the architectural heritage of the community.

Society, family, and spiritual beliefs

Community structure and the “ngu mai” custom

Tho society is deeply patriarchal, but it thrives on mutual support and village cohesion. One of their most fascinating and unique cultural traditions is the “ngu mai” (sleeping under the roof) custom. Found predominantly in the Nghia Dan and Tan Ky districts, this tradition allows young men and women to sleep in the same house during festivals to exchange confidences and court one another, governed by strict moral codes and village laws. This often leads to marriage, followed by elaborate ceremonies requiring offerings of buffalo, silver coins, and sticky rice.

Unique funeral rites and the boat-shaped coffin

The Tho possess highly distinct funeral customs that set them apart from neighboring groups. While many cultures burn paper houses for the deceased, the Tho construct a physical paper house and leave it intact next to the grave. Furthermore, their coffins are carved from a single, massive tree trunk-hollowed out much like a traditional wooden boat. When buried, the coffin is uniquely positioned so that the feet of the deceased point downstream, guiding their spirit along the river of the afterlife.

An elder leading a traditional wedding ceremony for a Tho couple in Vietnam after “ngu mai” custom.

Traditional attire and unique crafts

The symbolic horizontal stripes and white scarves

Unlike many cultures where white is reserved strictly for mourning, Tho women wear a square white headscarf daily as a symbol of beauty. Their traditional outfit features a white, round-necked shirt paired with a distinctive indigo-dyed skirt. The skirt is woven with white horizontal stripes; when worn, these stripes form parallel rings around the body, creating a striking visual effect. Men typically wear dark, wide-legged trousers, a long black tunic, and a purple headscarf.

The heritage art of weaving hemp hammocks

The Tho are masters of cultivating the “gai” (hemp or ramie) plant. For generations, they have harvested wild and cultivated hemp from the forests to weave incredibly durable hammocks, carrying bags, and fishing nets. The intricate art of weaving hemp hammocks is so culturally significant that it has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. If you are joining Central Vietnam tours, purchasing these handcrafted items is a fantastic way to support the local economy.

Traditional hammocks made from hemp plant by the Tho people.

Agriculture and deep-rooted rituals

Cultivating the land and the importance of hemp

Farming is the cornerstone of Tho livelihood. Historically relying on slash-and-burn agriculture, they have now mastered wet rice cultivation alongside growing corn, cassava, and sugarcane. The hemp plant also plays a dual role: not only is its fiber used for weaving, but its leaves are an essential ingredient for making “banh gai” (hemp leaf cake), a sweet, dark delicacy served during major festivals.

Animistic beliefs and ancestor worship

The Tho practice a profound form of animism, believing that spirits inhabit the forests, mountains, and rivers. During our Vietnam Discovery tours, visitors often observe small outdoor shrines dedicated to wandering souls, while indoor altars are strictly reserved for ancestors. They regularly perform rituals to the Earth God and the Kitchen God, and hold special ceremonies for newborns (cung ba mu) and to cure illnesses.

Visiting Tho villages: what to know

Best destinations in Nghe An and Thanh Hoa

To experience authentic Tho culture, travelers should head to the western districts of Nghe An province, such as Nghia Dan, Tan Ky, Quy Hop, and Tuong Duong, or the Nhu Xuan district in Thanh Hoa province. These remote areas offer a serene escape into the pristine nature of the central highlands.

Best time to visit

The ideal time to visit is during the spring festivals when the weather is cool and the villages are alive with folk singing, dancing, and traditional games like tug-of-war and top spinning. The autumn harvest season also provides stunning landscapes of golden fields.

Vibrant festivals and local delicacies

Attending a Tho festival is a sensory delight. Visitors are often welcomed with potent local rice wine and a feast of traditional dishes, including sticky rice, boiled forest vegetables, and the famous banh gai. Chewing betel nut is also a widespread social custom used to welcome guests.

Responsible tourism tips

When exploring these communities, it is essential to follow good Vietnam Travel Tips regarding cultural sensitivity. Always ask permission before entering a home or photographing spiritual sites. Supporting local community-based tourism initiatives by purchasing authentic hemp products directly helps preserve their endangered crafts.

Plan Your Vietnam Trip with Paradise Travel

Paradise Travel is a licensed international tour operator and destination management company headquartered in Hanoi. We have been organizing Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand tours since the early 2000s, and we proudly hold the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2018, 2019, and 2024.

Experiencing the cultural richness of Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities takes expert local knowledge and trusted community relationships. Our team can arrange village visits, homestay experiences, and guided cultural tours of Nghe An and Thanh Hoa’s most significant Tho sites with knowledgeable local guides who speak the language and know the communities personally.

For travelers seeking authentic experiences in nature and local communities, our Vietnam eco tours offer additional ways to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Get in touch with our team today to start planning your Central Vietnam journey.

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