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There are several ehtnic minorities living in the Sa Pa region. The most numerous are the H’Mong and they can be seen everywhere in Sa Pa. There are also Red Dao, Tay, Zay, Xa Fo, and perhaps others as well. I only met and spoke to H’Mong and Red Dao individuals.
These ethnic minorities inhabit the Northwest corner of Việt Nam, and parts of Laos, Thailand, and China. The H’Mong are said to come all the way from Northern China and migrated South as they revolted and were chased by imperial forces during the Ming dynasty. In recent history, H’Mong in Laos allied themselves with America in the fight against communism. At the end of the war some fled to Thailand and most were eventually resettled in the United States.
Tourism in Sa Pa has brought many changes to the ethnic minorities’ way of life. Planting rice is still the main occupation for many, but the influx of tourism money and demands may have opened new horizons for some. Our guide was a H’Mong who spoke some English. As I walked around town I saw that the new way of life has begun to influence and shape the old way.
bayphotosbydonna said:
I enjoyed seeing photos of the people, both young and old, and how they dress!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Donna!
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bluebrightly said:
More wonderful images – especially the older women, I love seeing them. And the water wheels. I checked the map and see you were WAY up north – a fascinating region. Maybe someday I’ll get there – I’d love to see it.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
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Jet Eliot said:
I have so enjoyed your Viet Nam photos, Hien. Your origin, understanding and experience of the culture have made these photos extraordinary. I have always liked your nature and bird photos, your trips to the western U.S. and other places; but these, of Viet Nam, are truly exceptional, spiritual.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you for your kind comments, Jet!
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Indah Susanti said:
So colorful and beautiful! Great pictures!!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Indah!
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Amy said:
Glad to know the old is still there, the tourists probably will continue to make impact on their lives. All are beautiful photos, Hien!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks Amy. Maybe in another decade or two things will look quite different from now.
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Amy said:
It will… the same reason that some of my friends are traveling Cuba before it starts to change.
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Tiny said:
Beautiful pictures! Loved the little girl with the traditional headdress. Your photos show very well how the times are changing.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks Tiny. I hope the times are changing for the better, for all the people of Sa Pa.
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rabirius said:
Excellent.
A great choice of photos that give you a feel of the place.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you very much!
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chuyen said:
So colorful and interesting pictures. Thanks for sharing.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you. Glad you like them.
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Dr_IQ said:
Great set. Love the colors.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you. I appreciate your comments.
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quietsolopursuits said:
Another wonderful look at a way of life that I have only read a little about, but had never seen photos of before, thank you very much!
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neihtn2012 said:
You are welcome Jerry. Glad you got to see a glimpse of these minorities.
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AngelaFurtado1 said:
Fantastic images!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Angela!
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Eliza Waters said:
So interesting – great post, Hein.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Eliza!
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allentimphotos2 said:
What beautiful clothing. Thanks for sharing this.
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neihtn2012 said:
Glad you like the pictures, Tim!
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allentimphotos2 said:
I do.
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