About Mai Chau
The Thais originated from southern China
and have the same origins as the Zhuang, Tay and Nung minorities. Under
pressure from the Han Dynasty in the north and east, Thais gradually
migrated south and southwest to Vietnam from the 7th to13th century.
They initially moved to around Dien Bien Phu, 250kms from Mai Chau. From
here, they moved all around Southeast Asia, including Laos, Thailand,
Burma and even India.
In 1880, the French started to colonize Vietnam and
established borders between Vietnam, China and Laos. By 1953, the
French general, Navarre, had set up his headquarters in Dien Bien Phu.
He picked Dien Bien Phu because of its importance on the way to Laos
and Cambodia, which were also under French control. In addition, the
French used the high ground to their advantage with their airplanes,
which the Vietnamese army, known as Viet Minh army then, did not have.
Mai Chau was used by the Viet Minh army on their way to the final
battle at Dien Bien Phu. The locals supported the Viet Minh with night
transportation, to hide from the French. Caves in Mai Chau were used
to shelter troops and supplies. After the defeat of the French on May
7, 1954 at Dien Bien Phu, the Northern Vietnamese government aided Mai
Chau. Ethnic majority Vietnamese families moved to Mai Chau to improve
farming skills, education and technology.
Mai Chau Information
Area: 564km² Population: 55,000
Minorities: Thai, H’mong, Muong
Agriculture: Rice, Corn, Cassava, Bamboo
Livestock: Cow, Buffalo, Pig, Goat, Chicken, Duck, Fish
Thai Culture
Thai villages are famous for their communal living. Families help
each other with building houses, working in the fields and eat meals
together. Even the traditional alcohol, ruou can, is drunk in a group
through long straws. Dancing is a part of life and festivals. The dances
symbolize their daily dreams, health, happiness, prosperity and love.
Thai architecture is unique with its stilt house (nha san) made
of bamboo and other wood. These techniques originated in the past to
protect against floods and wild animals. Mai Chau is famous for
showcasing this culture.
