Hoa Binh leaves a strong impression on visitors due to the diversity in the lifestyle and cultural identities of its ethnic groups. The province is home to six main ethnic groups, with a total population of nearly 900,000. The largest group is Muong, making up 63.3% of the population, followed by Kinh with 27.73%, Thai 3.9%, Tay 2.7%, Dao 1.7%, Mong 0.52%, and other ethnic groups 1.18%. Along with the long history of the nation’s formation and defence, the province’s ethnic groups have always been united, hardworking, and determined to strive for socio-economic development. At the same time, each ethnic group displays its own unique and distinct cultural identity, contributing to a diverse, rich, and attractive cultural tapestry.

As the oldest inhabitants of the land, the Muong people have lived in all localities of Hoa Binh since ancient times. However, the population distribution is uneven, with differences in the number, scale, and structure. Lowland areas, valleys, and regions with many rice fields, especially the four fertile fields of Muong Bi, Muong Vang, Muong Thang and Muong Dong, see the largest number of Muong residents.

In economic activities, for generations, the Muong people have primarily lived on agricultural production. The practice of rice cultivation has deeply integrated into their beliefs. In cultural life, the Muong people have preserved many traditional elements that reflect their ethnic identity. Many artistic and cultural values, such as folk songs, gongs, ‘mo Muong’, and the epic of land and water creation, are still preserved well. The Muong people have always stood side by side with the nation in building and safeguarding the country, while working together with other ethnic groups to build a green and prosperous Hoa Binh.

 Kinh ethnic group makes up nearly 28% of Hoa Binh’s population. 

The Kinh people arrived in Hoa Binh at different times, with two key periods being the second half of the 18th century and the 1960s and 70s. Currently, this group accounts for 27.73% of the province’s total population. Their production and living conditions do not significantly differ from those of the Kinh people in the Red River Delta. In cultural life, they have also maintained traditional Kinh practices. They live throughout all localities, mainly in Hoa Binh city, and Lac Thuy, Yen Thuy, and Luong Son districts. In recent years, as economic and cultural exchanges have expanded, more Kinh people from other provinces and cities have come to Hoa Binh to live and work.

The Thai people account for nearly 4% of the local population. Of these, over 96% live in Mai Chau district, and belong to the White Thai ethnic group. The Thai people are primarily agricultural inhabitants. They are also skilled in growing cotton, raising silkworms, weaving cloth, and making brocades. The Thai people in Mai Chau continue to live in stilt houses and maintain traditional cultural practices such as the ‘Xen muong’ festival and ‘Xoe’ dance. Many Thai hamlets are now focusing on community-based tourism development such as Lac (Chieng Chau), Van and Poom Coong (Mai Chau town), and Nhot (Na Phon).

The Tay people in Hoa Binh are mainly concentrated in Da Bac district. According to statistics in 2009, the Tay ethnic group had over 23,000 people, accounting for 2.94% of the province’s total population. In Da Bac, they make up 41.33% of the district’s population, and 95.2% of the Tay population in the province. They primarily live in mountainous areas, and mainly relying on farming. They have developed their own unique methods in production, particularly in exploiting narrow valleys and effectively managing water resources. The Tay people practice ancestor worship. Most of their houses are traditional wooden stilt houses, with thatched or palm leaf roofs.

The Dao people (including Dao quan chet and Dao Tien) mainly live in Da Bac, Kim Boi, Mai Chau, Cao Phong and Luong Son district, and Hoa Binh city. According to statistics, they account for 1.7% of the total population. In the past, they led a nomadic lifestyle. Today, thanks to the settlement policies of the Party and the State, the Dao people's lives have become more stable and progressively improved. They have preserved their unique cultural traits, such as the ‘cap sac’ ritual, the ‘tet nhay’ festival, and ancient script within their families and clans.

The Mong people mainly reside in Hang Kia and Pa Co communes of Mai Chau district, with two local groups: Mong Den (Mongz Dul) and Mong Hoa (Mongz Lenhx). They have preserved their cultural identity through their traditional clothing, architectural styles, forging skills, language, the Tet festival, and music, particularly the "khen" (panpipe) instrument. Their life was once difficult, but thanks to policies of the Party and the State, the Mong people have gradually embraced advancements in science and technology, with many achieving college and university education. There have been significant improvements in education and healthcare.