Red Dao Tribal Woman

Smiling woman from the Red Dao Tribe and resident of Ta Phin village nearby what they call the Queen of the mountains in Vietnam, Sapa.
The Red Dao are part of the larger Dao ethnic minority group which is also known as the Dzao or Zao and are one tribe of many that inhabit this diverse region of northern Vietnam.
The Red Zao traditionally shave their heads and eyebrows and are so named due to the striking red turban or headdress that they typically wear.
Sometimes this can be seen covered with old coins and jewellery, this is actually a pointer to how wealthy the woman is along with the amount of silver she wears around her neck. The Red Dao are also well known for their expertise in the tribal art of embroidery. The clothes that they wear are intricately embroidered, very colourful and unique.