Lao Soung

The term "Lao Soung" refers to a group of people in Laos who primarily inhabit mountain tops and speak Hmong-Mien or Tibeto-Burman languages. This category includes prominent communities such as the Hmong, Mien, Akha, and Lahu, and they constitute about one-tenth of Laos's population.1

These groups have migrated into northern Laos mainly since the early 19th century. Among the Lao Soung, the Hmong have a tradition of social organization with a king and subchiefs, though their significance is more at the village level. Villages are often composed of extended families from one or more clans, with a headman leading the village, sometimes aided by a council.1

The Lao Soung, along with the Lao Theung (midland peoples), largely organize along clan lines and live in smaller communities. Many practice shifting cultivation, hunting, and gathering forest products. Those living at higher elevations tend to remain less acculturated than those closer to lowland areas.2