Introduction / History

In Vietnam the O Du are acknowledged as an official minority nationality, but in Laos the O Du are not officially recognized at all. Neighboring people groups in Laos call the O Du Tay Hat, or Hat. This is a derogatory name meaning "rag people." They call themselves O Du.

Five centuries ago, the O Du were a large and prosperous group who lived along the Nam Mon and Nam Mo rivers in both Laos and Vietnam. At different times they were attacked by the Tai Dam, Han Chinese, Hmong and Khmu, who chased them away and took them as slaves.

Where Are they Located?

The O Du people live in the Nonghet District of Xiangkhoang Province, directly on the Laos-Vietnam border. The area was previously known as Samnuea Province.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The O Du like to build their houses on stilts and have thatched straw roofs. Inside, rooms are partitioned off with plaited bamboo. Despite being on the verge of extinction, the few remaining O Du are proud of their ethnicity.

The O Du language, which is part of the Northern Mon-Khmer family, is on the verge of extinction. It is only spoken by a few elderly people, who are greatly respected because of it. The O Du believe they must learn their language again in their old age so that when they die, they will be able to communicate with their ancestors. They fear if they cannot speak their language their ancestors will not be able to recognize them in the afterlife. In the same way, old O Du women carefully preserve a traditional garment. They put it on at the end of their lives so they can be presented to their ancestors.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The O Du worship a multitude of spirits. They believe each person has a soul. When someone dies their soul leaves the body and resides in the house, watching over the family's activities.

What Are Their Needs?

Jesus Christ has never been named among the O Du. They remain an unreached people in both Laos and Vietnam.

The O Du people need to put their trust and identity in the hands of the loving God of Creation who sent his son to make it possible for them to enter the Kingdom of God.

Prayer Points

The O Du have been slaves to people and demons for centuries. Pray they would soon find liberation in Christ.
Ask God to raise up laborers to plant churches among the O Du.
Pray that God would lead Khmu and Hmong believers to share the gospel with the O Du.

Scripture Prayers for the O-Du in Laos.