Most live in the mountainous northern provinces of Lào Cai, Hà Giang, Lai Châu, and Cao Bằng.

Literacy is low in their native language, however, most Giáy can also speak and write Vietnamese, which they learn in primary school.

Women usually wear a brightly colored five-panel blouse which buttons under the right arm and features a contrasting collar and cuffs.

On the snake day of the first lunar month, the Giáy celebrate Roóng Poọc, a festival to mark the start of the rice season.

Offerings are made twice per year at the biggest tree in the grove, to ensure the favor of the spirit that governs over the village.