The Ho reside in the mountainous northern regions of Phongsaly Province in Laos, near the Chinese and Vietnamese borders.

The Hani oral traditions state that they are descended from the Yi people, and that they split off as a separate tribe fifty generations ago.

[citation needed] The Hani people have made contributions to the biodiversity of agroecosystems and mountain landscapes through their extensive traditional knowledge and maintenance of culture.

[4] This is due to their innovative agricultural practices, such as integrated duck and fish farming, enhanced yield and stabilized agroecosystems.

In addition, the use of green manure, such as compositae and crofton weeds, bolstered soil health and combated pests.

Coupled with the region's hot and humid climate, which frequently produces thick fog, the area remains moist throughout the year.

[4] This intricate farming layout, merging terraces, rivers, villages, and forests, embodies the Hani's relationship with nature.

As a result, the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces were designated a World Heritage Site in 2013, emphasizing the significance of traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation.

Unlike most farmers in China, who migrate to more developed regions for better wages, the Hani people prefer part-time non-farm jobs close to their homes, returning frequently for traditional events.

In Aichun village, "about 600 people are between 20 and 40 years old, roughly one-fifth of the total population, but only 40 of them know the whole procedure of growing the red rice".

[9] In Vietnam, communes consisting almost exclusively of ethnic Hani include Sín Thầu, Chúng Chải, Mù Cả, Ka Lăng, Thu Lủm (all in Mường Tè District), Y Tý and A Lù (all in Bát Xát District).