The Thais originated from southern China and have the same origins as the Zhuang, Tay and Nung minorities. Under pressure from the Han Dynasty in the north and east, Thais gradually migrated south and southwest to Vietnam from the 7th to13th century. They initially moved to around Dien Bien Phu, 250kms from Mai Chau. From here, they moved all around Southeast Asia, including Laos, Thailand, Burma and even India.