Bru-Van Kieu is one of the three native ethnic groups living in the mountainous areas of Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue province. The Bru used to live in Central Laos. Due to historical volatility, Bru-Van Kieu ethnic group moved to North Thailand and the West of Quang Tri province. Those settled in Vien Kieu mount were later called Bru Van Kieu.
Bru Van Kieu traditional society is called Vil (village). Each vil consists of many Mu (also known as "mui" or "da") or a residential Mu (as parentage, unit). People living in the same mu have the same linage origin in accordance with father's parentage or ancestor - Totem. The Bru are a patriarchal society where the oldest man enjoys a higher status than other younger counterparts. When the oldest man dies, all power and prosperity will be given to the eldest son while daughters enjoy only a few or no prosperity. The relationship among people living in the same mu and vil are still close to each other. They often help, share the responsibility, ups and downs. Majority of the Bru live in relatively separated villages which located on hills, halfway up the mountain or along rivers (excluding areas where people resided long ago). Houses are usually constructed along rivers and streams. They are also arranged in oval or circular shape. Houses in the same village are arranged in certain order. The Bru live in rattan or palm leaves- roofed stilt house. In some areas, Van Kieu group had their house constructed with round roof. Economic condition decides how big or small Bru's house is. However, each house has two doors. Accordingly, Female and male enter two separated doors. The interior arrangement follow certain rule.
Each year, the Bru has two rice seasons. Besides, the Bru generally depend on agriculture. They raise cattles (buffalo and cow), grow industrial trees and short-term fruit tree. Having a close connection with agricultural economy, the Bru worship Rice God (sro God), celebrate offering ceremonies on the occasion of land preparation, drilling, rice threshing or post harvest. Besides, the Bru worship ancestors (grandparents, parents and people from 16 years of age upwards). Each family has a separated altar (called t’ nông chel). In addition to small altar (dong sok ku mui) placed in high, quite and remote areas. As each mu used to be a totemism unit, totemism still can be found in the Bru's religion. Their diverse folk art is shown through instruments, folk singing, stories, etc.
The Bru's costume is affected by Vietnamese and Laos. The Bru- Van Kieu follow one wife - one husband marriage. There are many sophisticated rituals which show purchase element and the remaining of forced marriage.
Regards to funeral, coffin are made from tree bark or knitted from bamboo. In some areas, coffins are made from a log. The Bru does not have reburial ritual. People who pass away at the age of under 16 or suffer from sudden death are not buried in accordance with the above custom.