A couple from the Ruc ethnic minority group who have lived in a cave for generations decided to abandon their government-built homes and return to their old domiciles because they found it easier to find food there.
Inside of one cave
The couple, Cao Thi Lai and Cao Thang, lived in a home along with their four children On Village, Minh Hoa District, Quang Binh Province. But they decided to leave the housing because transition to life there was too difficult.
They said that their life in the cave was easier in many ways. It was cooler in the summer and provided shelter against the rain, they said, adding that food was readily available in surrounding areas.
There are other effects of the move, however. Two of the children, aged 10 and 12, no longer attend regular classes. Their two younger children may not have the privilege of schooling.
They have already lost one child from malnutrition and the youngest suffer from the same problem.
The Ruc people have been part of an integration programme in place since 1959, but many have returned to their old lifestyles, mainly because of war, poverty and disease. Also, many of them prefer nature to modern cities.
Simple meals
Youngest plagued by sickness and malnourishment
Children playing
Preparing a meal
The cave at nighttime
Border guards urge return to village