Conical Hat Workshop (Non La)

• A conical hat making workshop
• Free Wi-Fi internet
• Free parking on the premises
• A translator
• A friendly and knowledgeable teacher
• Price is for 2 people

Learn how to make your very own Non La, the traditional Vietnamese conical hat that is so iconic in this country. Discover the local materials of palm leaves, bark, and bamboo that are used to make the hat, and listen to a guided explanation of the history of this amazing ancient handicraft.

Uncover how the Non La is traditionally worn in Vietnam, and then have a go at making your own. Enjoy a step-by-step lesson with an expert teacher, and spend a relaxing afternoon working on your very own memento of Vietnam. Leave the workshop with your very own Non La to take home as a souvenir of your trip to Hanoi.

Itinerary

You will meet with Nguyen Thi Lien who comes from a village outside of Hanoi where Vietnamese conical hats or Non La are traditionally made. Nguyen Thi Lien has been making hats for over twenty years, so know that you are in the presence of an expert as you begin to make your own conical hat.

Your teacher will take you through the history of the Non La as well as explain the uses of the hat. It was typically worn by labourers to shield them from the hot sun, but you will also learn the many other uses of the conical hat during your visit here.

The Non La is made of local materials including palm leaves, bark from the indigenous Moc tree, and bamboo, and you get the chance to work with these as you make your own hat.

Your teacher will patiently help you to form your hat, and you can ask any questions along the way. Don’t worry if you think this form of handicraft is difficult, as you will have help at every step of the process.

The class will last for 3 hours so you will make a slightly smaller version of the traditional Non La, but if you want to make a larger version, then you can book this for an additional fee. This will take about 6-7 hours, but if you have the patience then, you will come away with a stunning version of a Vietnamese conical hat.

As the classes take place with locals, you will also get a flavour of Vietnamese hospitality as well as a glimpse of an ancient art in a modern setting in Hanoi. If you are interested in arts and crafts, then this is not to be missed, and you will also get to take home your very own hand-made souvenir of your time in Hanoi.

Meeting Point
Nguyen Thi Lien’s home

What to Bring

It is recommended that you bring water as it can get hot during the class

Departs
Monday - Sunday

Time
The session lasts for 3 hours and can be booked from 9 am to 2 pm

No cancellations and no refunds