The Vietnamese non lá (conical hat) serves more than just a practical purpose as protection from the sun and rain. It embodies an essential part of Vietnamese cultural heritage . For international travelers, especially European visitors with a passion for local cultures, this hat represents not only an authentic souvenir , but also the understated elegance and grace of Vietnamese women. In this article, discover the history, materials, and steps involved in making non lá – an experience you can experience firsthand in Vietnam's traditional artisan villages.
Quick summary
Origin and history of the Vietnamese conical hat
Present in the daily life of the Vietnamese for millennia, the conical hat appears in many ancient representations. On the famous Đông Sơn bronze drums, over 2,000 years old, we can already see figures wearing nón lá hats, with a wide circular brim and a pointed top.
Throughout the Vietnamese dynasties, from Trần to Nguyễn, the hat has become part of all social classes: women, soldiers, students, and peasants. Even today, villages like Chuông (near Hanoi) perpetuate this craft. Visitors are invited to observe or even participate in the making of the hat , a captivating immersion in Vietnamese culture.
The Vietnamese Conical Hat
The materials used to make a nón lá
The making of a nón lá uses entirely natural materials, carefully chosen:
- Latanier leaves : harvested in the mountains, dried in the dew and sun, then flattened with a hot iron to preserve their whiteness and flexibility.
- Bamboo or rattan : used to create the frame of the hat, formed from successive circles.
- Cotton or nylon thread : White thread is used to sew the leaves, while red thread or thicker thread is used to hold the circles.
- Bamboo strips (guột) : ensure the roundness and stability of the hat.
- Fabric (velvet, silk, wool) : for the strap (platform not included), both practical and aesthetic.
How to Make a Vietnamese Conical Hat – Detailed Steps
If you enjoy crafts, making non lá in a traditional village is a unique and memorable experience. Here are the main steps:
Step 1: Creating the mold (khuôn)
A conical mold is first made from thin bamboo sticks, fixed on a bamboo circle with a diameter of about 45 to 50 cm. The top is tied with a string to form the tip of the hat.
Creation of the mold (khuôn)
Step 2: Building the Circles
Sixteen rings of decreasing size are made from thin strips of bamboo. These circles are fixed to the mold to form the frame of the hat.
Construction of circles
Step 3: Preparation and installation of the sheets
The flattened leaves are carefully arranged in layers on the mold. This step requires precision and a sense of aesthetics to ensure even coverage.
Step 4: Sewing the hat
Using a fine needle and white nylon thread, the leaves are sewn to the circles. The regularity of the stitches is essential for the hat's strength and beauty. You can try this step with the help of a local craftsman.
Step 5: Reinforcing the border
The bottom edge is reinforced with a thin strip of bamboo, sewn all around to give the hat its final shape and durability.
Step 6: Adding the strap and decoration
The strap, made of silk or colored velvet, is attached to either side of the hat. Some designs include embroidered poems, traditional designs, or even dried flowers inserted between the layers of leaves.
Adding the strap and decoration
Step 7: Finishing and varnishing
Finally, a layer of natural oil is applied to waterproof the hat and give it an elegant shine. The end result is a lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing hat—a typical and precious gift to take home.
Conclusion
The Vietnamese non la is much more than a utilitarian object: it is a reflection of Vietnam's craftsmanship, natural beauty, and cultural identity. For European travelers, participating in the creation of a conical hat, in a traditional setting, is an immersive and unforgettable experience .
During your stay in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi, Hue, or Binh Dinh, don't hesitate to visit a village of non la artisans. There, you'll discover an ancestral art, passed down from generation to generation, and experience a rare moment in the heart of the Vietnamese soul.
