1. What Is The Traditional Hat in Vietnam?

The traditional hat in Vietnam, known as the “Non La,” is a cone-shaped hat made mainly from palm leaves, latanier leaves, or bamboo leaves. Its frame is crafted from thin bamboo or rattan, creating a light and durable structure. Each hat includes around 16 to 20 bamboo rings, all hand-stitched with great care and precision.

It usually takes 4 - 8 hours to complete one Non La, depending on the detail and craftsmanship. The hat is used to shield from the sun and rain, and it’s easy to carry. Vietnamese women often wear it with the traditional ao dai or during daily activities. You can see the Non La everywhere, from countryside fields to city streets, and even at cultural festivals and fashion shows.

Non La is handwoven, mainly using palm leaves and bamboo slats (Source: Canva)

Each layer of leaf is stacked on top of the other and tightly secured with nylon thread onto a conical bamboo frame (Source: Pexels)

2. Origins And History of Non La

The Non La appeared in the 13th century during the Tran Dynasty. Due to Vietnam’s hot and rainy tropical climate, people created this hat. Earlier versions of the conical hat can be seen on the Ngoc Lu bronze drum and Dao Thinh bronze jar, dating back 2500 - 3000 years ago. Over time, the Non La evolved through many historical periods. This design is lightweight, practical, and elegant, making it both functional and beautiful for daily use.

Non La has existed in Vietnam for a very long time, and almost everyone owns one

3. Cultural Symbolism of The Traditional Vietnamese Hat

Though not expensive, its simple and rustic beauty reflects the soul of the Vietnamese people. For farmers, the Non La is an essential tool used daily to shield them from the sun and rain. It is also used by women when going to the market, or as a hand fan to create a breeze during rest breaks in the fields. When worn with the graceful ao dai, it highlights the gentle and modest charm of Vietnamese women.

Beyond its daily use, the Non La is a meaningful souvenir. Many visitors buy it as a special gift for loved ones or as a keepsake from Vietnam. It also holds deep meaning, appearing in poetry, music, and art, and living on through generations as a symbol of Vietnamese identity. Today, it continues to be featured in folk dances, traditional fashion shows, and cultural festivals at home and abroad.

Non La symbolizes simplicity and serves as protection from the sun and rain for hardworking farmers (Source: Pexels)

Foreign tourists often buy conical hats as souvenirs when visiting Vietnam (Source: Pexels)

4. Types of Traditional Vietnamese Hats

There are many types of traditional Vietnamese hats, each with its own style, purpose, and regional origin. Below are some of the most well-known variations of the Non La:

• Poem hat (Hue): Thin and light, with hidden poems or scenic images placed between the layers of leaves.
• Horse hat (Quang Binh, Thanh Hoa): Strong and compact, designed for people who ride horses.
• Ba tam hat (Northern Vietnam): Wide and round, once used in royal courts and traditional festivals.
• Quai thao hat: Often worn with the four-panel traditional dress (ao tu than) during folk performances.
• Traditional conical hat: The most common type, used in daily life across rural Vietnam.

The poem hat reveals a poem or decorative image when held up to the light, cleverly crafted between its two layers of leaves

In the past, the horse hat was mainly used by kings and officials while riding on horseback (Source: Canva)

The Ba Tam hat has a shape similar to an umbrella or mushroom cap, with a flat top and wide brim (Source: Pexels)

The quai thao hat is often associated with the image of Quan Ho folk singers from Bac Ninh, featuring prominent silk chin straps

The traditional conical hat is the most commonly used in Vietnam today due to its durability and light weight (Source: Pexels)

5. Where to See And Buy Traditional Hats in Vietnam

You can visit many traditional craft villages in Vietnam to see how the Non La is made by hand:

• Chuong Village (Hanoi): famous for northern-style traditional conical hats.
• Phu Da Villages (Binh Dinh) and Da Le Villages (Hue): well-known for making the poetic “non bai tho.”
• Dong Di (Nghe An), Go Gang (Binh Dinh), Tay Ninh, Dong Thap: other regions known for hat-making traditions.

You can also find Non La easily at traditional markets, tourist areas, and museums as meaningful souvenirs. Handmade hat shops, exhibitions, ao dai fashion shows, and even street vendors, especially in Hoi An, Hue, and Hanoi, are great places to explore and buy one.

Phu Gia horse hat craft village was inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2024 (Source: Pexels)

6. Fun Facts about The Vietnamese Conical Hat

The Vietnamese conical hat is not only a cultural icon but also full of interesting and fun facts. Here are some highlights that make the Non La even more special:

• Hue’s poem conical hat: When held up to the light, hidden images or verses appear, creating a beautiful surprise.
• On the runway: The Non La has been featured in international fashion shows, often paired with modern ao dai designs.
• Trendy designs: New versions come in bright colors and trendy fabrics, becoming a hit among younger generations.
• Souvenir favorite: It’s a must-buy item for international tourists visiting Vietnam.
• Many sizes available: Mini versions are perfect for travel, easy to pack and carry on flights.

The conical hat is also stylized with intricate hand-embroidered details, adding a unique touch to this traditional Vietnamese item

The traditional hat in Vietnam is not only a practical item for sun and rain protection, but also a symbol of Vietnamese culture, art, and spirit. If you ever visit Vietnam, don’t miss the chance to wear a Non La and experience the charm of tradition from a truly local perspective.

For more travel inspiration and flight details to Vietnam, explore Travel Guide Vietnam Airlines.