Conical Hat (Nón Lá): Vietnam's Iconic Traditional Hat

The conical hat or "nón lá" in Vietnamese, is truly one of the emblems of Vietnam. An essential accessory for Vietnamese peasants to protect themselves from the sun and rain while working in the rice paddies, the conical hat is as old as Vietnamese civilization itself. Discover all the secrets of this iconic conical hat, an inseparable element of Vietnamese culture that has experienced a resurgence in recent years.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Tour guide)Updated on 09-08-2025

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Table of contents

1. History and Origins of the Conical Hat Vietnam (Nón Lá)
Ancient Roots of the Conical Hat Vietnam
Dynastic Development of the Vietnamese Conical Hat
Legends and Myths around the Vietnamese Conical Hat
2. The Difference of Nón Lá in Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam
Nón Lá in Northern Vietnam
Nón Lá in Central Vietnam
Nón Lá in Southern Vietnam
3. Types of Conical Hats in Vietnam Through the Ages
4. The use of conical hats in the daily life of Vietnamese people
5. How a Vietnamese Conical Hat is Made?
6. Non La Craft Villages to Visit
6.1 Chuong Village, the Oldest Conical Hat Manufacturing Village in Northern Vietnam
6.2 Phú Cam Village, the Heart of Poem Hats in Hue
6.3 Phú Gia Village, Durable "Horse Hats" in Bình Định
6.4 Thới Tân Village, Conical Hats for Market and Field Use in Cần Thơ
7. Where to buy a conical hat in Vietnam?

1. History and Origins of the Conical Hat Vietnam (Nón Lá)

The Vietnamese conical hat (nón lá), often called the leaf hat, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Vietnam’s cultural heritage. Traditionally crafted from latan palm leaves and bamboo, the nón lá has been worn for thousands of years as a lightweight shield against the tropical sun and monsoon rains.

Ancient Roots of the Conical Hat Vietnam

Archaeological evidence from the Vietnam National Museum of History shows carvings of figures wearing conical hats on the Ngọc Lũ bronze drum and Đào Thịnh jar, dating back over 2,500 years to the Bronze Age. These artifacts suggest that the early form of nón lá was linked to rain-invoking ceremonies aimed at ensuring good harvests.

Dynastic Development of the Vietnamese Conical Hat

The nón lá evolved over centuries. In the 13th-century Trần Dynasty, the nón ba tầm (a large, flat-brimmed hat) was popular, especially among women in northern Vietnam.
By the early 20th century, the lighter and more pointed nón lá had spread across Vietnam, replacing heavier styles for daily use. The Nguyễn Dynasty even used ceremonial nón lá, often lacquered and inlaid with metal for royal and military use.

*Vietnamese women wear conical hats at work*

Legends and Myths around the Vietnamese Conical Hat

The Rain Goddess: A legend says a giant goddess wearing a vast leaf hat shielded villagers from torrential rains, teaching them rice cultivation before vanishing and inspiring locals to recreate her hat in miniature.
Saint Gióng: According to Vietnamese folklore, the hero Saint Gióng wore an iron conical helmet and rode an iron horse to repel northern invaders, reinforcing the hat’s symbolic connection to protection and heroism.

2. The Difference of Nón Lá in Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam

Nón Lá in Northern Vietnam

Materials: Typically made from latan palm leaves, bamboo, and cọ tree leaves, making the hat sturdy and durable in harsh weather.
Design: The nón ba tầm, a large, flat-brimmed hat (60–70 cm diameter), is the most iconic in the North, providing significant protection from sun and rain.
Cultural significance: The nón lá in the North symbolizes elegance and grace, often appearing in literature and art as a symbol of femininity.

*The image of conical hats in the North is always associated with farmers.*

Nón Lá in Central Vietnam

Materials: In Hue, the nón lá is crafted from softer, thinner palm leaves, giving it a lightweight and refined appearance.
Design: The nón bài thơ (poem hat) is famous in Hue, with hidden poems inside the leaves, symbolizing literary tradition and imperial culture.
Cultural significance: The nón bài thơ represents sophistication and intellectualism, commonly worn in ceremonial settings and paired with ao dai.

*Non la in Hue is considered to have the most diverse materials.*

Nón Lá in Southern Vietnam

Materials: Made from mật cật leaves, these hats are lightweight and breathable, ideal for the hot, humid climate of the Mekong Delta.
Design: Southern nón lá is typically smaller and lighter, designed for practical daily use in agriculture and markets.
Cultural significance: In the South, the nón lá is a symbol of the agricultural lifestyle, worn by farmers, fishermen, and market vendors, and is a popular souvenir for tourists.

*Conical hat, honoring the beauty of Vietnamese women*

3. Types of Conical Hats in Vietnam Through the Ages

The Vietnamese conical hat (nón lá Vietnam) has taken many forms throughout history, reflecting Vietnam’s cultural evolution.

In the 13th century Trần Dynasty, the nón ba tầm emerged as a very large, flat-brimmed hat measuring 60–70 cm in diameter, similar to the lid of a round box. Worn primarily by North Vietnamese women, it was often depicted in sketches by early scholars like Pierra Huard, a professor of medicine in Hanoi, and Maurice Durand, director of the French School of the Far East.

By the 1930s, the more practical and lighter nón lá became widespread throughout Vietnam, pushing the nón ba tầm into historical obscurity and relegating it to a cultural relic.

An inseparable part of Vietnamese culture, the conical hat appears in many popular verses, tales, and myths that recount the founding of the Vietnamese nation. One myth tells of the Saint Gióng, a boy who suddenly grew into a giant, riding an iron horse with armor and an iron conical helmet to repel northern invaders.

In spiritual life, the worship of the goddess Tho Mai, celebrated in temples with altars crowned by multicolored conical hats, symbolizes blessings for farmers, linking the hat to fertility and agricultural prosperity.

Historically, the nón lá was not exclusive to women. In fact, even Emperor Khải Định wore a ceremonial nón lá, which was lacquered and inlaid with metal pieces, blending its traditional utility with royal and military significance.

*King Khai Dinh favored conical hats as part of his fashion.*

4. The use of conical hats in the daily life of Vietnamese people

Everyday utility: The nón lá Vietnam is widely used by Vietnamese peasants as a practical shield against both the sun and rain, particularly in rice fields. Additionally, the nón lá serves as a fan, basket cover, or even a water carrier.
Protective and aesthetic: The nón lá is predominantly worn by women, who use it to protect their skin from tanning. In Vietnam and Asia, white skin is often seen as an aesthetic ideal.
Fashion accessory: In urban areas, the nón lá has evolved into a popular fashion accessory, often paired with the traditional áo dài, a symbol of Vietnamese elegance. Explore more about áo dài

*Peasant women wear conical hats to protect themselves from the sun. Photo Petitefolie72*

Cultural significance: The nón lá holds deep cultural meaning, appearing in Vietnamese folklore, folk dances like Múa Nón Lá, and songs that tell stories of Vietnamese heritage.
Fun fact: The nón lá is often compared to a woman’s beauty in Vietnamese love songs, symbolizing both grace and delicacy.
Decorative use: The Vietnamese conical hat has also become a popular decorative item. It is commonly used as wall art, lampshades, or as a display item for serving food in restaurants.

5. How a Vietnamese Conical Hat is Made?

Though it appears simple, each nón lá is a product of careful craftsmanship. Below is step-by-step to make nón lá.

Select leaves: Young palm leaves dried under the sun, then pressed flat.
Make bamboo rings: 12–16 rings of decreasing size form the skeleton.
Arrange on a wooden mold: Rings fixed to create the cone shape.
Layer leaves: 2–3 layers for strength; Huế poem hats include a decorative layer inside.

*Manufacture of the conical hat from latanier leaves*

Hand-stitch: Fine, even stitches along each bamboo ring.
Trim and finish: Smooth, balanced edges.
Waterproof: Coated with resin or oil to protect from rain and mold.
Add chin strap: Often silk or cloth, sometimes brightly colored.

⏱ Time required: 3–4 hours by an experienced artisan.

6. Non La Craft Villages to Visit

*The conical hat market of the artisan village of Chuong, in the north of the country*

6.1 Chuong Village, the Oldest Conical Hat Manufacturing Village in Northern Vietnam

For over 300 years, Chuong Village, located 40 km from Hanoi, has been producing pale-leaf hats. Visitors can watch local artisans work with latan palm leaves to create these iconic hats.

6.2 Phú Cam Village, the Heart of Poem Hats in Hue

Phú Cam Village in Hue is known for its poem hats (nón bài thơ), where artisans insert poems between the leaves. These hats symbolize the rich poetic tradition of Hue, and visitors can combine the trip with a visit to Dong Ba Market.

6.3 Phú Gia Village, Durable "Horse Hats" in Bình Định

Known for its durable "horse hats", Phú Gia Village in Bình Định produces hats designed for use by farmers and horse riders. These hats are especially sturdy and are perfect for outdoor work. A day trip from Quy Nhơn is recommended to explore this village.

6.4 Thới Tân Village, Conical Hats for Market and Field Use in Cần Thơ

Located in Cần Thơ, Thới Tân Village makes two types of conical hats: market-use hats and field-use hats. The field-use hats are thicker, ideal for farming, while the market-use hats are more decorative. Pair a visit with a trip to the famous floating markets.

Village	Location	Specialty	Visitor tip
Chuong village	40 km from Hanoi	Pale-leaf hats, bustling lunar market days (4, 10, 14…)	Visit early morning for best atmosphere
Phu Cam	Hue	Poem hats (nón bài thơ)	Combine with Dong Ba Market
Phu Gia	Binh Dinh	Durable “horse hats”	Day trip from Quy Nhơn
Thoi Tan	Can Tho	Market-use vs field-use hats	Pair with floating market visit

7. Where to buy a conical hat in Vietnam?

A true emblem of the country, the conical hat is one of the most popular souvenirs that travelers like to bring back from their travels. You will find them for sale almost everywhere in Vietnam, especially in tourist cities. But if you want to buy a quality product made by artisans, it is better to go to the aforementioned Chuong village and the villages specialized in non la manufacturing around Hue.

The small country markets are also a good place to buy a traditional conical hat. When buying your tapered hat, make sure it has at least three layers of latanier and tight seams to make it sturdier.

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