A Non La made by you feels personal. In Ho Chi Minh City, this class mixes Dong Ho painting guidance with a hands-on design session that ends with you wearing or gifting a hat you actually made.

I like that it walks you through both the art side and the practical side, so you are not just coloring blindly. I also really appreciate the studio vibe: you get a calm pace, live music while you wait, and a kind guide who supports your drawing. One thing to think about: this experience requires good weather, so plan for that if you’re visiting during a rain-heavy stretch.

You meet at B/S Art Studio in District 1, near Ben Thanh, and the whole experience is designed to fit into a half-day plan. The tour is private, so your group moves at your speed. If you’re expecting a fast, assembly-line craft, this is more of a guided art session where the details matter.

Key things to know before you go

• Dong Ho Dragon practice: you get step-by-step instruction in the style of B/S on your Non La using acrylic pens
• Guided art context: you learn the history and current status of Dong Ho paintings, plus what patterns and products mean
• Live piano and/or flute: music runs while the ink dries, so the wait feels part of the experience
• Tea and traditional cookies included: a small cultural break while you work
• Personal take-home: you leave with a fully personalized painted Non La, not just a sketch

Where B/S Art Studio fits into your Saigon day

This class starts at B/S Art Studio, 106 Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1. It’s the kind of central location that makes it easier to tack onto sightseeing without burning half your day in transit. You’ll also be near public transportation, which matters in Saigon where traffic can turn a short ride into a long ride.

The studio itself is set up for teaching, not just selling finished souvenirs. That’s a big difference. When the room is designed for making, the staff can slow down, show you what to do, and correct small mistakes before they become big ones. I find that comfort zone is what makes art classes in Vietnam so enjoyable: you feel guided, not rushed.

A private tour also changes the tone. Your group gets the guide’s attention, so if you draw slower or need a little extra help, you’re not stuck waiting for a larger crowd to catch up.

Learning Dong Ho paintings before you pick up the pen

Before you start the main decorating, you get a guided introduction to Dong Ho painting. The class includes both the history and the present-day status quo, so you understand what you’re drawing beyond the surface design.

Then comes the part that makes it feel like culture, not just craft: the studio guide explains the meaning of artworks, patterns, and even fashion products connected with this style. That matters because Non La design is not only about looking pretty. Patterns and motifs carry ideas, and when you know what the elements are aiming to express, your finished hat feels more intentional.

You should also expect a guided walkthrough of the studio. It’s not just a side note. The explanations are built into the flow, so you’re learning while you move from observation to hands-on work. If you enjoy small cultural context with your souvenir making, this is the right balance.

The Non La class: from Dong Ho Dragon to your finished design

The centerpiece is your own painted Non La, or palm-leaf conical hat. The guide teaches you how to draw the Dong Ho Dragon in the style of B/S on the hat itself, using acrylic pens provided for the session.

Here’s how that typically works in a well-run class like this:

1. The instructor shows what the line work should look like, and how to place the design so it fits the curve of the hat.
2. You copy the guide’s steps onto your Non La.
3. Then you add color once the ink stage is done and drying happens.

The key detail is that you’re not left alone with a blank hat. You’re working with instruction tailored to the shape and the style. That’s why the hat you take home looks like a real piece of art rather than a rough DIY project.

One practical point: the hat is palm-leaf, so you want to handle it gently. Don’t worry about being perfect. The whole point is that the guide helps you get it right in a casual, supportive way.

The live piano or flute moment (and why the timing matters)

While your ink dries, you listen to live piano and/or flute performances. This is one of those details that turns a standard waiting period into part of the fun.

It also affects how the class feels. You’re not staring at your hat wondering if you messed it up. You can relax, look around the studio, and let the process finish. If you like activities where time doesn’t feel like a countdown, you’ll appreciate this setup.

Light complimentary refreshments are included too, so you’re not trying to “perform art” on an empty stomach. Tea and traditional cookies give you a comfortable pause without turning the session into a full meal break.

What you’ll do with the rest of the day

The class lasts about 3 hours (approx.). The program is described as around 2.5 hours at the studio, and then your day is yours afterward. That structure is smart if you want to keep your sightseeing flexible.

After class, you can head straight to other District 1 stops, or you can slow down and enjoy a less scheduled afternoon. A half-day activity like this is useful because it pairs well with museum visits, markets, or just wandering around Saigon streets without the pressure of returning right away.

Also, you’ll receive a mobile ticket, and the tour is designed so the meeting and ending point are straightforward. You’re basically starting and finishing at the studio, which reduces the mental load of figuring out transport between multiple stops.

Tea, cookies, and a calm studio pace

The refreshments are simple, but they’re part of the cultural experience. The tea and traditional cookies don’t feel like an afterthought, because they line up with the quiet work phase when you’re waiting for the ink to dry.

And the vibe matters. From what I’ve seen with classes like this, the best moments are when you can concentrate on the technique while music plays nearby. A live piano or flute performance does that. It keeps the atmosphere light and creates a sense of ceremony around what you’re doing.

If you’re the type who gets anxious when you’re handed art supplies, this environment helps. I like that the guide supports your abilities and keeps things patient, so you feel comfortable taking your time with the lines and color.

What you take home: a personalized Non La you’ll actually use

The goal is simple: you leave with your very own personalized painted Non La. That’s the real value here. A hat like this is not just a souvenir you store in a drawer. You can use it for shade, for photos, or as a gift with a story attached.

More importantly, yours is personalized. You’re drawing the Dong Ho Dragon, learning the style, and coloring it in the end. Even if your first attempt isn’t perfect, it’s still uniquely yours because you made it step by step under guidance.

I also like the practical size of the prize. Compared to heavy or fragile keepsakes, a Non La is easy to transport and show off. It packs well and turns your bag into a walking memory.

Price and value: is $38 a fair deal?

At $38.00 per person, this class can feel like a bargain if you look at what’s included. You’re paying for more than a blank hat and a set of instructions. The experience includes:

• guidance on Dong Ho painting history and patterns
• step-by-step help drawing the Dong Ho Dragon in the style taught by B/S
• acrylic pens provided for the session
• studio visit and explanations of meaning in the art and related fashion products
• live piano and/or flute during the drying period
• complimentary tea and traditional cookies

For me, the value comes from the combo: cultural context plus guided technique plus a take-home item. If you only want the hat, you could buy one anywhere. But if you want the why behind the patterns and the satisfaction of finishing your own, that’s where the price makes sense.

Also, it’s a private tour/activity. Private attention usually costs more than group classes, so it’s worth checking whether that format fits your travel style. If you’re traveling with a small group or want a calmer pace, private is often the best kind of value.

Who this Non La painting class is best for

This works well for a wide range of travelers because most travelers can participate and the format is supportive. I’d point you toward it if you:

• want a hands-on activity that still feels cultural
• enjoy art classes but don’t want a high-pressure, technical workshop
• want a souvenir with real meaning (not just something purchased quickly)
• are in Saigon and want a half-day plan with a clear finish line

It can also be great for couples or friends who want something shared but different from typical city tours. The private format helps too, since you’re not stuck in a group where half the people finish quickly and the rest feel rushed.

One consideration: because it requires good weather, if you’re planning around rain, build in some flexibility. The class includes music and time for drying inside the studio, but the overall experience still depends on weather being suitable.

Should you book this class?

I’d book it if you want a hands-on Saigon moment that ends with something you made yourself. The best reasons are practical: you get guided Dong Ho instruction, live music during the process, included tea and cookies, and you leave with a personalized Non La.

Skip it only if you’re hoping for a quick photo-op workshop with zero instruction, or if you’re traveling when weather is likely to make the experience hard to run. If your dates are flexible, though, this is the kind of class that turns a simple hat into a story you can carry home.

FAQ

How long does the Non La painting class take?

The experience runs about 3 hours (approx.). It’s described as around 2.5 hours in the studio, with the rest of your day free afterward.

Is this tour private?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

Where is the class meeting point?

You start at B/S Art Studio, 106 Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Do I get materials to paint on the Non La?

Yes. Acrylic pens are provided, and you’ll follow the guide’s instructions for drawing and coloring your design.

Is food or drink included?

Yes. You’ll have light complimentary refreshments, including tea and traditional cookies.

Is the experience weather dependent?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?

On average, it’s booked about 8 days in advance, so reserving around a week ahead is a safe rhythm.