A Vietnamese non la shouldn’t stay plain. This class at B/S Art Studio turns it into your own piece of Saigon-style art, and I love that it’s straightforward to find in District 1. The other big win: you leave with your personalized hat, not just photos.

You’ll get a guided introduction to Dong Ho paintings, then step-by-step help drawing a Dong Ho Dragon pattern in the B/S style on a non la. One thing to keep in mind: the experience needs good weather, so if conditions are poor you may be moved to another date or refunded.

Key highlights worth your time

• Dong Ho lessons before you start painting so the patterns feel meaningful, not random
• Dong Ho Dragon drawing guidance in the B/S style, with acrylic pens provided
• Live piano and/or flute while ink dries so you’re not just waiting around
• Tea and traditional cookies included during the class
• A studio walk-through explaining artwork, patterns, and fashion-related products
• You take your finished non la home at the end of the session

Paint & Personalize a Vietnamese Non La: What You’re Actually Doing

This is a hands-on Vietnamese art class built around one satisfying goal: you paint your own palm-leaf conical hat. The non la isn’t treated like a souvenir you merely decorate. Instead, you learn the background for the look—especially the Dong Ho style—so you can make choices with intention.

The session runs about 3 hours. You’ll spend roughly 2.5 hours actively working on your non la, and then the rest of your day is free. That structure matters. You get enough time to finish something you’re genuinely proud of, and you don’t lock yourself into a full-day program when Saigon has plenty to do.

The class is private, meaning it’s just your party and the instructor. That’s a practical advantage: you can ask questions, move at your pace, and spend extra time on the parts you find tricky—like getting the lines clean on a curved surface.

Where the Class Happens: Finding B/S Art Studio Fast

The meeting point is B/S Art Studio, 106 Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City. In plain terms: you’re in a central area, so you’re not crossing the city just to paint a hat.

It’s also noted as near public transportation, which you’ll appreciate if you’re bouncing between museums, markets, and neighborhoods all day. Plus, the studio is described as easy to find, so you’re less likely to burn your creative time hunting for the right door.

You get a mobile ticket, so you’re not scrambling to print anything. That’s a small detail, but it makes a difference when you’re already carrying a day bag full of water, sunscreen, and accidental snacks.

Dong Ho Basics and the Dong Ho Dragon: Why the Teaching Comes First

One of the best parts of this experience is the order of events. You don’t start painting immediately. You begin with instruction about Dong Ho paintings—their history and their current place in Vietnamese art. Even if you’re not a “history person,” the context helps. You’ll understand what the patterns are doing and why they’re designed the way they are.

Then you move into a specific project: drawing the Dong Ho Dragon pattern in the B/S style directly on your non la. This is key. A lot of craft classes teach technique but skip the meaning. Here, the instructor gives you guidance so the dragon pattern is more than decoration.

The class also includes a guided tour of the studio, with explanation about the meaning of artworks, patterns, and fashion products. So you’re not only learning how to paint—you’re learning how Vietnamese makers think about design.

Step-by-Step Non La Painting (and How Not to Stress the Curves)

Your core task is to design your own non la using acrylic pens. The pens are provided, so you don’t show up worrying about supplies. More importantly, you’re guided on detailed drawing instructions, which matters because a conical hat is not a flat canvas.

Here’s what you can expect during the painting block:

• You’ll get instruction on how to draw your chosen Dong Ho Dragon elements in the B/S approach.
• You’ll follow along while the instructor shows how the lines and motifs should be placed.
• After you finish the linework, you’ll add color to your non la.

The curved surface can feel awkward at first, especially if you’re new to painting. But that’s exactly where the private format helps. If your lines are a little off, you can ask for direction rather than feeling rushed.

Also, you’ll notice you’re not painting for speed. The class is paced around drying time, which is where the music and snack break comes in.

The Best Waiting Moment: Live Piano/Flute + Tea and Cookies

Waiting for ink to dry is usually the least fun part of any craft class. Here, it’s turned into a small cultural moment.

While your non la is setting, you’ll listen to live music—piano and/or flute. That turns a quiet pause into atmosphere. You can relax your shoulders, check the shape of your pattern, and look at what’s happening around you in the studio.

Light refreshments are also included: tea and traditional cookies. This isn’t a full meal, but it’s enough to keep you comfortable while you finish the final steps and add color.

It’s a smart setup: you’re not just waiting. You’re being guided through a rhythm that matches the art process.

Studio Walk-Through: Patterns, Fashion, and What You’re Looking At

After your hands-on painting time, you’ll get a guided tour inside the studio. You’ll hear explanations about:

• the meaning of artworks and patterns
• how the studio thinks about design
• fashion products connected to the visual style

This part is valuable because it connects what you just made to what you’ll see across Vietnam. Dong Ho-inspired motifs often show up in different forms—printed designs, decorative items, and stylized products. If you understand the symbols and pattern logic, you spot them more easily later when you’re shopping or browsing galleries.

If you like photos, this tour is also a chance to photograph details responsibly—like patterns and materials—without turning the studio into a chaotic line of selfie-stick interruptions.

Timing That Works: 2.5 Hours to Create, Then a Free Saigon Afternoon

The experience lasts about 3 hours total. Roughly 2.5 hours are spent on the non la class itself, and then you’re done with your hat.

After that, the rest of your day is free. That’s great if you’re using Saigon as a “choose your own adventure” trip. You can plan a museum visit, a long meal, or just wandering time—without feeling like you’ve built your whole schedule around a craft class.

Also, because the class is private, the timing feels less like a factory line and more like a personal workshop. You’ll likely spend more time on decisions and corrections than you would in a larger group format.

Price and Value: Is $38 Worth It?

At $38.00 per person, this isn’t a bargain craft, and it’s not priced like a premium art retreat either. The value comes from what you actually get:

• a guided introduction to Dong Ho painting style and meaning
• step-by-step instructions for drawing a Dong Ho Dragon motif on your non la
• acrylic pens provided
• live music during the process
• complimentary tea and traditional cookies
• a finished, personalized non la you take home

If you’ve ever bought a ready-made non la for a lower price, you’ll feel the difference immediately. Buying is instant. Learning takes time, but the result feels personal. You’ll remember how the pattern fits your hat shape because you built it.

So for me, the real question is: do you want an experience where your hands create something with cultural context? If yes, $38 is a fair match.

Who This Non La Painting Class Suits (and Who Might Not)

This works best for people who:

• enjoy making things with a guided process
• want a cultural art connection, not just a craft souvenir
• like smaller, private settings where you can go at your pace
• appreciate quiet downtime with tea and live music

It might be less ideal if you want a long, multi-stop sightseeing day. This is a focused workshop. The payoff is your finished non la, plus the studio explanations. After the class, you’re free to explore on your own.

Also, because the experience is noted as needing good weather, it’s smart to keep a flexible mindset. If Saigon is hot and sunny, you’ll likely be fine, but if it’s rainy or otherwise unstable, the plan may shift.

Small Practical Tips Before You Go

These aren’t fancy. They just help you enjoy the process more:

• Wear something you don’t mind getting close to art supplies. Even with tools provided, you’re painting and handling materials.
• Bring water. The tea is included, but Saigon hydration is still a thing.
• Give yourself time to get to the studio without rushing. The class is most fun when your brain isn’t jogging to catch up.

And if you’re thinking, I’ve never drawn a dragon motif in my life, good. That’s the point of a guided class.

Should You Book This Non La Painting Class?

I’d book it if you want a short, skill-building cultural workshop in Ho Chi Minh City and you care about taking home something you actually made. The combination of Dong Ho context, step-by-step dragon drawing, and the relaxed pacing (with live piano/flute and refreshments) is what makes this worth your time.

I’d skip it if you’re not interested in hands-on instruction or you’re only looking for a quick souvenir. This is a workshop experience first, shopping stop second.

If you’re traveling with a curiosity for Vietnamese design and you want a calm, creative afternoon in District 1, this class is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long does the Non La painting class take?

The experience runs about 3 hours.

Is this a private tour or a shared class?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

Where is the meeting point in Ho Chi Minh City?

You meet at B/S Art Studio, 106 Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam.

Do I get to take my own painted non la home?

Yes. You depart with your personalized painted non la.

What will I learn about during the class?

You’ll learn about the history and current status of Dong Ho paintings and the meaning behind artworks, patterns, and fashion products.

Do I need to bring art supplies?

No. Acrylic pens are provided for the drawing and painting.

Is there food or drink included?

Yes. Complimentary tea and traditional cookies are served.

Is there live music during the activity?

Yes. You’ll listen to live piano and/or flute performances while waiting for ink to dry.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.