A conical hat becomes your canvas in Saigon. At B/S Art Studio in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll learn Đông Hồ painting ideas and turn a palm-leaf Non La into your own one-of-a-kind artwork with a guided, hands-on class. Expect hands-on drawing, painting, and a studio moment where you can slow down and focus.

I especially like how supportive the instruction feels. You’re guided step by step while learning how to draw a Đông Hồ Dragon in the B/S style on the hat, and the process is paced so you don’t feel rushed. I also like the way the session mixes art-making with meaning, so it’s not just coloring for souvenirs.

One possible drawback: the experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, your class may be rescheduled, so try not to plan this as your only art activity on the tightest day in your schedule.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Make your own personalized Non La to take home (palm-leaf conical hat painting)
• Learn the Đơng Hồ style from a guide, not just a quick demo
• Draw the Đông Hồ Dragon (B/S style) with provided acrylic pens
• Enjoy tea and traditional cookies while you wait for ink to dry
• Listen to live piano and/or flute during the waiting period
• Get a guided studio walkthrough explaining patterns, artworks, and even fashion products

Why this Non La workshop feels practical in Ho Chi Minh City

This is the kind of activity that’s easy to plan around because the payoff is clear: you leave with something you made. A lot of cultural workshops in big cities can feel like you watch first, then copy a template. Here, you’re creating the design directly on a real palm-leaf Non La, which is far more satisfying than a flat postcard-style project.

The other reason I like this format is the pairing of art and explanation. The Đông Hồ portion isn’t treated like a lecture you have to tolerate. You get context on the style’s history and how it fits into today’s culture, plus guidance on what the artwork, patterns, and fashion-related items are about.

Also, the studio timing is friendly. The class runs about 3 hours total, and you get the rest of your day free after you finish painting. That matters if you’re using Saigon as a day-by-day city plan, not an all-day museum marathon.

Where you’ll go: B/S Art Studio in District 1

You’ll meet at B/S Art Studio, 106 Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. This is in a central, easy-to-reach area, and the activity is described as near public transportation, which helps if you’re mixing it with other District 1 stops.

The studio is also described as easy to find. That sounds minor, but it’s a big deal in Ho Chi Minh City, where getting turned around can eat your energy. If you’re trying to keep your day smooth, choosing a workshop with a straightforward location is smart.

One more helpful detail: this is a private tour/activity, meaning it’s only your group. That gives you space to ask questions and go at a comfortable pace while you’re painting.

The class structure: about 2.5 hours of art, then you’re done

The painting portion is planned for about 2.5 hours, and then you’re free for the rest of the day. In other words, you’re not signing up for a half-day commitment that steals your sightseeing time.

The flow is also logical. You start with a guide-led introduction to Đông Hồ painting, then you move into drawing the main motif on the Non La, and finally you add color. In between, there’s a waiting period for ink to dry, and that’s when the studio adds comfort: refreshments plus live music.

If you like knowing what’s coming, you’ll appreciate that the class is broken into clear phases. You can show up ready, not guessing how the time will be used.

Đông Hồ painting context: history, status quo, and what to look for

Before you pick up a pen, you’ll learn about the history and status quo of Đơng Hồ paintings. Even if you’ve never seen Đơng Hồ work before, you’ll get a framework for the style instead of random decoration.

Why this matters in a hands-on workshop: it helps your design choices make sense. Instead of thinking, I’m copying a dragon because it’s cute, you’ll be able to connect the motif and pattern ideas to the broader cultural background the guide shares during the studio time.

You also get a later studio tour where patterns and designs are explained, along with the meaning behind artworks and fashion products. That’s useful because it ties your hat to the broader visual language of Đơng Hồ, not just to the steps you performed.

Drawing the Đông Hồ Dragon in B/S style on your Non La

This is the main creative moment, and it’s very specific. You’ll get detailed instructions for drawing the Đông Hồ Dragon in the B/S style directly on your Non La, using acrylic pens that are provided.

The helpful part is that you’re not left to interpret instructions on your own. The class includes step-by-step guidance for how to place the design and how to work with the hat’s shape. A conical hat isn’t a flat surface, so even small guidance on angle and line placement makes a big difference in how your final piece looks.

If you’re worried about artistic ability, don’t overthink it. This is an instructional class designed around the idea that you can learn the steps and apply them. The best part is that the process is structured, which makes it easier to stay calm while you’re drawing.

Practical tip: wear or bring something you don’t mind getting close to paint tools. Acrylic pens and art work tend to be easy, but you’ll be handling materials while your design is drying.

While the ink dries: tea, traditional cookies, and live piano/flute

One of the smartest design choices in this workshop is what they do during the wait. Instead of having you sit in silence, you’ll listen to live piano and/or flute performances while the ink dries.

That turns a “waiting” period into a real experience. It also keeps the session relaxed, so you’re not stressed about whether your design is still setting or whether you’re falling behind.

You’ll also get complimentary refreshments, including tea and traditional cookies. This is a small thing, but it supports the pace. You can take a breath, enjoy the music, and then move back into coloring.

Adding color: making the hat look finished, not half-done

After the initial lines, you’ll add color to the Non La. This is the stage where your hat shifts from drawing to a finished, personal object you’ll actually want to display or wear.

Because you’re painting on a palm-leaf hat, color application is part of the skill you’re learning. You’re not just choosing colors from a palette; you’re applying them in a way that works on the hat surface.

The class also includes context for patterns and motifs, and that helps your coloring decisions feel intentional. Even if you pick your own color choices, the guide’s explanations give you a sense of what the designs are communicating.

Practical tip for taking it home: plan to store the hat carefully after the class. Don’t crush it under a bag full of shopping. Think of it like a small artwork.

The guided studio tour: meanings behind artworks and fashion items

In addition to the painting class itself, you get a guided tour of the studio. This isn’t just a walk-through with a few facts. The guide explains the meaning of artworks, patterns, and fashion products connected to the art style.

That portion is valuable because it gives you something to talk about later. When someone asks, what is this style, you can explain that it connects to symbols and visual traditions, not just to a dragon drawing on a hat.

It also makes the workshop feel less like a one-off craft session and more like a window into how Đơng Hồ style shows up in real cultural products, including fashion-related items.

Timing and logistics that make planning easier

You’re looking at a 3-hour experience (approx.) with a mobile ticket. You’ll also receive confirmation at booking time, and the activity is scheduled to support a typical travel-day rhythm: class first, then you’re free.

Another planning point: this is described as something that’s often booked about 8 days in advance on average. If you’re traveling during a busier season or you have a very specific schedule, I’d try to lock it in earlier rather than later.

Also, it’s designed for most travelers to participate. The private format helps here. You can ask for help, slow down, or move at your pace while you paint.

Price and value: how $38 stacks up for what you make

At $38.00 per person, you’re paying for more than a craft. You’re paying for guided instruction, materials like acrylic pens, the guidance to draw a specific Đơng Hồ motif, and the studio experience (including explanations and live music).

The “value” here comes from the tangible result. You’re not leaving with a generic souvenir. You’re bringing home a personalized Non La you designed yourself, with Đông Hồ style influence and a motif you worked on directly.

This price point also fits a common Saigon planning problem: you want something cultural that won’t eat your whole day or drain your budget. A short, structured workshop is often the best compromise, and this one is built for that.

One more reassurance: the experience is rated 5 out of 5 across 7 reviews. That doesn’t automatically guarantee a perfect day, but it’s a strong sign that people consistently feel they got what they expected: instruction that works and cultural context that lands.

Who this workshop suits best

This fits best if you want a hands-on cultural experience that’s not locked behind a museum ticket or a long tour schedule. It’s also a good choice if you like making gifts or taking home something usable, not just something you photograph.

It’s especially suitable for:

• Couples or small groups who want a calm, guided activity
• People who enjoy learning about Vietnamese art styles through doing
• Travelers who want a memorable souvenir that looks like it has a story

If you hate art classes or you need nonstop sightseeing every hour, this may feel too slow. But if you’re curious about symbolism and want a process you can focus on, it’s a solid match.

Should you book the Paint & Personalize Non La class?

If you want an authentic Saigon moment that’s both creative and culturally grounded, I’d book it. The best reasons are practical: you get structured instruction for a specific design, provided materials, and a meaningful studio experience, plus a clear take-home result.

I’d only hesitate if your schedule is extremely tight on a single day with likely weather problems. Since the experience requires good weather, it’s safer to build it on a day where you can adjust if needed.

If you’re within reach of District 1 and you still have room for a 3-hour art session, this is one of those bookings that can pay off for years, because it’s a personal piece of Vietnamese culture you made yourself.

FAQ

How long is the Non La painting class?

It runs about 3 hours (approx.). The painting portion is around 2.5 hours, and the rest of your day is free afterward.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is this a private experience?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group will participate.

What materials are provided?

Acrylic pens are provided for drawing and coloring on your Non La.

What refreshments are included?

Tea and traditional cookies are included as complimentary refreshments during the session.

What if the weather is bad?

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

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