A Non La painting class in Saigon.

This private session at B/S Art Studio turns a traditional palm-leaf hat into a personal artwork, with Dong Ho context from your guide and step-by-step help for your own Non La. I like that it is both cultural and hands-on, and you get a clear path to finish a hat you will actually want to bring home.

One thing to plan around: the experience requires good weather.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private, just your group: You can take your time without feeling rushed.
• Dong Ho teaching first: You learn the history and current status of Dong Ho paintings before you start drawing.
• Dong Ho Dragon guide-style: Instructions focus on drawing the Dong Ho Dragon in the B/S approach on the Non La.
• Live piano or flute: Music plays while you wait for ink to dry.
• Tea and traditional cookies included: Small refreshments keep the session comfortable.
• You leave with your own hat: The finished, personalized Non La is yours to take home.

Where B/S Art Studio Works in Your Ho Chi Minh City Day

If you want a cultural activity that does not swallow your whole day, this is a smart fit. The main studio time runs about 2.5 hours, and the total experience is listed at roughly 3 hours, so you can still use the rest of the day for wandering Quận 1 or eating your way through town.

The studio is at 106 Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, which is a very practical address for sightseeing. It also is described as easy to find, and it is near public transportation, so you should not need a complicated plan to get there.

One more practical bonus: the tour is private. That matters in art classes, because you can ask questions, slow down for accuracy, and still end up with something you are proud of.

Dong Ho Painting Background, Without Making It a Lecture

This class starts with the “why” before the “how.” You will learn about the history and status quo of Dong Ho paintings from your guide. The goal is not to overwhelm you with art theory. It is to give you a workable framework so your patterns and choices make sense while you draw.

You also get a guided tour of the studio, with explanations of the meaning of the artworks, patterns, and even fashion products. That last part is worth your attention. It helps you see that this is not only about hanging pictures on a wall. The motifs and design logic show up in practical items too, which makes the whole style feel more connected to daily Vietnamese life.

The vibe here, based on how the hosts described the experience, is patient and supportive. You should feel comfortable asking for clarification, especially when you are translating a traditional motif into your own version on a hat.

The Non La Part: From Dong Ho Dragon Draft to Finished Color

The heart of the experience is designing your own palm-leaf conical hat, the Non La. You will get detailed instructions on drawing the Dong Ho Dragon in the style taught by B/S, using acrylic pens provided by the studio.

Here is what makes the process feel doable instead of intimidating:

• You are guided through the steps, so you are not staring at a blank hat wondering what “artistic” is supposed to look like.
• You add color after the drawing stage, which usually helps you see progress in a clear sequence.
• You get time to work at a comfortable pace because it is private.

While you draw, there is a built-in rhythm. You listen to live piano and/or flute performances while waiting for the ink to dry. That timing detail is more important than it sounds, because it reduces dead time. Instead of watching paint dry while counting minutes, you are relaxed and entertained.

When the ink is ready, you move on to coloring. The class is structured so your final Non La comes together while you are still in the teaching mindset. You do not just get a lesson and then figure out the rest alone.

What the Studio Tour Adds to the Hat You Take Home

Many souvenir crafts just end when you finish. This one adds meaning. During the guided studio tour, you get explanations of the meaning behind artworks, patterns, and fashion items connected to the style.

For you, that matters because it changes what you are bringing home. The hat becomes more than a cute photo prop. It becomes something you can explain, at least in a simple way, because you were shown what the motifs are trying to communicate.

Also, you depart with your personalized painted Non La. That is the tangible payoff, and it is the kind of craft you will use in your decor or give as a gift without worrying it will look unfinished.

Live Piano or Flute, Plus the Wait Time Strategy

This is one of the nicest touches. While you are waiting for the ink to dry, the studio plays live piano and/or flute. That gives the class a calm, almost ceremonial pacing.

Why that works for practical travelers:

• You do not feel rushed between steps.
• You can settle into the process, which helps a lot when you are doing a design with multiple stages.
• The music fills the quiet moments, so the session feels longer in the best way, even though the total time is only around 3 hours.

If you enjoy small atmospherics, this is a reason to choose this class over a quick paint-by-number workshop.

Tea, Traditional Cookies, and the Comfort Factor

You will be served light complimentary refreshments during the session, including tea and traditional cookies.

This matters because art classes can get hands-on fast. Having a simple tea break keeps energy steady. It also makes the studio feel more like a hosted experience instead of a transaction where you quickly create, then leave.

You do not need to plan around meals in a major way. The refreshments are light, so you should still plan for your regular lunch or dinner outside the class, but the tea and cookie stop helps you avoid the low-energy feeling that can ruin focus.

Time Plan: About 2.5 Hours of Crafting, Then Your Day Opens Up

This is designed as a short, satisfying cultural block. You can think of it as:

• Main guided painting time for roughly 2.5 hours
• A total activity window of about 3 hours
• The rest of your day is free after you finish

That structure is ideal if you are trying to balance Saigon’s busy energy with something quieter. It also works well if you are doing other Quận 1 activities before or after, since the studio is central and easy to reach.

It helps that the class is private. You can slow down if you want a careful finish, or speed up if you are confident and just want to get to coloring.

Price and Value: Why $38 Can Make Sense Here

The price is $38.00 per person for a 3-hour, private art class, and the value is tied to what you actually get, not just the duration.

Here is the value logic:

• You get instruction on Dong Ho painting background, not only a craft step.
• You get a guided process for drawing a specific motif, Dong Ho Dragon, in the B/S style on a Non La.
• Acrylic pens are provided.
• Live piano or flute and light complimentary refreshments are included.
• You take home the finished Non La.

Compared to many “pay for a souvenir” workshops, this one includes both teaching and a full making process, plus a final product that is yours to keep. If you are the kind of traveler who likes to make something small but meaningful, this is a cost that usually feels justified.

One booking note: the experience is described as commonly booked about 8 days in advance on average. If your trip dates are fixed, I would not wait until the last minute.

Who This Non La Class Suits Best

This activity is a good match if you want:

• A hands-on art experience without needing advanced drawing skills
• Cultural context alongside the craft, especially with Dong Ho painting explanations
• A private, paced session where someone helps you through each step
• A take-home item that is traditional and personal

It also suits travelers who enjoy music and calm studio breaks. Live piano or flute is not something every craft class includes.

On the other hand, if you only have a tight schedule and cannot spare about 3 hours, you might find the time commitment heavier than you want. And because it requires good weather, it is smart to have flexibility in your day.

Should You Book This Non La Painting Workshop?

Yes, I think you should book it if you want a practical souvenir with real cultural context, and you like the idea of a guided, private art class instead of a rushed group workshop. The strongest reasons are the clear instruction process for the Dong Ho Dragon, the supportive hosting style, and the fact that you leave with a personalized Non La hat you can use or gift.

I would skip it only if your schedule is extremely rigid or you know weather reliability is low during your planned time window. Otherwise, this is the kind of experience that adds personality to your Saigon trip without taking over the whole day.

FAQ

How long does the Non La painting experience take?

It runs for about 3 hours (approx.). The painting session is described as around 2.5 hours, with the rest of the day free afterward.

Do I get to keep the Non La I paint?

Yes. You depart the studio with your own personalized painted Non La.

Is this a private tour or shared group?

It is a private tour or activity. Only your group participates.

What do I learn during the class?

You learn about the history and status quo of Dong Ho paintings, and you get explanations of the meaning of artworks, patterns, and fashion products at the studio.

Are materials provided for drawing and coloring?

Acrylic pens are provided, and you add color to your Non La during the class.

Is there entertainment while I wait during the process?

Yes. There is live piano and/or flute while you wait for the ink to dry.

What refreshments are included?

Light complimentary refreshments are included, including tea and traditional cookies.

Is there a weather requirement or cancellation option?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.