The nón lá is an essential part of daily life for Vietnamese farmers. It protects them from the sun and rain while they work in the fields. Without it, they would struggle under the intense heat. It is not just a hat; it represents the hardworking and resilient nature of Vietnamese people.
For artisans, the nón lá is a beautiful craft that requires patience and skill. Each hat is handmade, using dried palm leaves carefully sewn together with silk thread. Some versions, like Huế’s nón bài thơ, even feature hidden poems or delicate paintings inside. It is both practical and artistic.