Photos of women wearing ‘non la,’ Vietnam’s traditional conical hat, taken by 17 female photographers from a club run by the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA) are on display at the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association (HOPA) headquarters in District 1.

The exhibition, which features 74 stunning photos, is aptly named 'Non La in Life' and will be open to visitors at 122 Suong Nguyet Anh Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City until August 16.

Despite the obstacles of health, age, and family responsibilities, the 17 female photographers still manage to find time to travel throughout the country in search of creative inspiration. 

The fruits of these efforts have earned them several awards in national and international photography competitions.

The Vietnamese traditional ‘non la’ hat is woven with different types of readily available materials, such as palm leaves, tree bark, bamboo, and, mainly, conical leaves.

It is used to cover the head and shield the face from the sun and rain.

Photographer Hoang Thach Van, a VAPA member, said that he expects the ongoing exhibition to help promote the Vietnamese traditional headwear.

Below are several selected photos on display at the exhibition:

Women wearing ‘non la’ await a fishing boat returning to port in this photo on display at the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association (HOPA) headquarters.

Women wearing ‘non la’ collect red onions in this photo on display at the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association (HOPA) headquarters.

Women wearing ‘non la’ prepare a fishing net in this photo on display at the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association (HOPA) headquarters.

Women wearing ‘non la’ collect salt in this photo on display at the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association (HOPA) headquarters.

Women wearing ‘non la’ hold a bamboo stick over their shoulders while carrying two baskets of vases in this photo on display at the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association (HOPA) headquarters.

Women wearing ‘non la’ ride bicycles in Hoi An Ancient Town in Quang Nam Province in this photo on display at the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association (HOPA) headquarters.

The exhibition’s featured photographers pose at the opening ceremony of the ‘Non La in Life’ display at the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association (HOPA) headquarters, August 6, 2022. Photo: Huynh Vy / Tuoi Tre

Visitors admire a photo of ‘non la’ on display at the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association (HOPA) headquarters. Photo: Huynh Vy / Tuoi Tre

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Bao Anh - Huynh Vy / Tuoi Tre News