Introduction to the Traditional Conical Hat Village in Chuong Village, Thanh Oai

Nestled in the ancient cultural space of Phuong Trung Commune, Thanh Oai, Hanoi, our conical hat village is not just a place for hat production but also the heart and soul of an ancient Vietnamese village. Every year, tens of thousands of hats are crafted by the skilled hands of local artisans, carrying the unique cultural imprint of Vietnamese women.

Where I Call Home

Welcome to Chuong Village, where I was born and raised. Nestled in the ancient cultural space of Phuong Trung Commune, Thanh Oai, Hanoi, our conical hat village is not just a place for hat production but also the heart and soul of an ancient Vietnamese village. Every year, tens of thousands of hats are crafted by the skilled hands of local artisans, carrying the unique cultural imprint of Vietnamese women.

A Beautiful Corner of Home

Chuong Village is just 3 km from the center of Thanh Oai District and about 30 km from downtown Hanoi. Covering an area of nearly 481.44 hectares, our village consists of eight hamlets: Tay Son, Chung Chinh, Lien Tan, Quang Trung, Ma Kieu, Tan Tien, Tan Dan 1, and Tan Dan 2. Two main roads leading into the village from the Day River dyke and National Route 21B have facilitated our access to markets and the development of traditional crafts.

The Hat-Making Profession: Proud Cultural Heritage

Although no one in the village knows when the conical hat first appeared, for me, the hat-making craft is deeply rooted in the lives of the local people. The folk saying "Nón Chuông, khua lụa, quai thao làng Đơ" serves as a reminder of the significance of this craft in our hearts.

The Village Market: A Cultural Highlight

The Chuong Village market, held on the 4th, 10th, 14th, 20th, 24th, and 30th of each lunar month, has become an indispensable part of our lives. 


Here, you can find conical hats made by local artisans, as well as materials for hat-making such as silk threads and straps. The bustling market atmosphere, filled with laughter and trade, creates a unique cultural space of the Northern region.

Challenges but Unyielding Spirit

Recently, our Chuong hat-making village has faced several challenges. Competition from industrial products and changing market demands pose many difficulties for the locals. However, it is encouraging to see the younger generation being dynamic and creative, developing new designs from traditional conical hats to unique decorative products.

Export and Tourism Potential

Not only famous domestically, but Chuong Village also exports tens of thousands of hats to countries like Japan, France, Russia, Thailand, and South Korea. We are also pleased to see local businesses welcoming tourists, providing opportunities for everyone to learn about traditional crafts and participate in exciting experiential activities.

Impressions from Visitors

Whenever tourists come to visit, I feel the joy and excitement in their eyes. Ms. Nguyen Thi Yen from Vung Tau shared, “It’s my first time in Chuong Village, and I feel very peaceful and delighted. The hats here are not only beautiful but also very sturdy. I will introduce this unique village to my friends.”

Conclusion

The traditional conical hat village in Chuong, Thanh Oai, is not just a place for hat production but also a guardian of the precious cultural values of our ancestors. The hat-making craft has been and continues to enhance the economic lives of the people while preserving traditional values. I hope everyone will visit our village to experience the cultural beauty and humanity here. Come and explore Chuong Village with me, where tradition and modernity blend, creating an interesting destination for all.

Tran Mai Linh

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The Traditional Conical Hat Making Process

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  What need is there for wealth or status? This hat-making craft makes one a figure of respect in the village! Introduction The village of Chuong is renowned for its hat-making craft, which has thrived for over 100 years. While it may seem simple at first glance, the process of making hats in Chuong involves many intricate steps and considerable skill. Selecting Raw Materials The most common type of hat produced in Chuong is the "la gia" (mature leaf) hat. However, the leaves used are actually "bánh tẻ" (neither too mature nor too young) from the nipa palm (cọ). Experienced artisans venture into the nipa palm forest, expertly selecting large, mature leaves that resemble umbrellas and bundling them together. The Hat-Making Process   Once the leaves are gathered, the artisans waste no time and begin the meticulous process: 1.  Trimming the Leaves : The artisans carefully remove all the veins and use various cutting techniques to retain only the tender, fleshy parts. 2...
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Classification of Hat Types

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Types of Hats Thúng Quai Thao Hat : According to tradition, the hat-making craft in Chuong village dates back to before King Ly Cong Uan moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La. During that time, the people of Chuong primarily made "thúng quai thao" hats to meet the demands of festivals and court performances during the annual lunar festival. This is a wide-brimmed, round hat resembling a large tray. The outer rim has a raised edge running around it, giving the hat a shape similar to a large gong. In the center, there is a “khua” shaped like a rice measuring cup woven from bamboo, designed to fit snugly on the wearer’s head.  The thúng quai thao hat is classified into three types: Nón Mười, Nón Nhỡ, and Nón Đấu. As of 2013, only the artisan couple Trần Canh in Trung Chính village continued to make these traditional hats. Pineapple-Top Hat (Nón Chóp Dứa) : During the early Le Dynasty (1428-1527), alongside the thúng quai thao hats, artisans began creating the pineapp...
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