Visit · Hồ Chí Minh
A perfume lab
in the Cafe Apartment.
Our flagship studio on the 2nd floor of 42 Nguyễn Huệ — the legendary Cafe Apartment on Saigon’s walking street. 90-minute perfume workshops by booking, 30+ raw materials, take-home bottle.
Visit · Hồ Chí Minh
NOTE – The Scent Lab · Cafe Apartment
Inside the Cafe Apartment at 42 Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street. Take the small elevator on the right side of the building, or the stairs from the lobby — we are on the 2nd floor. Languages available: EN · VI
Inside the Cafe
Apartment.
Our flagship studio is on the 2nd floor of 42 Nguyễn Huệ, the legendary Cafe Apartment on Saigon’s pedestrian walking street in District 1. Most of our travellers find us here after a morning of walking District 1. The store stays open until 21:30 with the rest of the Cafe Apartment. Workshop arrival is from 9:30 – 20:00 (last seat 20:00). Booking in advance is required.
We offer our 90-minute Signature Perfume Workshop: 30+ raw materials, hands-on blending guided by an instructor, and a take-home bottle. Your formula is kept on file so you can re-order in future.
Workshops at the Cafe Apartment are guided by Phi Long and Hoang Yen, with sessions available in English and Vietnamese.
Ninety minutes,
four steps.
The 90-minute Signature Perfume Workshop is the same at every NOTE studio: 30+ raw materials, hands-on blending with an instructor, and a take-home bottle. Your formula is kept on file so you can re-order in future.
Step I
Scent inspiration.
You are introduced to the basics of the fragrance wheel and the world of raw materials, so you can begin to find the direction of your own creation.
Step II
Fragrance identity.
A guided introduction to top, middle, and base notes, designed to give a clear insight into the architecture of a complete perfume.
Step III
Perfume creation.
With your chosen scent direction and instructor guidance, craft your own perfume and refine the formula until it is right.
Step IV
Signature reveal.
Name your creation. Your bottle is sealed and labeled; your formula is kept on file so you can re-order in future.
From our guests
“Highly recommended fragrance workshop led by the wonderful and knowledgeable Chloe! The products are all so high quality and the fragrances are for both men and women. Nothing is rushed.”
Stephan JamesTripAdvisor
“Workshop was amazing! Chloe explained all the different perfume notes and we had fun mixing them. Place was clean and great.”
Vivi DTripAdvisor
“It was my first time making perfume, but the staff taught me how to do it and I was able to learn about it. I was able to make my own scent and it was a very valuable experience.”
Wing Sze TTripAdvisor
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Rated on TripAdvisor · Travelers’ Choice 2025
Two sister brands, one house.
NOTE – The Scent Lab
Founded in Saigon in 2019, NOTE is a contemporary fragrance brand built around the bespoke perfume workshop — a 90-minute hands-on experience where you create your own scent. Over 8,000 guests have made a bottle with us since 2018.
Three locations across Vietnam: Cafe Apartment 42 Nguyễn Huệ (Saigon downtown), 34 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu Thảo Điền, and Lotte Mall Tây Hồ (Hanoi).
R Parfums
R Parfums is our niche artistic perfumery — founded by Rei Nguyen, a Vietnamese perfumer. The R brand explores fragrance as personal storytelling, with collections inspired by Vietnamese and Asian heritage.
R Parfums has showrooms at 34 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu (Saigon) and Lotte Mall Tây Hồ (Hanoi).
Does the Workshop price include perfume bottles?
The registration price includes all costs from the perfume bottle and preparation process, you just need to prepare a comfortable mind when participating.
What sizes can I choose for my perfume bottle?
We offer a range of bottle sizes to suit your preference: 10ml (US$24), 20ml (US$44), 30ml (US$54) and 50ml (US$64).
Can I buy 1 ticket if I go with 2 people?
To ensure the most comfortable and complete service experience for each customer, NOTE’s current policy is one ticket per customer.
Does DIY perfume last long?
Ingredients at NOTE are certified in accordance with IFRA standards, and have a concentration of Eau de Parfum essential oil (15% – 20%), so the finished product can last up to 8 hours for each spray.
Can children participate in the Workshop? From what age is it okay?
Children aged 8 years and older can participate in the Perfume Workshop at NOTE. However, children from 8 to 10 years old should be accompanied by parents or relatives.
Can I cancel or reschedule my workshop booking?
For workshops booked on this website, you can reschedule up to 1 day before it starts. If you can’t attend, you’re welcome to transfer your workshop booking to another person.
You are here
Cafe Apartment
42 Nguyễn Huệ · 2nd floor
Cafe Apartment · District 1
Hồ Chí Minh
Reserve · Hồ Chí Minh
One scent, ninety minutes, your hands.
Pick a time slot and we will hold a counter for you. Booking required in advance.