NOTE – The Scent Lab has received over 500 reviews across TripAdvisor, Google, and Klook — with a 4.9 out of 5 star average rating. We read every single one. Here’s what travelers from 40+ countries said about their perfume making workshop experience in Saigon and Hanoi — organized by the themes that come up again and again.
When you have 500+ strangers independently saying the same things — about the staff, the experience, the souvenir they created — it stops being marketing. It becomes a pattern. And patterns are worth reading before you book.
Every quote below is real, unedited, and sourced from public review platforms. We’ve grouped them by what matters most to travelers deciding whether to visit.
On the Overall Experience
The most common word in reviews? “Amazing.” The second most common? “Fun.” What makes that remarkable is that this is a 90-minute indoor workshop — not a zipline or a beach day. The “fun” comes from the creative process itself: discovering what you’re drawn to, building something from scratch, and walking out with a product that didn’t exist before you arrived.
“Making perfume in a space with fresh flowers on a rainy afternoon is romantic.”
“Did this workshop before in 2022, came back 3 years later and improved.”
“Our scent artist instructor Nhi was amazing. I made my gf’s and she made mine.”
“Great experience! Our tutor Long is the greatest story teller.”
Many reviewers highlight that the workshop is weather-proof — a perfect plan B when Saigon’s rain hits, but also an intentional booking for travelers who want something creative and personal to add to their itinerary.
On the Staff (Scent Artists)
This is where NOTE’s reviews truly stand out. Across 500+ reviews, specific staff names appear hundreds of times — Zang, Vy, Chloe, Long, Suzee, Sarah, Nhi, Tu, Jenny, Ner, Baro. Travelers don’t just mention “the staff.” They remember who guided them. That says everything about the quality of the interaction.
“An amazing experience at Note The Scent Lab doing the DIY perfume workshop.”
“Suzee explained scent theory in ways I wouldn’t have known. Super patient.”
“Such a fun and educational experience, especially on a rainy day.”
“It was my first time. I truly enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and hands-on experience.”
“A wonderful experience! I learnt so much and had so much fun.”
The scent artists at NOTE are trained fragrance guides, not salespeople. They listen, they adapt, they tell stories about ingredients. Multiple reviewers use the word “patient” — a signal that the workshop moves at your pace, not a factory pace.
On the Souvenir & Memory Aspect
This is the insight that separates this workshop from other tourist activities. People don’t just review the experience — they review what they took home. The custom perfume becomes part of their trip story.
“Sarah is patient and not pushy but gentle in guiding toward favorite scent.”
“Chloe was an excellent instructor — patient and skilled. Ensures you are 100% satisfied with your scent.”
“Such a beautiful experience. My daughter and I did a spontaneous perfume making workshop here today.”
The couple who made each other’s perfume. The solo traveler who named their bottle after a Saigon street. The family who blended four different scents and compared them over dinner. These are the stories that 500+ reviews tell — not about a workshop, but about a souvenir that means something.
On Solo Travel
A surprising number of reviews come from solo travelers — and they’re some of the most enthusiastic. The workshop is designed to be equally enjoyable alone or in a group.
“This workshop was amazing! The teacher was friendly and very knowledgeable. Now I have my own perfume.”
“Cam was very hands-on and guided us every step of the way. A perfect experience if you’re looking for a relaxing and intentional activity in HCMC.”
Solo travelers consistently mention that the one-on-one attention from the scent artist makes the experience feel personal — not awkward. You’re not a third wheel at a couples’ activity. You’re creating something just for you. Read a solo traveler’s full story.
On Coming Back
The ultimate signal that something is good: people return. Not because they forgot what they bought, but because they want to do it again.
“Cam and her assistant Amber were absolutely wonderful. As someone in the beauty industry for over 20 years, I was extremely impressed by their knowledge and professionalism.”
“The staff is very informative and patient. I’m so proud of coming up the scent I really like even though it’s my first time. A must try in Hanoi.”
The fact that travelers return — sometimes years later, sometimes with different people — suggests the experience ages well. It’s not a one-time novelty. It’s something that deepens each time you visit, because you are different, and so the scent you create is different too.
On First-Timers
A large portion of reviewers mention it was their first time making perfume — and overwhelmingly, they describe the experience as accessible and surprising. The workshop is designed so that zero knowledge is required. You don’t need to know the difference between a top note and a base note before you walk in.
“Staff are attentive and patient, guiding us step by step to blend our favorite scent. Clean and comfortable environment, relaxing atmosphere.”
“Zang was really nice, patient, and explained everything clearly, making the class enjoyable even for beginners. Highly recommended for a unique and creative experience.”
“Zang was really patient and helpful even though I needed to redo it 5 times. Everything was easy to understand. Got a perfume I really liked in the end!.”
The word “learnt” appears frequently — travelers don’t just enjoy the workshop, they leave knowing something new about how fragrance works. That educational component turns a tourist activity into a genuine skill experience.
On Rainy Days & Indoor Alternatives
Saigon’s afternoon rain is legendary — sudden, heavy, and often derailing outdoor plans. Multiple reviewers mention booking the workshop as a rainy-day backup, only to discover it was the highlight of their trip.
“My daughter took a similar class in Singapore but this is at a different level. We learnt about sensory moods and smells. We will definitely come back!.”
The workshop is fully indoor, air-conditioned, and weather-independent. But there’s something about rain outside the window while you’re blending scents that makes it feel more atmospheric. If your itinerary gets rained out, this is the upgrade — not the consolation prize.
On Value & Quality
Price is rarely mentioned in reviews — a strong indicator that visitors feel the value justifies the cost. When price does come up, it’s positive:
The ingredients are professional-grade — the same raw materials used by perfumers worldwide. The scent artists are trained, not volunteers. The space is curated, not generic. You’re not paying for a tourist trap. You’re paying for craft. Check current pricing here.
On the Space & Atmosphere
The physical workshop space gets its own praise. Reviewers describe it as “beautiful”, “cozy”, and “clean” — words that matter when you’re spending 90 minutes in a creative environment.
Each NOTE location has its own character. The Thảo Điền studio is intimate and surrounded by greenery — quiet, residential, away from the tourist rush. The Cafe Apartment location in District 1 puts you in the middle of Saigon’s most iconic building, with the energy of Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street just outside. And the Lotte Mall Hanoi space is bright and modern, steps from West Lake.
The environment matters because fragrance creation is a sensory process. You need a clean nose, a calm mind, and a space that doesn’t compete with what you’re trying to smell. NOTE’s studios are designed with this in mind — no perfume counter chaos, no department store noise. Just you, the ingredients, and your scent artist.
On Couples & Groups
Couple reviews are among the most detailed — partners often describe creating scents for each other, or blending complementary fragrances that represent their relationship.
Group visitors — friend groups, families, corporate teams — highlight the shared creative experience. Everyone works on their own scent, but the conversations, comparisons, and discoveries along the way become a shared memory. For travelers looking for unique couple or group activities in Saigon, the perfume workshop consistently ranks among the top choices.
The Numbers at a Glance
| Total reviews | 500+ |
| Average rating | 4.9 / 5 stars |
| Platforms | TripAdvisor, Google, Klook, GetYourGuide |
| Countries represented | 40+ |
| Most mentioned staff | Zang, Vy, Long, Chloe, Suzee, Sarah, Nhi |
| Most common words | “amazing”, “fun”, “patient”, “unique”, “recommend” |
| Repeat visitor mentions | Multiple (2022→2025 documented returns) |
What We Learn From These Reviews
After reading 500+ reviews, a few truths emerge that no marketing copy could manufacture:
- People remember the staff by name. In a world of forgettable tourist activities, that’s rare. The scent artists are the experience.
- The perfume gets worn, not shelved. Unlike most souvenirs, the custom fragrance has a functional afterlife. People spray it, share it, reorder it.
- First-timers become enthusiasts. Many reviewers say the workshop changed how they think about perfume — they start reading labels, noticing notes, building a vocabulary for smell.
- Repeat visits happen. People come back — different city, different partner, different year. The experience evolves because they evolve.
- Rainy days become good days. What starts as a plan B often ends as the trip highlight.
These aren’t claims from a marketing team. They’re patterns from 500+ independent voices across 40+ countries. The consistency is the credibility.
500+ travelers can’t all be wrong.
Create your own custom perfume in 90 minutes. 3 locations in Saigon & Hanoi.
Book & pay online · Thảo Điền · Cafe Apartment District 1 · Lotte Mall Hanoi
Can’t Make It to Vietnam?
If you’re not traveling to Vietnam anytime soon — or if you’ve already been and want to relive it — explore NOTE’s ready-made perfume collection, crafted from the same Vietnamese ingredients.
Find us: TripAdvisor · Instagram · Facebook
Related Reading
- Read more about last-day perfume experience
- Read more about Cafe Apartment hidden gems
- Read more about HCMC itinerary
Further reading: Ho Chi Minh City travel guide on Wikivoyage | Vietnam Tourism Board — Ho Chi Minh City
Related Articles
- What Is A Perfume Making Workshop
- Couple Perfume Workshop
- Last Day Perfume Workshop
- The 90-Minute Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
How many reviews does NOTE – The Scent Lab have?
Over 500 reviews across TripAdvisor, Google, Klook, and GetYourGuide, with a 4.9 out of 5 star average rating. Travelers from 40+ countries have reviewed the workshop.
What do people say about the perfume workshop?
The most common themes are: the quality and patience of the scent artists, the fun and educational nature of the experience, the meaningful souvenir aspect, and the beautiful workshop spaces. “Amazing” and “fun” are the most frequently used words.
Is the workshop good for solo travelers?
Yes — solo travelers consistently leave positive reviews. The one-on-one attention from scent artists makes the experience feel personal, not awkward. Read a solo traveler’s story.
Where is the perfume workshop in Saigon?
NOTE – The Scent Lab has two Saigon locations: Thảo Điền (34 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu) and the Cafe Apartment building (42 Nguyễn Huệ, District 1). There’s also a Hanoi location at Lotte Mall Westlake.
Can I reorder my custom perfume after I leave Vietnam?
Yes. Your formula is saved permanently. NOTE can reproduce your exact fragrance anytime you return to Vietnam. Your formula never expires.
How do I book the perfume workshop?
Book and pay online at workshop.thescentnote.com. Pre-booking guarantees your spot and lets you choose your preferred location and time slot.
