Discover unique perfumes inspired by Vietnam

D'Annam Chapter part 1: Enchanting Vietnam

I’ve always believed scent can transport you somewhere new—and D’Annam did just that. Founded by Nick Hoang, this Vietnamese fragrance house channels his memories of Vietnam’s rich aromas into something truly special. D’Annam recreates Vietnamese daily life in perfume form. What makes it even more meaningful? A portion of their profits supports children’s charities in Vietnam. These aren't just fragrances—they're stories, memories, and love letters to a place close to the founder’s heart.

White Rice D’Annam Chapter — A Quiet Comfort

On my skin, White Rice feels like Sunday mornings in linen sheets. It’s delicate and comforting, wrapping me in a soft, milky cloud. The scent of steamed jasmine rice is made richer with hints of pandan, orris, and tonka. It doesn’t shout—it whispers, like the warmth of a meal made with love. I find it ideal for warmer days when I want something gentle and grounding. After a few hours, the creamy base lingers like a memory. To me, it’s less a perfume and more an emotion—a warm hug from within.

Vietnamese Coffee D’Annam Chapter — Sweet Nostalgia

I wasn’t prepared for how much this one would make me smile. Vietnamese Coffee opens with that unmistakable dark roast punch—deep, bitter, bold. Then comes the creamy swirl of condensed milk and melted dark chocolate. On my skin, it smells just like sitting in a corner café in Hanoi, watching scooters go by. This scent is cozy, indulgent, and beautifully unisex. I wear it when I want to feel wrapped in sweetness without being sugary. It’s one of those fragrances that reminds me how scent connects us to places, rituals, and joy.

Pho Breakfast D’Annam Chapter — Spice and Soul

Pho Breakfast is one of the most unusual fragrances I’ve tried—and I loved it. Imagine stepping into a morning street market in Vietnam: basil, star anise, charred ginger rising from a steaming bowl of pho. That’s exactly what this scent captures. It’s herbaceous, warm, slightly spicy, and somehow still wearable. On my skin, the mandarin and patchouli give it a lift that keeps it from being too savory. It’s comforting, unique, and oddly addictive. Whenever I wear it, people lean in and ask what it is. It feels like a bold homage to tradition—rooted, soulful, alive.

Wearing these perfumes opened my eyes to the soul of Vietnamese perfumery. From jasmine to lemongrass, from incense-filled temples to bustling kitchens—Vietnam is full of scent stories waiting to be told. D’Annam is part of a new wave of niche brands blending tradition and innovation, and I’m thrilled to try it. If you're curious about what Vietnam feels like through fragrance, this is a beautiful way to begin.

Specialist Natalie advice

If you’re looking to try a perfume from Vietnam, here’s what you should know (and trust me, this is way more exciting than just picking something that “smells nice”). Start with the niche stuff—brands like d’Annam or Hoarient don’t just make perfumes, they bottle Vietnamese memories. Think steamed rice, incense, lotus ponds. You’ll find real local ingredients too, like agarwood, basil, and star anise. When you try a scent, don’t rush. High-quality perfumes evolve. See how it opens, dries down, and lingers—Vietnamese scents often feel delicate but transform beautifully. Longevity and sillage matter too—Vietnamese perfumes tend to stay close to the skin, making them intimate, not loud. Let it unfold slowly on your skin like a quiet street in Hanoi at sunrise. That’s the magic. 

FAQ
What does White Rice by d'Annam smell like?

White Rice is a soft, comforting skin scent that blends the delicate aroma of jasmine rice with subtle sweetness. It features notes of pandan, orris, jasmine, white musk, tonka bean, and cedarwood, creating a milky, nutty, and slightly floral profile. The fragrance evokes the warmth of steamed rice and is designed to be intimate and unobtrusive, making it suitable for daily wear.

What makes Vietnamese Coffee by d'Annam different from other coffee perfumes?

It stands out by capturing the essence of Vietnam's iconic Cà Phê Sữa Đá—a blend of dark-roasted Robusta coffee and sweetened condensed milk. The fragrance opens with bold roasted coffee notes, transitioning into layers of condensed milk, dark chocolate, tonka bean, and amber. This combination creates a rich, creamy, and slightly bitter profile that mirrors the traditional Vietnamese coffee experience.

Does Pho Breakfast actually smell like pho soup?

It is inspired by the experience of enjoying Vietnam's national dish rather than replicating its exact aroma. The fragrance features notes of star anise, charred ginger, basil, cilantro, cardamom, mandarin, patchouli, and cedarwood, creating an aromatic and spicy profile. While it doesn't smell exactly like pho, it captures the essence of the dish's complex flavors and the ambiance of a Vietnamese morning.

Which of these fragrances is best for summer wear?

Both White Rice and Pho Breakfast are excellent choices for summer. White Rice offers a light, airy scent that's perfect for warm weather, while Pho Breakfast provides a fresh, herbaceous aroma with citrus and spice notes that can be invigorating during the summer months.