Character
The Story of Vietnamese Oud
Vietnamese oud (agarwood) is one of the rarest and most complex fragrance materials in perfumery, formed over decades inside Aquilaria crassna trees native to Vietnam's forests.
Heritage
Vietnamese agarwood has shaped regional trade for centuries. Vietnamese Aquilaria crassna, known locally as "kynam," developed its distinctive profile through the unique terroir of Vietnam's central highlands. Arab merchants prized Vietnamese oud as early as the 9th century, trading it along maritime routes that connected Southeast Asia to the Persian Gulf. The craft villages of Ha Tinh province preserved traditional extraction knowledge through generations, with Phuc Trach commune maintaining agarwood traditions for over two centuries. Vietnamese oud gained particular renown for its sweet, lingering base notes that developed uniquely due to the specific fungal environment in these forests. Today, sustainable harvesting practices in protected areas ensure the continuity of this heritage while meeting global demand.
At a Glance
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Feature this note
Vietnam
Primary source region
Ingredient Details
Hydro-distillation
Resin-infused heartwood chips
Did You Know
"A single high-grade Vietnamese oud tree can be over 80 years old, with resin formation occurring only after decades of natural infection."