Updated October 2026
Live in Thu Duc, An Phu or Binh Thanh? A weekend afternoon in Thao Dien is a few Metro Line 1 stops away, with no parking to hunt for. Ride to Thao Dien station, have a late lunch on Dang Huu Pho, then spend 120 minutes blending your own perfume at 34 Nguyen Duy Hieu — the 9base studio where NOTE – The Scent Lab runs sessions from $25.92, VAT included.
This is a plan for people who already live along the line and know the city, not a sightseeing route. For stations, exits and the walk from the platform, our Thao Dien metro guide has the detail; here we only cover what to do with the afternoon.
Is the metro worth it for a short hop to Thao Dien?
For a weekend afternoon, yes. December streets in District 2 are busy and parking near the cafés is tight; on the train you arrive without either problem. From Thu Duc or An Phu you ride towards Ben Thanh; from Binh Thanh you ride the other way, towards Suoi Tien. Under the timetable from 2 January 2026, trains run 5:00–23:00 Friday to Sunday (VOH, 24 December 2025) — check the operator for holiday changes.
Line basics for newcomers to the city are in our Metro Line 1 guide.
How should I plan the afternoon?
Pin it to one booking — the perfume session — and keep everything else loose. The studio opens 08:00–18:00, so an early-afternoon slot leaves the evening free.
- Late lunch on Dang Huu Pho: Miyama The Garden at 4A, or Chidori Crepe at 04 for something lighter.
- A look round 0123 Complex at No. 06 — independent designer clothing and accessories in a converted house.
- Your 120-minute session at 34 Nguyen Duy Hieu.
- The R Parfums showroom, same address.
- Dinner — or a bowl at Shinsho Ramen in alley 30 Nguyen Dang Giai — then the train home.
More ideas for a slow day out are in Thao Dien hidden gems.
What do you actually do in the session?
You sit at a long blending desk facing a cabinet of 30+ raw materials in nine scent families. The instructor sets out three families for the session, has you smell each material, then helps you build and balance a formula. Your bottle leaves sealed and serial-numbered; the formula stays on file. In English or Vietnamese, up to 15 seats per session.
“… A beautiful way to spend a breezy afternoon in Ho Chi Minh City and we came away with bespoke perfume”
— Sasha K, review platform
“I really had a great experience in learning how to create and recognize scents. …”
— Kimmy N, review platform
“It all became good and understandable and the staff were very helpful. A nice experience”
— Christina G, review platform
Because you live close, the formula matters more than it would for a visitor: book a new session any month to re-order it, with refills 20% off. First bottles cost $25.92 (10 ml), $47.52 (20 ml), $58.32 (30 ml) or $69.12 (50 ml), VAT included; reschedule free up to 24 hours ahead. Pick a weekend session.
Why stop at the R Parfums showroom afterwards?
After two hours of smelling raw materials, finished perfumes read differently — you start to pick out the layers. R Parfums is perfumer Rei Nguyen’s niche house; Pluviophile and Béton Chaud sit at opposite ends and make a good pair to compare. See the creations or our showroom guide. It is also a handy stop for holiday gifts in Thao Dien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which direction do I ride from Binh Thanh to Thao Dien?
Towards Suoi Tien. From Thu Duc or An Phu, ride towards Ben Thanh. Our Thao Dien metro guide covers the station exits.
How do I re-order the scent I made?
Your formula is kept on file: book a new session at the studio to re-order it, and refills are 20% off the size price.
Is the session in English?
Yes, English or Vietnamese, with an instructor throughout.
Can I bring children?
Ask the studio before booking; each seat is one person and one bottle.
How late can I stay in Thao Dien and still get a train?
On Fridays to Sundays the 2026 timetable runs to 23:00; check the operator for holiday dates.
Thao Dien is close enough to become your regular weekend spot. Before you ride over, see the Thao Dien studio.
