Vietnamese agarwood is the fragrant resinous wood formed inside wounded Aquilaria trees native to Vietnam’s central highlands and coastal forests. It is prized for a uniquely complex, creamy, and long-lasting aroma profile, and has been reserved for royal courts and master perfumers across Asia and the Middle East for centuries.

Agarwood is the resin-infused wood itself, while “oud” typically refers to the distilled oil or burned chips used in perfumery and incense traditions. In everyday trade language the terms are often used interchangeably, though agarwood technically describes the raw material.

Kynam, known as Kyara in Japanese kōdō tradition, is the rarest and most refined grade of agarwood, formed only under exceptional natural conditions over many decades. Its aroma is famously layered — sweet, bitter, cooling, and warm in a single note — which is why it commands the highest value among collectors.

When an Aquilaria tree is wounded — by insects, lightning, or fungal infection — it produces a fragrant resin as a natural defense response. Over years or decades, this resin saturates the surrounding heartwood, slowly transforming plain wood into fragrant agarwood.

Both. The rarest specimens, including Kynam grade, come from wild Aquilaria trees found in protected forest regions, while a growing share of sustainable supply comes from managed plantations using controlled inoculation methods that reduce pressure on wild populations.

Authentic agarwood has a dense, oil-saturated grain that sinks or partially sinks in water, a complex aroma that evolves over time when warmed rather than burned harshly, and natural variation in color and texture. Reputable houses provide lab verification and clear sourcing documentation.

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) lists Aquilaria species under Appendix II to regulate international trade and protect wild populations. Legitimate agarwood exporters provide CITES permits and phytosanitary documentation with international shipments.