Vietnam Airlines International Lotus Lounge Ho Chi Minh City review: Arrive hungry!
If you’re flying internationally out of Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) on Vietnam Airlines (or any SkyTeam airline), I’ve got good news for you. The Lotus Lounge is pretty darn good.
I like how open and spacious it is. The wide variety of hot and cold food options surprised me.
Most importantly? It was quiet. Just like a proper international business class lounge should be.
| Overall Size of Lounge: |  |
| Variety of Food: |  |
| Quality of Food: | |
| Selection of Alcohol: |  |
| Quietness / Privacy: | |
| Overall Rating: |  |
Location
The Lotus Lounge for international passengers is located on the third level in Terminal 2 at the Tan Son Nhat / Ho Chi Minh City International Airport. You’ll find it up one level from the main departure gates near gate 17, directly across from the Le Saigonnais Lounge.
How to get in
Flying business or first class on Vietnam Airlines (or any SkyTeam airline) will automatically grant you access to this lounge. My Vietnam Airlines business class boarding pass to Seoul was all that was needed to get me in.
You can also access this lounge if:
- You are a Vietnam Airlines Million Miler
- You have Vietnam Airlines Platinum or Gold status
- You are a SkyTeam Elite Plus member
Lounge vouchers are also available for purchase. As always, please check the official Vietnam Airlines lounge entry requirements (because stuff changes from time to time).
Layout
This isn’t a very large airport lounge, but it feels incredibly spacious thanks to the high ceilings. The large floor-to-ceiling windows on the far wall helps as well, letting in a lot of natural light. At least during the day.
There’s not a lot of privacy in this lounge, unfortunately. Although there are enclosed booths along the main wall, most of the seating is open and exposed.
The seating layout is a bit too dense for my liking. They crammed a lot of seats into this space, and I can imagine how crowded and uncomfortable it would feel if every seat was occupied.
This lounge features decently fast Wi-Fi, and a mediocre business center (with printers).
Food and drinks
Although very little of the food they offer is Vietnamese, nearly all of it looked delicious to me.
All of the food is located on self-serve counters along two main walls. There’s a lot of it, and if you’re not careful, you will easily overindulge.
The selection of alcohol was OK, but not great. This is a great lounge to get a good meal IMHO. I wouldn’t recommend coming here if all you want to do is get sloshed.
Pros and cons
My expectations were admittedly low before visiting this lounge, which I think helped to make it a better experience. My only regret is that I didn’t have more time to enjoy it. I can’t wait to go back!
Pros
- You’re not going to feel claustrophobic in this lounge. High ceilings (and large windows) FTW!
- The food situation is impressive IMHO. There’s lots of it, many different things to choose from, and all of it is decently high quality.
- It’s a true oasis from the main terminal if you manage to time your visit during a slower part of the day.
Cons
- Try not to look at all the nooks and crannies, because it’s not the cleanest of airport lounges.
- The selection of alcohol is somewhat limited.
- The open seating and e resulting lack of privacy could be an issue during busier times of the day. In that case, bring ear plugs.
