Lounge Review: Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (International Terminal) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Eligible elite members or those traveling in Business Class on a Star Alliance carrier will typically have access to Le Saigonnais lounge when departing from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). As the Le Saigonnais lounge was apparently overcrowded during my visit, I was given access to the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (which is obviously not a Star Alliance lounge) instead. I am not sure if this is something that occurs quite frequently but the Lotus Lounge staff seems to be fully aware of this situation (instead of turning guests away at the door since they are traveling with a Star Alliance carrier and not one from SkyTeam Airline Alliance).
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Main Seating Area
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (International Terminal) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Similar to Le Saigonnais lounge, the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge is also located on level three of the Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Both lounges are pretty close to a Burger King outlet so that might be something that is easier to spot if you are having trouble navigating at the airport. As mentioned earlier, Vietnam Airlines is part of SkyTeam and not Star Alliance so it was slightly strange for me to be shown to this lounge even though I was traveling on Singapore Airlines in Business Class but I was honestly happy to just settle down somewhere clean before my flight.
Main Seating Area
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (International Terminal) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
The Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge in the International Terminal of the Tan Son Nhat International Airport is not the best-looking airport lounge around but it does have great runway views and tall windows (which will probably make the space look bright and airy during the day). Since there were no Vietnam Airlines flights departing from SGN during the time that I was there, the lounge was relatively quiet and I would definitely prefer this over an overcrowded lounge (I did pop into the Le Saigonnais lounge on my way to the boarding gate to see how different it was).
Quieter Pods
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (International Terminal) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
There are plenty of different seating arrangements here at the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge so regardless or whether you are a single business traveler or a family of four, you will probably find a space that suits you best.
Lounge with a View
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (International Terminal) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
I love that there are plenty of seats and tables by the window and even though I visited the lounge in the evening, it is easy to imagine how the lounge will look like in the day. There are also little nooks surrounded by greenery which are probably popular amongst passengers looking to relax or to indulge in more private conversations.
Different Seating Configurations
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (International Terminal) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
If you do have to get some work done, the WiFi in the lounge works perfectly and there is even a small business center (complete with some really old-school-looking computers and a printer) located in the back corner of the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge. It is hard to imagine anyone (especially business travelers) traveling without a laptop or a mobile tablet in this day and age, but there is no excuse not to get anything done before your flight while you are here.
Business Center
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (International Terminal) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
I obviously did not take any photos of the bathrooms but they were clean with one shower room located inside the men's bathroom - as you would imagine, bath towels are provided so it is definitely possible to freshen up before your flight (especially if it is a long-haul) should it be required.
Buffet Spread
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (International Terminal) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
A wide selection of hot and cold canapés (including sliced fruits) was offered in the lounge and after dropping into the Le Saigonnais lounge on the way out, it is safe to say that the food is generally quite similar (even though there are more dishes here) and the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge probably had a better variety of alcoholic drinks.
While the food does not look extremely appetising in photos, they were generally quite decent and it was nice being able to enjoy a hot bowl of pho (especially on a rainy evening) before heading to the boarding gate for my flight.
Drink Selections
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (International Terminal) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Those who enjoy a drink or two at the airport will probably appreciate the variety of alcohol on offer - most of the spirits (including a massive bottle of vodka on the side) and wines are pretty basic (no premium labels) but it is definitely acceptable if you are not too fussy. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, there are juices, soft drinks as well as coffee and tea which you may help yourself with from the buffet station.
Interiors
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (International Terminal) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Generally speaking, airline lounges are comparatively better than third-party contract lounges but of course, there are always exceptions. After visiting both lounges rather briefly, I do think that the Le Saigonnais lounge is a lot cozier but the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge is probably where I will prefer to be (especially during the day).
The Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) can be accessed by Business Suite passengers, as well as First Class and oneworld Emerald frequent flyers departing on eligible flights. The First Class lounge offers an a la carte dining experience for premium passengers and is quite possible the best airport lounge in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).