Review Lotus lounge Vietnam Airlines Ho Chi Min (SGN)

It is amazing how just a few miles apart there can be such different situations. I don't take Bangkok as a comparison, but when I think about what it offers. Phnom Penh Airport I don't understand how there can be such a gap.

This is the second most important airport in Vietnam, in some ways, however, the former Saigon is definitely more attractive than the capital city of Hanoi, but at both airports VN's two lounges are really very low quality, but Of the two, this one is definitely the least worse.

Access

This lounge is accessible to all business class passengers of Vietnam Airlines, elite status holders in the Lotus Club, the flag carrier's frequent flyer club, and all Skypriority passengers since VN is a Skyteam alliance participant.

Location

It is located on the floor above the gate floor and is not difficult to locate due to abundant signage.

The lounge

Expectations were high, or rather they were aligned with what I had experienced so far around Southeast Asia. Nothing could have been more wrong.

The room is a large L-shaped open space, and the nicest aspect is that it faces the runway and is therefore lit by lots of natural light, fortunately in my case it was not too sunny, which in these latitudes is often the other side of the coin.

The decor is quite spartan, the only shot of orginality being cottage-like structures, but there is not much else.

I stood on the sofas near the window, but quickly realized a technical problem. Virtually zero power outlets throughout the lounge, except for a few power strips placed in a couple of places. Not exactly the safest way to leave one's devices to charge.

In addition to the sofas, there are bar seats and a high table that also serves as a divider between the buffet area and the more relaxing area.

Food & Beverage

Opposite the windows is the eating area. The lounge offers a really poor selection, even for those who like Asian cuisine and offers virtually no Western food.

There are no areas where food, such as noodles, are freshly prepared or anything else.

Varied the beverage offerings, but again there is not much quality in the proposal.

What I appreciated, however, was the presentation, neat, clean, and colorful.

A curiosity

It brought a smile to my face that from the Skyteam totem pole at the entrance to the lounge, has been taped off the brand name of Aeroflot (suspended) and that of even China Southern (exited the alliance), but not that of Alitalia And of course there is no trace of ITA Airways.

Services

As mentioned there are no power outlets and I couldn't even connect to wi-fi, fortunately with Airalo's regional eSIMs in my travels. in this area of the world, I never have any major connection problems.

Bathrooms in the normal range and clean showers.

Also available is a small work corner with computers that can be used by travelers. There are also newspapers and magazines, items that have practically disappeared from almost every lounge in Europe (excluding Germany).

In conclusion

A half disappointment, of course if I compare it to its sister in Hanoi it is better, but it is a meager consolation.