If you have a long layover at Ho Chi Minh's Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you have a few options including the Apricot Lounge. Located in the international terminal, this paid access lounge offers food, drinks, wifi and showers for travellers looking to refresh and relax. But what exactly is on offer, how much does it cost and is it worth checking out on your next trip through Ho Chi Minh?
I had a 6 hour layover at Ho Chi Minh airport having just finished a 9 hour flight with a 13 hour flight coming up and I needed a refresh and a restart. With the large expanse of time, my first port of call was to Sen Viet Spa on the third floor of the international terminal. A one hour massage is $65USD and well worth it to reset the body for the longer leg to Paris. However there was one thing I also really wanted: a shower.
I did a lot of research into the different lounges and what they provide and came up with the Apricot Lounge. This is the main paid access lounge spanning 265m2 or 2,852 square feet. It is located on the 1st floor so for most passengers transiting through you'll have to get the elevator down to the 1st floor from the 2nd floor. It's a little hard to find and I end up asking someone where it is. The greeting is friendly and they offer to let me have a look at the lounge before booking. The rate is $43USD for a four hour stay and includes food, drink, internet and showers.
It's 5:30pm when I arrive and I look out the window as the night starts to fall. The lounge looks out onto the runway and I watch as a plane taxis in. The lounge is quiet and the staff are busy setting up the food. The array of food ranges from pho, fresh fruit and vegetables and canapes as well as vegetarian corner with a few selections. The hot selection is made up of Vietnamese and Western hot food.
There are plenty of help yourself soft drinks as well as spirits like gin, whisky as well as wine. And even though it's nighttime there's bread and cereals available. The staff are super friendly and I watch as they help a lady to make the pho as she isn't sure what to add on top of it.
There is one thing that the lounge is lacking somewhat and that is powerpoints. There are plenty of tables however but finding a table with a powerpoint isn't easy. These are located on one side of the lounge away from the showers and food.
After a couple of hours I decide to check out the food. The sticky rice is delicious with sausage on top. I also try some congee with basil pork belly pieces. To finish off I try a sweet mung bean dessert and a gelatinous Vietnamese cake but I think next time I'll just have the fresh fruit.
There are two showers for women and men. You can book in a shower with any of the staff and they'll bring you a basket with a towel and hand towel inside. You can just take the shower any time that you are there. The shower is quite a basic set up with just body wash and shampoo conditioner but I'm just grateful for a chance to have one. And after 5 hours I feel refreshed and ready for my longer 13 hour flight.
Just a note: I wasn't asked to leave after 4 hours but a few days later Mr NQN went through this lounge and was asked to leave after 4 hours so perhaps it depends on how busy it is and who is working at the time!
So tell me Dear Reader, how long of a layover do you need to have before you go to a lounge?
Access to the Apricot Lounge was independently paid for. NQN and Mr NQN travelled to Europe as guests of Vietnam Airlines.
Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines offers 23 flights per week connecting Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Vietnam Airlines is continuing to add new routes having recently announced new flights to Milan, Munich and Delhi.
https://www.vietnamairlines.com/au/en/home
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