Airport Lounge Pho: The Unspoken Truths
As a proud native of Hanoi with a deep-seated passion for pho, this delicious tradition is woven into the very fabric of my daily life.
I cherish those early mornings, cruising through the city streets for a delightful breakfast. Sipping on a cup of coffee, breathing in the crisp, fresh air, and immersing myself in the charming essence of Hanoi.
This enduring love for pho naturally extended to my frequent travels. I often wondered how I managed to enjoy my daily bowl while exploring new destinations. That curiosity spurred me to seek out more airport lounges, aiming to provide a richer selection of choices for fellow travelers.
Pho Adventures at Noi Bai Airport
The airport lounges at Noi Bai that have welcomed my pho cravings include:
- Vietcombank Priority Lounge
- Techcombank Private Lounge
- VPbank Diamond Elite Lounge
- Sacombank First Lounge by Bamboo Airways
- Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge
- SH Premium Lounge
That's a total of six lounges at Noi Bai. I'm still eager to try out the offerings at SHB and Nam A Bank lounges to complete my collection.
So, where can you find the most satisfying and worthwhile pho for your long journeys?
Lounge Pho Reviews
1. Vietcombank Priority Lounge
The Vietcombank lounge offers a surprisingly good bowl of pho at Noi Bai. The portion size is just right, with a generous amount of tender beef, including brisket, and a variety of cuts. You can even request a second bowl if you're still hungry!
The air conditioning is refreshingly cool, and the staff are exceptionally pleasant, enthusiastic, and attentive. They even bring the pho directly to your table. The only minor drawback is having to fetch your own chopsticks and spoons from the counter. If they could deliver those along with the pho, it would be a perfect ten!
2. Techcombank Private Lounge
Techcombank's newly opened lounge at Noi Bai boasts stunning airport views, offering a truly upscale experience. The beef pho here is as delicious as what I enjoyed at Vietcombank. I'm not sure if they source from the same supplier, but the quality of the meat and the open ambiance are impressive. The staff are incredibly thoughtful and proactive.
For example, they'll readily assist you with anything you need, like retrieving a drink from a cabinet or opening it for you. They are very focused on guest comfort and pay close attention to details.
They also deliver the pho to your table, but like Vietcombank, you'll need to pick up your utensils yourself.
3. VPbank Diamond Elite Lounge
VPbank's lounge has recently undergone renovations and reopened this year. The chicken pho here stands out as the best among all the lounges I've sampled at Noi Bai.
The chicken is plentiful (you can request more at the bar, specifying the cut or your preference). The broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are perfectly fresh.
While it might not quite match the pho from my neighborhood, it comes remarkably close to being truly excellent, especially considering it's airport fare.
You can have a second bowl if you wish, or simply stop when you've had enough.
A unique feature of this lounge is the inclusion of massage chairs, a reading area, and a dedicated relaxation zone. Beyond dining, it's an ideal spot to unwind with its supportive seating and a wonderfully private atmosphere. The only downside is the lack of direct airport views.
4. Sacombank First Lounge by Bamboo Airways
The Sacombank - Bamboo lounge feels a bit dated now, with nothing particularly remarkable to set it apart. I hope Sacombank considers a refurbishment to elevate its standards.
The pho here isn't particularly tasty, with sparse and meager portions of meat. However, it does offer an up-close view of the aircraft, which I find more captivating than the view from the Techcombank lounge. This unobstructed aircraft vista is definitely a plus point when spending time in this lounge. The staff are also cheerful, friendly, and accommodating.
5. Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge
This lounge is spacious and comfortable, offering a wide variety of dishes. It's conveniently located near the VPbank lounge.
The chicken pho I had on my visit was decent. It was acceptable, but not as flavorful as the chicken pho at the VPbank lounge. Perhaps the chicken quality wasn't quite the same, and the broth was just average.
However, with its expansive seating areas and diverse spots to relax, this lounge offers a pleasant ambiance to enjoy. It's a good option for soaking in the surroundings.
6. SH Premium Lounge (formerly Sông Hồng Lounge)
I've never been particularly impressed with the pho here. The meat quality isn't great, and the broth lacks flavor. It's quite disappointing.
The overall food offerings also don't quite hit the mark for my palate, feeling a bit lacking. My first visit here was filled with anticipation, but after experiencing the other lounges, I haven't felt the urge to return.
If they could improve the flavor profiles and dish quality, the experience would likely be vastly different.
I look forward to more lounge reviews from fellow travelers to provide additional insights for our journeys across the country!
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