I was briefly in this lounge prior to my Starlux flight to Taipei. They use the Apricot Business Lounge for elite members and their business class passengers. Ideally, I would love to visit the flagship Galactic lounge in Taipei, but that didn’t work out in my plans. I was just there for a short bit, given the long queue with immigration, and my priority was being at the gate early. I was also very stuffed from breakfast and wanted to save my appetite for the flight. I did pop by to get some pictures, and let’s see how it is!

Access Requirements

The Apricot Business Lounge is open 24 hours a day. This is a contract lounge, and a couple of other airlines use it over here. This is offered to all Starlux business class passengers and elite members. They use a different one for first class. Typical access rules for guests follow. I got access on account of flying in business class. A lounge pass is provided when you check in. 

Arrival & Location

The lounge is located one level below the main departure hall. You can find the entrance via the lift between gates 17 and 18 near the duty-free shops. You will be able to spot it easily right after exiting the elevators. I was warmly welcomed by the staff and then proceeded to enter the lounge. 

Apricot Business Class Lounge 

The lounge is surprisingly nice, and in fact a lot better than I had expected. It looks pleasant enough and feels like one of the better contract lounges that I have been to. This is not open to lounge programs like Priority Pass but rather in collaborations with airlines for their premium passengers. They are used by other airlines, including Singapore Airlines. The lounge comes with huge panels of windows, which bring in tons of natural light and tarmac views. This makes it so lovely and welcoming. Here are some pictures of the place. 

It is filled with various furniture, and everything looks well-maintained. Wi-Fi is also provided. I was just here for a brief time before heading over to the gate. 

Toilets and showers 

The lounge comes with its own toilet and showers, which might come in handy. The showers are located in the respective toilets and look rather rudimentary. It is what it is, but I would rather not.

Food and Drinks

They were doing breakfast service when I was here. The food was pretty ordinary with some hot items, salads, cheese, bread and fresh fruits. It is nothing too fancy and appetising. The nicest one was probably the fruits. 

Drinks-wise were better, there is quite a selection of spirits, wines and other canned drinks. Fresh juices and a soda fountain can also be found here. 

Conclusion

A pretty standard contract lounge and nothing much to speak about. It does look decent, and you should pop by if you have access. Ho Chi Minh is an airport where you have to come right when check-in opens, given the crowd. In the rare event that you manage to sort out security and immigration early, lounge access will be very handy. It is still leaps better than the general terminal area. Starlux doesn’t offer any priority access for immigration, which limits the time you have for the lounge.