Here at the Da Nang Airport there is a 3rd party contract lounge that I actually like. In the International Departures Terminal, the CIP Orchid Lounge is a great place to relax, enjoy a drink, and grab a snack while waiting on an international departure. The DAD CIP Orchid Lounge is used by a handful of airlines for their business class passengers, but it’s also a Priority Pass Lounge. I’ve gone on record than Priority Pass Lounges are not very good and rarely worth visiting. However the Orchid Lounge is an exception, it’s a very nice lounge.
Due to Vietnam’s exit immigration, this lounge is only available to departing international passengers. We used this lounge before departing Da Nang on the way to Singapore. I should note there are 2 CIP Orchid Lounges here at Da Nang Terminal 2. This review is for the lounge across from Gate 7.
Bottom Line: We only visited for about an hour, and that was about as long as I’d want to spend. While nice, the Orchid Lounge isn’t a destination, it just a pleasant way to kill some time before a flight.
In This Review
CIP Orchid Lounge Da Nang Location
DAD airport is divided into two terminals. Terminal 1 is for domestic departures. The CIP Orchid Lounge here at Da Nang is located in Terminal 2, the international terminal. The two terminals are not connected air side as you’ll pass through exit immigration before going airside for flights outside of Vietnam. After passing through exit immigration make a right turn. Across from Gate 7 are the stairs up to the Orchid Lounge.
Upstairs is the check in desk for the CIP Orchid Lounge. We’re using priority pass to enter the lounge today. Though some airlines use this lounge for premium passengers.
The CIP Orchid Lounge is a little odd. Seemingly outside of the lounge is a seating area. This wasn’t very popular as on the second floor, it’s pretty warm. Inside the doors to the lounge was much cooler.
CIP Orchid Lounge Da Nang Layout
The CIP Orchid Lounge here at DAD is a long and thin space. The area you first enter has the bar and buffet. Just past the bar, on the left hand side are the bathrooms, beyond that is the rest of the lounge seating area.
In the very back of the lounge are some pretty interesting seating. Along the walls are little relaxation pods. Some are small beds others are lounge chairs.
There were also these half booth seats. I like that they are unique and funky but they are not very space efficient. It’s not like you’re going to sit in one of these with a stranger.
Along the windows is some high top seating. Unfortunately these windows overlook the parking lot and not the airplanes.
Further down the lounge, also along the windows, are some low relaxing chairs with tables. Same parking lot view.
In the middle of the lounge were these funky and modern sofas that acted as separation between two halves of the lounge. All in, I liked the aesthetic of the CIP Orchid Lounge. It also wasn’t very crowded so finding a nice place to sit was pretty easy.
CIP Orchid Lounge Da Nang Buffet
The Orchid Lounge had a pretty great hot food selection. I was pretty impressed with both the western and Asian options. Multiple types of dumplings, noodles, and rice. It was kept well stocked and clean by the lounge attendants.
On the other side of the buffet was a cold case with waters, juices, and a selection of cold cheeses, meats, and fruit. Nothing amazing here.
Along the window, next to the cold case, was a selection of pantry items like instant noodles, nuts, snacks, teas, and coffee.
There was also a cold case with sodas, snacks, and beers.
We got a plate and grabbed a table near to the bar. I was really impressed with the selection here at the CIP Orchid Lounge, for a contract Priority Pass lounge, they’ve done a nice job.
I also went with the Bia Saigon, I think these are my second favorite Vietnamese beer, after Larue.
CIP Orchid Lounge Da Nang Bathrooms and Showers
The bathroom facilities at the CIP Orchid Lounge DAD were pleasant enough. They were also kept very clean so that’s always a plus.
The bathrooms did have shower facilities too. It’s mid afternoon for us and we’re just getting on a short flight to Singapore so nether of us used them. I’m not sure about the towel situation though.
CIP Orchid Lounge Da Nang Final Thoughts
We spend just under an hour here at the CIP Orchid Lounge DAD and enjoyed ourselves. I wouldn’t want to be here much longer, but I rarely would get to an airport with that much time to spare. The lounge space was interesting and unique. It was also large enough that finding a space to sit was not difficult. The buffet selection was very good, we had more than enough hot food to make into a lunch.
If you’re departing from Da Nang, on an international flight, I can wholly recommend the CIP Orchid Lounge that’s across from gate 7. The other lounge(with the same name) across from gate 3 I cannot comment on but would love to hear how it compares it if anyone has visited.