Shower Facilities At Hanoi Airport: My Experience During A Layover

After a 13-hour flight, all I wanted was a proper shower. Most airports make that nearly impossible, but Hanoi’s Nội Bài International Airport was a welcome surprise.

As a solo female traveller with years of experience navigating long layovers across Asia, I’ve learnt that being able to freshen up and get changed before your next flight can make all the difference.

Before arriving in Hanoi, I looked into my options and discovered two lounges that offer shower access you can book in advance.

I chose the SH Premium Lounge based on reviews and photos, and it turned out to be a brilliant decision. It was calm, clean and well-organised, with helpful staff, a decent buffet, quiet spaces and a shower that genuinely helped me reset between flights.

While I didn’t try the Song Hong Lounge myself, I’ve still included the key details so you can compare and decide which one suits you best. This guide covers everything I learnt and experienced so you can head into your Hanoi layover knowing exactly where to go to feel refreshed and ready for the next leg of your journey.

My experience at the SH Premium Lounge (Terminal 2)

I went for the SH Premium Lounge, which many travellers online said was the most comfortable option for showering during a layover. I booked it through GetYourGuide, and it turned out to be a great choice.

As soon as I got in, I understood why people like it. It looks very elegant, it’s also well organised and spotless. There’s a proper buffet with plenty of food options, drinks, and even a small bar area.

They also have quiet corners where you can work or nap, a kids’ playroom, a nursing room, and good Wi-Fi with fast charging chairs. I liked that they had simple food like rice, fruit, and biscuits, which works well if you have allergies or just want to eat something light before boarding.

I liked the selection of teas too, although they didn’t have any herbal ones. There is a good selection of green and black tea!

👉 Book your shower through GetYourGuide.com. You will feel amazing and ready for your next flight!

What the SH Lounge shower is really like

When you ask to take a shower at the entrance, the staff hand you a small device (see picture above) that lights up and makes a sound once your turn comes. In between showers, they clean and prepare your cubicle.

When my device flashed, I went in and honestly, the shower was spotless.

Outside the shower, there was a bench, a clean towel, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, a shower cap and shower gel. 

You have enough space to get changed and leave your backpack there too.

The water pressure was strong, and the temperature was just right. You can choose between a handheld and an overhead shower.

Once you’re out of the cubicle, there is an area with sinks and toilets with big mirrors, which again looked very clean and comfortable.

Afterwards, I made myself a cup of tea, grabbed a few biscuits, and sat on a comfortable armchair to let my parents know I’m still alive and waiting for my next flight. It felt like a small reset after a long day of travel.

👉 Secure your shower here! It’s super clean and comes with a towel too! I brought my own one thinking they wouldn’t provide it but they did!

Where is the lounge

The SH Premium Lounge is located inside Terminal 2, which is the international terminal. After passport control and security, turn right at Gate 28 and take the escalator up to Level 3, East Wing.

It’s easy to find but the terminal itself is long, so allow yourself at least ten extra minutes to reach it, especially if you’re dragging luggage or feeling tired after a long flight.

I paid $27 and it was totally worth it! It was quiet when I entered around 9PM, but when I left there was a long queue at reception for the check-in. I guess people come and go, but it’s very spacious inside and I enjoyed my experience!

It closes at 11PM for then reopening around 4AM, but you will see all these details when booking your slot!

👉 Check lounge availability here

Song Hong Lounge (Terminal 1 and 2)

This is another lounge you can book in advance, this time through Klook. It costs around US$ 16 and includes showers, food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.

There are two locations: one in the International Terminal (T2) on the 4th Floor near gates 28 and 29, and another in the Domestic Terminal (T1) on the 3rd Floor near gates 4 and 9. Both lounges are airside and open until around 11 pm.

👉 Check Song Hong Lounge availability here

I didn’t go there because I fell in love with the pictures and reviews of the other lounge. I also wanted to treat myself to something a bit nicer, and although it was more expensive, it was still affordable and worth it!

Other Alternatives

If you’re flying in Business or First Class, or you have one of those premium credit cards that give lounge access, you’ll most likely be able to use the airline’s lounge without booking anything in advance.

For example, Vietnam Airlines’ Lotus Lounge in Terminal 2 welcomes Business Class passengers and SkyTeam members. You just need to show your boarding pass or card at the entrance and you’re good to go.

Water Fountains At Hanoi Airport

Considering you will spend some time at the airport I also wanted to leave a quick note about the water fountains, because many people like me expect to fill out their water bottles before the next flight!

The water fountains in Hanoi Airport are not ideal for filling bottles. The water sprays upward instead of flowing down, so it’s meant for direct drinking, not refilling. I tried and it didn’t go well.

Also, if you’re flying with VietJet, they don’t offer free water on board, so buy a bottle before your flight just in case. I know it’s not the most eco-friendly thing to say but sometimes you have no choice!

Where To Sleep Near Or At The Airport

If you have a long layover or your flight leaves late at night, there are a few convenient options to get some proper rest before your next journey.

VATC Sleep Pods (inside the airport)

Located inside the airport (terminal 1), VATC Sleep Pods are small private cabins where you can nap or stay overnight without leaving the terminal. They’re clean, quiet, and ideal if you want to rest for a few hours between flights without dealing with transport or check-ins.

👉 Check availability at VATC Sleep Pods. It is such a clever idea for long layovers. I love that you can just walk in, close the door, and nap without leaving the terminal.

New Airport Hotel (outside the airport)

Just a short drive from the terminal, New Airport Hotel offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. It’s a simple but reliable option if you prefer a real bed and a bit more space to unwind before your next flight.

👉 Check availability at New Airport Hotel. The rooms are simple but spotless, and the beds are so comfortable after a long day of flying.

Paragon Noi Bai Hotel (outside the airport)

Also located a few minutes from the airport, Paragon Noi Bai Hotel is a popular choice among travellers catching early morning or late-night flights.

Rooms are spacious and the staff can arrange quick airport transfers, which makes everything much easier when you’re tired and just want to rest.

👉 Check availability at Paragon Noi Bai Hotel. The included breakfast here was such a nice surprise and exactly what I needed before an early flight.

-> Check out more places to stay in Hanoi here

Getting From The Airport To Hanoi City

If you plan to head into the city after your layover, the easiest way is to book a taxi in advance through Klook. The price is fixed and the driver already knows your flight details, so it saves you from haggling at arrivals.

👉 Secure your taxi on Klook! I landed in Hanoi late at night. I felt relaxed and safe knowing I had someone waiting for me!

If you’re departing from Hanoi, you can also book a fast-track service to get through security and immigration faster.

👉 Get your fast-track to fly through security! This is a nice perk to have, especially during high season! It’s only about $8!

FAQs On Showers At The Airport

Want To Know More?

Here is how I got ready for my layover and shower in Hanoi!

Grab My Free Layover Packing List

Now that you have your shower sorted, you are probably wondering what to pack in your layover bag.

Well, I’ve had endless layovers and I finally mastered the perfect list of what I really need with me on order to feel comfortable. That is also for all the time when I don’t even have time to shower at the airport but still want to freshen up!

-> Get the free packing list here!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

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