The long-delayed terminal at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport is to be officially on opened on 2^nd September, Vietnam’s National Day. The terminal has been under construction for more than five years and will be capable of handling 4 million passengers from September rising to a possible 6 million by the end of the first operational phase. The International Air Transport Association have predicted that Vietnam will have around 17.5 million passengers coming in and out of its air-space by 2010.

Ho Chi Minh City got a new international standard deluxe hotel on 17 September when the Legend Hotel Saigon opened its doors for business. Located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City overlooking the Saigon River, the Legend offers 282 guest rooms including 11 suites and 60 executive rooms. All rooms are tastefully designed and well appointed with satellite television, coffee and tea making facilities, safe deposit box, mini bar and communications facilities complete with data port and voice mail. Four floors cater exclusively to business travellers with personalized services including express check-in and check-out and complimentary refreshments. Dining options include the Atrium Café, Crystal Jade Palace and the Honzen Japonaise Cuisine restaurants. In addition the Legend Lounge features piano music and serves a choice of speciality coffees. The hotel’s banquet facilities allow maximum flexibility for a multitude of functions and can accommodate up to 500 guests. The business centre is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a private meeting room accommodating up to eight people. Recreation facilities include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness centre, sauna and massage.

The former imperial capital of Hue is making preparations for another major arts festival scheduled to take place between May 4^th and 15^th . The two locations for the main activities of the Hue Festival 2002 will be the Imperial Citadel and the Culture and Festival Centre at An Dinh Palace. Exotissimo Travel have once again been appointed as the official tour operator for the event.