Da Nang
Lies
in the central part of
Vietnam.
Da Nang (Danang) was the landing point of both the French and the Americans during
their stints in
Vietnam
. When the French established a garrison in
Da Nang
(then called
Tourane
), more soldiers died from disease than the associated fighting in
establishing the garrison.
There
is now a small cemetery dedicated to them. During the Vietnam War,
Da Nang
was the home to one fifth of all
US
servicemen based in
Vietnam
. This made
Da Nang
on of the heaviest defended cities in
South Vietnam
, yet it eventually fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975 with hardly
a bullet fired.
Da Nang
marks the halfway point between
Hanoi
and
Ho Chi Minh City
and was the first place to organize its own local communist party
committee. The city is fairly featureless, and if you are coming
from the tranquil setting of Lang Co,
Hue
, or anywhere for that matter,
Da Nang
is an extreme disappointment. It is a busy, dusty, colorless city,
the fourth largest in
Vietnam
, and one of the largest business centers. Unless you are in
Da Nang
for business, chances are you will pass straight through.
Da Nang
does have a fascinating
Cham
Museum
that contains an excellent collection of Cham art. However, the main
reason for staying in
Da Nang
is in the surrounding region.
China
Beach
, the
Marble
Mountains
, Hoi An and My Son are all within striking distance of Da mange,
though it is more pleasant to stay in Hoi An and visit these sights.
China
Beach
Not
far from
Da Nang
lies My Khe - better known as the famed
China
Beach
. US and Australian servicemen were helicoptered in here for R&R
during the Vietnam war. A great expanse of white sand stretches out
before a rough ocean just 7kms from Danang's centre. Taking in
China
Beach
from the heights of
Marble
Mountain
is a must before heading down for a dip. The beach itself remains
largely undeveloped - there's just a small kiosk and of course a few
stalls selling t-shirts and other souvenirs.A swim at
China
Beach
, or even just a walk through its clean, grainy sand is a must!
Hai
Van Pass
Travelling
by road between Lang Co and
Da Nang
,
you will have to get over the Hai Van Pass. This pass is created by
a spur from the Truong Son Mountain Range that extends to the coast.
This extremely mountainous road, with its sensational views, is the
cause of many local vehicles breaking down. So if you are on one,
allow yourself plenty of time. The view from the top of the pass is
extraordinarily beautiful and well worth a stop to take it all in.
