Da Nang

Da Nang is the largest city in central Vietnam, a fast-growing coastal destination known for its long sandy beaches, riverside setting and modern bridges. My Khe Beach, the Han River promenade and landmarks such as the Dragon Bridge give the city a relaxed yet dynamic character.

Da Nang's past spans the Cham Kingdom, French colonial rule, when it was known as Tourane, and the Vietnam War, when its air base played a major role. The Museum of Cham Sculpture houses one of the world's most important collections of Cham art, while the Marble Mountains and the Linh Ung Pagoda with its large Lady Buddha statue on the Son Tra Peninsula reflect the region's spiritual and natural heritage.

Neighbourhoods such as Hai Chau form the commercial and administrative centre, while Son Tra and Ngu Hanh Son stretch along the beachfront with hotels, seafood restaurants and cafés. Popular experiences include the weekend fire and water show on the Dragon Bridge, the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills and day trips to Hoi An's old town, the imperial city of Hue and the Cham ruins at My Son.

Da Nang has grown into an important centre for tourism, technology and events in central Vietnam, hosting APEC in 2017 and the annual Da Nang International Fireworks Festival. Its food scene is built around central Vietnamese dishes such as mi Quang, bánh xèo, fresh seafood and pork wrapped in rice paper, with nightlife concentrated along the river and in the An Thuong beach area.

For leisure visitors, Da Nang offers beaches, culture and easy access to several UNESCO-listed sites, while business travellers benefit from modern conference facilities, a growing hi-tech sector and direct air connections through Da Nang International Airport.