Danang

Founded in 1888 and formerly called ‘”Tourane” by the French, Danang is Vietnam’s third international gateway. It has long been the busiest seaport and is now the main city in central Vietnam located midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Nowadays, except for a few architectural remains of the French colonial period and its famous Cham museum, the city is mainly an active business city and port.

The city itself has neither the atmosphere of Hanoi nor the hustle-bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, but has its share of sights and is close to the ancient cities of charming Hoi An and the imperial capital of Hue, making it a popular vacationing spot for those looking to explore the attractions of central Vietnam or soak up some rays while hanging out on the city’s beaches.

Da Nang is often overlooked by tourists but is one of the most friendly in all of Vietnam. The famous My Khe Beach, otherwise known as China Beach for American G.I.’s, is monthly sprouting new high-rise hotels. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam are found here, and some of the friendliest people.

The hottest months of the year are May through August, when the temperature can get to as high as 40 degrees Celsius, and it is generally very dry. There are usually tropical storms in October and November. There are three main beaches in Danang.

The beaches on the eastern side of the city are beautiful and developed for tourism. In the north is Pham Van Dong beach and Temple Resort. Temple Resort has a beautiful infinity pool under the palm trees with a view of the ocean and beach. The My Kye Beach (China Beach) is at the eastern end of the Dragon Bridge road. And at Holiday Beach in the south is where you can walk into the cafe-rich An Thuong area and rent a surf board–Holiday Beach always has bigger waves than other parts of the beach.