Da Nang - Gateway
to Central Vietnam
Connected by international direct flights, Danang has beautiful unspoiled beaches, luxury hotels and is the gateway city to the World Heritage Road
Many people will begin to explore the World Heritage Road from Danang, Vietnam's third largest city, because of its convenient air and sea connections. Once part of Quang Nam Province since the mid-15th century, Danang only recently became a separate province in 1997.
Located about halfway between Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south, Danang is at the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Champa, home of the Cham civilization who ruled the region for over 1,500 years. The city is surrounded by such mystical Cham cities as Simhapura, My Son Holy Land, Indrapura and Vijaya. Many other cultures also left their marks on Danang. From 1888 to 1945, the French controlled the city. In 1965, it became a major military base for the Americans during the Vietnam War.
Today, Danang's colourful history is reflected in its colonial architecture, Cham Museum and remnants of the French, Spanish and American occupations. Visitors can take cyclo rides along tree-lined avenues and relax at a variety of riverside cafes and restaurants.
There are many impressive cultural attractions within a two-hour drive from Danang, including the World Heritage sites of Hue, Hoi An, and the My Son Valley. Closer to the city are the Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, Hai Van Pass, Ba Na resort and Danang Beach.