Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s largest cities and the main urban centre of the country’s central coast, with around 1.3 million people in the urban area. Its importance grew around its naturally sheltered harbour, which developed into a major trading port, and in 1858 Da Nang was the site of the first French attack that began the colonial conquest of Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, the city became a major American military and air base after U.S. Marines landed here in 1965. Today Da Nang is known for its long coastline and My Khe Beach, the forested Son Tra Peninsula, the Marble Mountains and the Dragon Bridge across the Han River. The city combines a modern beachfront skyline with markets, pagodas and remnants of Cham culture, including the Museum of Cham Sculpture. Da Nang is also a major transport hub, with an international airport and rail connections, and is particularly well placed for visiting nearby Hoi An, the Hai Van Pass and the former imperial capital of Hue.

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