Lies in the central path of Vietnam. Da Nang wasthe landing point of both the French and the Americans during their stints in Vietnam. When theFrench established a garrison in Da Nang(then called Tourane), more soldiers died from disease than the associatedfighting in establishing the garrison.

There is now a small cemetery dedicated to them.During the Vietnam War, Da Nang wasthe home to one fifth of all US servicemen based in Vietnam. This made Da Nangon of the heaviest defended cities in South Vietnam, yet it eventually fell tothe North Vietnamese in 1975 with hardly a bullet fired.

Da Nang marks the halfway point between Hanoi and Ho ChiMinh City and was the first place to organize its own local communist partycommittee. The city is fairly featureless, and if you are coming from thetranquil setting of Lang Co, Hoi An, or anywhere for that matter, Da Nang is anextreme disappointment. It is a busy, dusty, colorless city, the fourth largestin Vietnam, and one of the largest business centers. Unless you are in Da Nangfor business, chances are you will pass straight through. Da Nang does have afascinating 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 areall within striking distance of Da mange, though it is more pleasant to stay inHoi An and visit these sights.

Lang co beach: If you were not planning on staying in Lang Co, a drivethrough may change your mind. The main street is lined with palm trees enticingyou to go for a swim in the crystal clear waters that lap onto fine white sandybeaches. Lang Co is on a sand spit peninsula with a sparkling lagoon on oneside, and a long beach lining the South China Sea on the other. This is one ofthe most beautiful places in Vietnam, and is yet to be developed extensively fortourists, which is probably a good thing.

Hai Van Pass: Travelling by road between Lang Co and Da Nang, you will haveto get over the Hai Van Pass. This pass is created by a spur from the Truong SonMountain Range that extends to the coast. This extremely mountainous road, withits sensational views, is the cause of many local vehicles breaking down. So ifyou are on one, allow yourself plenty of time. The view from the top of the passis extraordinarily beautiful and well worth a stop to take it all in.