"Da Nang - Central Vietnam" a Da Nang Travel Page by MikeAtSea

Da Nang is Vietnam’s third largest city and the principal port in the central part of the country as well as a main port for neighbouring Laos. It was originally known as Cho Han (the Market of the Han), later to be renamed Tourane by the French. Da Nang is on the threshold of becoming a major destination for tourists thanks to some unique attractions, spectacular scenery and the friendliness of the local population.
It was on Da Nang’s coast where the first U.S. troops landed on March 8, 1965. As the war progressed, the airport’s runway was extended to become the longest in all of Southeast Asia. Da Nang fell to the Viet Cong in March 1975; this signified South Vietnam’s defeat in the war. Despite its war-torn history, Da Nang is one of the most progressive cities in Vietnam, taking advantage of the new free-market principle. The town also has become one of the country’s leaders in economic reform. Tourism and foreign investments have done much to boost the local economy.
Among the city’s highlights is the renowned Cham Museum, housing close to 300 Cham sculptures. Here history lovers get a glimpse into a very powerful era of Vietnam’s past. Da Nang, however, may be most familiar to movie viewers who watched the movie Good Morning Vietnam and the popular television series China Beach. The latter immortalized a popular R&R G.I. resort of the Vietnam War.