THE CITY OF DA NANG

Da Nang is a coastal city in central Vietnam known for its sandy beaches and history as a French colonial port. It's a popular base for visiting the inland Bà Nà hills to the west of the city. Here the hillside Hải Vân Pass has views of Da Nang Bay and the Marble Mountains. These 5 limestone outcrops are topped with pagodas and hide caves containing Buddhist shrines. The Mỹ Khê, Mỹ An and Non Nước beaches are home to upscale resorts, and Non Nước also has a stone-carvers’ village. Colorfully lit bridges span the Hàn River, and the Dragon Bridge breathes fire and water from its mouth on weekends. The Museum of Cham Sculpture houses 5th–15th-century Hindu carvings. At Han Market, shoppers can buy silk paintings and local street food specialties, including the city's signature Mì Quảng noodle dish. On the forested Sơn Trà peninsula are the Lady Buddha Da Nang statue and Linh Ứng Bai But Pagoda with sweeping views across the sea and city.