Vietnam: Fishing boats off Da Nang, 1827

Da Nang (occasionally Danang) is a major port city in the South Central Coast of Vietnam, on the coast of the South China Sea at the mouth of the Han River. It is the commercial and educational center of Central Vietnam; its well-sheltered, easily accessible port and its location on the path of National Route 1A and the North-South Railway make it a hub for transportation. It is located within 100 km of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Imperial City of Hue, the Old Town of Hei An, and the Cham ruins at Me Son. The city was previously known as Cua Han during early Dai Vier settlement, and as Tourane (or Turon) during the period of French colonization.