Vietnam travel destination 9: Danang attractions

Da Nang’s west-coast location makes for beautiful sunsets, a holiday-like atmosphere and good, safe swimming from May to August. Da Nang is home to four museums – two of which are dedicated to last century’s military conflicts and one entirely to ‘Uncle Ho’ – a replica of Ho Chi Minh’s house.

The Cao Dai Temple and Da Nang Cathedral are religious-themed attractions worthy of a visit while the nearby Marble Mountains will fascinate visitors with their many limestone caves used as both hideouts and places of worship. Finally the Hai Van Pass – the highest in the country – is not to be miss

CHINA BEACH (MY KHE BEACH) IN DA NANG-

listed as one of the 'World's Most Luxurious Beaches'  by Forbes Magazine

Considered to be Vietnam's most picturesque beach, the white sandy 20-mile stretch of China Beach was named by the American troops who visited during the Vietnam War for R&R. Known locally by its proper name Non Nuoc, it offers excellent surfing from September just off the shores of Danang. There are also a number of high-end resorts within the vicinity should you be in need of pampering with most offering a rich choice of treatments at their spas and a range of dining options.

Sunbathing and surfing aside, there are a host of historical sites situated close by including the port of Hoi An which is only 10 minutes away by bus and offers wonderfully preserved merchant houses and small alleyways to explore. Hoi An is also a superb place to get anything you desire tailor made usually within 12 hours, and while you wait it’s definitely recommended that you try some local delights including very fresh shrimp pancakes.

 Once listed in Forbes Magazine as one of the 'World's Most Luxurious Beaches', the stunning sands of China Beach offer surfers and sun seekers a gloriously unspoilt hideaway with a host of big brand hotels such as Raffles and Hyatt opening or due to open very soon.

The China Beach area was first flung into the spotlight thanks to the China Beach television show broadcast on American networks highlighting US Vietnam War soldiers enjoying rest and play in Da Nang. After the war, the beach became a well-known spot on the backpacker trail before heading upmarket to today's more glamorous resort scene.

China Beach benefits from being perfectly located at the heart of World Heritage sites - the ancient port of Hoi An, the mysterious Phing Nga Caves, the home place of the Champa population and the revered imperial city of Hue are all easily accessible. China Beach is also reaping the rewards of an increasing number of international flight connections from Singapore, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City to name a few.

China Beach is reached via Danang International Airport which is served by several flights a day from across Asia. The taxi ride should take no more than 25 minutes from airport to the sand. You don't need to bring much with you by way of clothing or surf gear as everything you need is available locally. The best time to visit is between May and October.

THE MUSEUM OF CHAM SCULPTURE IN DA NANG

With their roots dating back as far as 192 AD, Vietnam's indigenous Cham people lived an Indian way of life in both culture and language. The Cham Museum in Danang is dedicated to this period and the Champa existence which began predominantly in the coastal areas of Vietnam. Housing the largest exhibition of Cham sculpture in the world, the museum displays almost 300 terracotta and stone works of art ranging from the 7th to the 15th centuries.

Many of the exhibits are considered masterpieces of their field showcased according to the region in which they were found with a total of ten separate interior exhibition rooms. All of the sculptures on display fall into one of the following sections – icon, pedestal, pediment, or fragment, with the area in which they were found determining where they are exhibited.

When you've finished browsing the internal creations, step outside to appreciate the building itself carefully crafted with objects of worship including idols and holy animals surrounded by flowers, leaves and turrets all symbols of Hinduism.

The Museum of Cham Sculpture

The Kingdom of Champa governed Southern Vietnam from 192 A.D to 1697 and left behind a legacy of unique Cham motifs and Hindu-flavoured architecture defining this period. Examples of this style can be seen in the temples and towers decorating the coastal and mountain areas of Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, Binh Thuan, Khanh Hoa and Danang which is where the museum is also situated.

The museum itself is also a fine example of Cham architecture with flowing simple lines, designed by the French architects Delaval and Auclair. Most of the artwork in the museum from this period takes the form of sculpture with a decidedly feminine feel and was gathered from Quang Binh up to Binh Dinh prior to the Cham Museum opening at the end of the 19th century.

In addition to the abundance of Hindu-influenced pieces there are also some that have evidently drawn inspiration from Buddhism including altars and deities. This range in religion reflects the eight centuries of Champa life from its start through to its height and then decline, with some of the more decadent pieces coming from the Champa golden age.

It is the only museum of its kind in the world dedicated to the Champa era and was founded during the colonial French rule in 1915. Other sites rich in Cham history include Tra Kieu, Dong Duong, Thap Man and My Son which were all famous Champa areas and are well worth a visit as part of a wider study into this fascinating period. There is an onsite shop selling imitation pieces and there are also English-language guidebooks for sale.

Opening Hours: daily from 07:00-17:00 
Location: at the intersection of Bach Dang and Trung Nu Vuong in Danang by the Han River 

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