The
coastal city of Danang is the major port in the central part
of the country. It's noted for art and architecture from the
Cham dynasty, and the only real site worth seeing in town is
the Cham Museum. It houses a fine collection of Cham civilization
sculpture and artifacts dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries.
The Marble Mountains, located just south of Danang, are the
highlight of the area. These five peaks were tiny islands until
silt filled in the surrounding area. Each mountain is named
after one of the five elements of the universe. On Thuy Son
(Water Mountain), you'll find caves that have been turned into
natural pagodas as altars and statues of Buddha and bodhisattvas
have been added. A trail of steep steps (about 900 of them)
leads up the mountain.
On the coast
near the mountains is the famous China Beach. Along with its
crystal water and white sand, it now boasts a luxury resort.
Other good beaches in the area include My Khe Beach (one of
the area's best) and Nam O Beach (a great place to see fishing
boats).
