Da Nang, formerly Tourane, city (1990 est. pop. 371,000), central Vietnam, a port on the South China Sea. One of the largest cities in Vietnam, it has an excellent deepwater harbor (dredged and improved by the United States) and is a busy commercial port. Its commercial airport, also modernized by the United States, is one of the largest in the area. There are textile mills and machinery plants in the city. Da Nang Bay was the scene (1535) of the first landing of Europeans in Vietnam. The city was originally ceded to France by Annam in 1787 and became (after 1858) a French concession. It was the site of a huge U.S. military base during the Vietnam War. The city is home to the Cham Museum, and there are many Cham ruins in the city and the surrounding area.

formerly Tourane

Seaport city (pop., 2003 est.: 590,800), central Vietnam. It was first ceded to France in 1787, and after 1858 it became a French concession beyond the jurisdiction of the protectorate. Da Nang increased in importance after the partition of Vietnam in 1954, and during the Vietnam War it was the site of a U.S. military base. Its port has an excellent deepwater harbour; its manufactures include textiles and machinery.

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