Patricia at China Beach.

We said goodbye to lovely Hue and drove the magnificent coastal route from Hue to Danang.  Our route took us over the Hai Van (“Sea Cloud”) pass where you get absolutely spectacular views.  The day could not have been more perfect.   Sunny, breezy and not a cloud in the sky.   You need to make sure you are on a vehicle with great brakes as the hairpin turns on the drive are numerous and really “hairpin.” 

Da Nang was the place of the first landing of a US Marine division in 1965.  In Da Nang was the infamous "China Beach" where soldiers, sailors and marines went for R&R.  It is a gorgous beach and the scenic ride from Hue to Da Nang must be one of the most spectacular anywhere.  When we got to the top of the famous famous "Hai Van" Pass we got out and saw all the bunkers--left over from the Americans, the French before them and the Chinese before them.   You can see forever from the top of this pass--critical for defense as Da Nang was fairly close to the 17th parallel (DMZ).

I think you will throughly enjoy my China Beach pictures.  Make sure you have your sound on.  You'll smile.