China Beach extends north and south of the Marble Mountains and was made famous by the war and a subsequent TV series of the same name. China Beach is within cycling distance of Da Nang, 10 kilometres away, and it was this close proximity that led to it being used as an R&R destination for American soldiers during the war.

It is a long beach that stretches all the way down to Cua Dai beach at Hoi An, though you will get a larger surf at China Beach. China Beach actually hosted Vietnam's first International Surfing Competition in 1992. There is some controversy as to whether this was the real China Beach or if it was the beach called My Khe, further to the north.

Eating options here are limited. Hoa's Place has a good, but small menu. Once you go through that, you can check out the seafood places on the beach. For pizza, western food, and a more extensive (more expensive) Vietnamese meal, try the Sandy Beach Resort 400 metres to the south. Otherwise, gather a group and head into Da Nang.

If you want to get wet, you can rent long-boards, short-boards and boogie boards at Hoa's Place for US$5 per use -- you can keep it all day if you like. If he doesn't have what you want on hand he can usually arrange to get it for you. The best surfing starts in September and lasts throughout the winter months. The Sandy Beach and the Furama up on My An Beach rent jet-skis at extortionate prices.

A few kilometres north of China Beach and south of My Khe beach is a local beach known as My An beach. It offers much the same experience as Non Nuoc (China Beach), in terms of the sand and the seafood, but it's a lot more popular with locals and some find the food more reasonably-priced.

There's no much reason to go here if you're staying elsewhere, unless you happen to be staying at the beach's sole accommodation -- the five-star Furama Resort. The resort beach is a continuation of the local beach, and legally they are supposed to share, but in practice, Furama security guards try to scare off 'trespassers.' Still, you might try sneaking over to see how the better half lives -- better yet, just walk in through the resort and they'll probably assume you're staying there. Also, the top-notch facilities at the Furama are available for US$13 per day, though that should not apply to just using the beach.

Orientation
For most services you'll have to head into Da Nang. You can get on-line at the Sandy Resort for US$5 per hour, but otherwise the closest place is K&L internet, 1.5 km away. To get there, head west along the 'marble shop' road until it tees with Le Van Hien, take a left and it's 500 metres further down on the left. But some people have had trouble connecting to their e-mail here. Try heading one kilometre north on Le Van Hien to Nguyen Dung Internet on the right, or the place just next door. Otherwise, head into Da Nang.

Internet: 255 Le Van Hien, China Beach. T: (0511) 836 212. 3,000 VND per hour, printing available
K & L Internet: 586 Le Van Hien, China Beach. T: (0511) 950 513. Hours: 07:00 to 22:00.
Nguyen Dung Internet: 263 Le Van Hien, China Beach. T: (0511) 969 738. Hours: 07:00 to 22:00. 2,500 VND per hour
Sandy Beach: 255 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street (just off the beach road), China Beach. T: (0511) 836 216. http://www.sandybeachdanang.com