Da Nang and My Khe Beach

Vietnam's third-largest city sits between the UNESCO-listed Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue, making it the ideal base for exploring central Vietnam, and its My Khe Beach was designated by US soldiers during the Vietnam War as China Beach for rest and recreation -- one of Asia's finest stretches of white sand, cheaper than the typical rival beaches in Thailand by an average of 30% for accommodation and dining. The Marble Mountains -- five limestone and marble hills riddled with Buddhist sanctuaries and Cham Hindu temples dating to the 7th century -- rise directly from the sand 5 kilometres from the beach.