Da Nang is a coastal city in central Vietnam that was once a French colonial port and is well-known for its sandy beaches. To the west of the city, the inland Bà Nà hills are a popular destination from which to explore. Views of the Marble Mountains and Da Nang Bay may be seen from the hillside Hải Vân Pass. These five limestone protrusions conceal caves housing Buddhist sanctuaries and are crowned with pagodas.