Da Nang (occasionally Danang; in Vietnamese: ?? N?ng) is a major port city in the South Central Coast of Vietnam, on the coast of the South China Sea at the mouth of the Han River. It is the commercial and educational center of Central Vietnam; its well-sheltered, easily accessible port and its location on the path of National Route 1A and the North-South Railway make it a hub for transportation. It is located within 100 km of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Imperial City of Hu?, the Old Town of H?i An, and the Cham ruins at M? S?n. The city was previously known as C?a H?n during early ??i Vi?t settlement, and as Tourane (or Turon) during the period of French colonization.