'''Provinces''':
The Central Coast is likened by the Vietnamese to the bamboo pole connecting the baskets of North and South. The '''Truong Son Mountains''', which stretch all the way to the coast between Hue and Danang, have traditionally divided the country in two in terms of weather and dialect, although the actual demarcation line during the Vietnam War was slightly higher up at the 17th parallel to the north of Hue.
July to November is the typhoon season, so it's wise to check the forecast a few days before your planned visit (see http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com ). Typhoons form in the Pacific, east of the Philippines. In some years, they curve north toward Taiwan and Japan and leave Vietnam in peace. In other years, they cross the Philippines and run straight into central Vietnam, causing possible flooding and wind damage. The threat of typhoons is one factor that has limited economic development in the central region relative to the north and south.
Da Nang's airport has good domestic connections and a limited selection of direct regional flights. Hue's airport also has flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
The 2005 opening of the '''Hai Van Tunnel''' between Danang and Hue has shaved 20 km and a good hour off travel time between the two cities, as well as shortcutting past the Hai Van Pass, which was as dangerous as it was scenic. Toll for an ordinary car is 25,000 dong, a price well worth paying especially if you're prone to carsickness.