In Vietnam, South Central Coast and South Central Region are two terms which can refer to the same region or two regions that do not correspond to each other. South Central Coast consists of the independent municipality of Đà Nẵng and seven other provinces, which means South Central Coast doesn't include Central Highlands. Nevertheless, the term "South Central Region" can also be used to include Central Highlands as it is part of southern part of Central Vietnam.

Da Nang or Danang is the fifth-largest city in Vietnam by municipal population. It lies on the coast of the East Sea of Vietnam at the mouth of the Hàn River, and is one of Vietnam's most important port cities. As one of the country's five direct-controlled municipalities, it falls under the administration of the central government.