This month, Star Cruises brings a 2, 800-passenger ship on a weekly stop in Danang.

CNN: Stops and Starts

In its second 13-episode season, the Bavaria Film production is shooting two shows around Danang.

CNN: Stops and Starts

Other cruise companies are considering a Danang route by the end of the year, Stoll says.

CNN: Stops and Starts

On a small beach outside Hoi On, near the port of Danang, two backpackers play out a familiar scene.

CNN: Stops and Starts

But French chain Novotel's site in Danang remains a fenced-in plot of earth.

CNN: Stops and Starts

Tran Duc took leave from his post as station officer at Vietnam Airlines' Danang office to work on the set as a runner.

CNN: Stops and Starts

Business is picking up, and Danang's gains could fuel the region.

CNN: Stops and Starts

"Danang is going to take off, " Stoll insists.

CNN: Stops and Starts