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Melbourne, Australia
Base city for your Royal Melbourne Hospital elective. Stay in Carlton or Fitzroy for easy hospital access and great cafe culture. Explore the Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road, and the Grampians on weekends.
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Da Nang, Vietnam
Your Vietnam placement base — My Khe Beach and the Dragon Bridge are local highlights. The city is a great launchpad for Hoi An (30 mins south) and Hue (2 hrs north). Eat banh mi and fresh seafood at Han Market for an authentic local experience.
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Hoi An, Vietnam
A stunning UNESCO-listed ancient town just a short trip from Da Nang. Wander the lantern-lit Old Town, take a cooking class, and hire a bicycle to explore the countryside. Perfect for a weekend escape from your placement.
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Hue, Vietnam
Vietnam's former imperial capital, easily reached from Da Nang by train through the Hai Van Pass — one of the world's great rail journeys. Explore the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and try bun bo Hue, the city's famous spicy beef noodle soup.
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Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam's characterful capital makes a great long weekend trip from Da Nang via a short flight. Explore the Old Quarter's 36 streets, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, and eat bun cha and pho in street-side restaurants. Use it as a gateway to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh.
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Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
One of Southeast Asia's most iconic landscapes — thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. Book an overnight cruise from Hanoi for the best experience. Kayaking through caves and watching the sunrise from the deck are unmissable.
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam's buzzing southern metropolis is a quick flight from Da Nang. Visit the War Remnants Museum, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and eat your way through Ben Thanh Market. The Mekong Delta is a brilliant day trip for river life and floating markets.
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Siem Reap, Cambodia
Easily reached by short flight from Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap is the gateway to the spectacular Angkor temple complex. Spend two mornings exploring Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm at sunrise. Pub Street and the Old Market are lively spots for food and nightlife.
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Bangkok, Thailand
A well-connected hub perfect for a week-long mini trip from Da Nang. Explore the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the vibrant street food scene of Yaowarat (Chinatown). The Chao Phraya river express boat is the best way to hop between temples and neighbourhoods.
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Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Reunite with your friend based here for the final stretch of the trip. Take the Peak Tram for skyline views, explore the temples of Lantau Island, and eat dim sum in Yum Cha restaurants across Kowloon. The MTR makes getting around incredibly easy.
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Shanghai, China
A short flight from Hong Kong, Shanghai blends futuristic skyline with French Concession charm. Walk the Bund at night, explore Xintiandi, and take the Maglev to the airport. The high-speed rail network makes a day trip to Suzhou's classical gardens very doable.
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Beijing, China
Fly up from Shanghai or Hong Kong to close out the China leg. The Great Wall at Mutianyu, the Forbidden City, and a Peking duck dinner are non-negotiables. The Temple of Heaven and 798 Art District add culture and contrast to the imperial highlights.