INTRODUCTION
Vietnam is an intriguing destination and at the top of the list of anyone who wants to see a vibrant Asian country with beautiful landscapes, delicious food, soulful cities and a warm friendly people. More importantly, you will that Vietnam is at the crossroads of tradition and modernity - an eclectic mix of old and new. Surprising and enchanting, this country will reveal astonishing finds to every type of traveler.
The old world charm is still retained amid the French colonial architectures, wide tree-lined boulevards gracing the cities and former imperial capitals. History buffs can learn about Vietnam’s recent hard fought wars in the museums. Culture seekers will delight in the discovery of the diverse landscapes and everyday sights, from bustling floating markets, lush paddy fields to colorful hill tribes in the highlands. For beach lovers, Vietnam’s long coastline is framed with sandy beaches and clear seas with lots of opportunities for water-based adventures
The old world charm is still retained amid the French colonial architectures, wide tree-lined boulevards gracing the cities and former imperial capitals. History buffs can learn about Vietnam’s recent hard fought wars in the museums. Culture seekers will delight in the discovery of the diverse landscapes and everyday sights, from bustling floating markets, lush paddy fields to colorful hill tribes in the highlands. For beach lovers, Vietnam’s long coastline is framed with sandy beaches and clear seas with lots of opportunities for water-based adventures
FIVE HIGHLIGHTS
1 Go on a nostalgic tour of Ho Chi Minh City in a classic Citroen or Vespa scooter visiting the Opera House, Le Loi Street, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and War Remnants Museum. Or stroll through Hanoi’s French quarter, sip an aromatic cup of coffee on the sidewalk and observe the bustling street life.
2 Cruise aboard a colonial sailing ship in the emerald waters of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the famed Halong Bay, with its sublime beauty of magnificent limestone formations rising dramatically from the ocean.
3 Explore the floating markets and riverside villages of the majestic Mekong Delta. Stay in small towns or cruise on the river, enjoy a unique cuisine, visit fruit orchards and Confucian temples.
4 Linger on in 16th century Hoi An, a UNESCO cited medieval town in Central Vietnam, that has been completely restored. Explore its cobbled street, ancient houses, art galleries, cafes and bars, and get yourself some silk clothes tailored in record time!
5 Take a sunset boat ride on the Perfume River in Hue and visit Vietnam’s own Forbidden City, built by its ancient emperors on the lines of the original in Beijing. Marvel at the ancient Hindu temples of My Son, built by the Cham Dynasty.
2 Cruise aboard a colonial sailing ship in the emerald waters of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the famed Halong Bay, with its sublime beauty of magnificent limestone formations rising dramatically from the ocean.
3 Explore the floating markets and riverside villages of the majestic Mekong Delta. Stay in small towns or cruise on the river, enjoy a unique cuisine, visit fruit orchards and Confucian temples.
4 Linger on in 16th century Hoi An, a UNESCO cited medieval town in Central Vietnam, that has been completely restored. Explore its cobbled street, ancient houses, art galleries, cafes and bars, and get yourself some silk clothes tailored in record time!
5 Take a sunset boat ride on the Perfume River in Hue and visit Vietnam’s own Forbidden City, built by its ancient emperors on the lines of the original in Beijing. Marvel at the ancient Hindu temples of My Son, built by the Cham Dynasty.
WHEN TO GO. WHERE TO GO.
There is good weather somewhere in Vietnam all year round! Vietnam stretches over 2000 km from North to South. The climate differs all year round from one region to another. The North can be chilly during winter months (December to March). North and Central Vietnam can encounter tropical storms and typhoons from October to January. Overall, the north of Vietnam experiences more marked seasons than the rest of the country with two distinct seasons: wet and dry.
The South, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, benefits from sunshine and warm weather all year round. However, the rainy season lasts from May to November (with showers once or twice a day in general) and a dry season from December to April. The Central Highlands can be chilly. Nha Trang has warm – sometimes hot - weather all year round, with a rainy season from the end of September until December.
Unless you intend to visit friends, relatives or your family, we do not recommend visiting Vietnam during the Lunar New Year, Tet holidays (Vietnamese New Year falls between late January and February). The Tet holiday is the most important period of the year for Vietnamese people who take time off to visit their families in the countryside. All hotels, buses, trains and flights are full, and there is almost no activity in the markets and shops. Some hotels and restaurants are under-staffed and in some cases the quality of the service may suffer. This period of reduced activity may last from a week before and a week after the Tet period. It is also impossible to get a “visa authorization letter” processed during this period.
As a reminder, the peak season lasts from October to May. To avoid disappointment because hotel rooms or domestic flights are fully booked, reserve your travel arrangements early. Contact us to discuss your travel plans.
The South, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, benefits from sunshine and warm weather all year round. However, the rainy season lasts from May to November (with showers once or twice a day in general) and a dry season from December to April. The Central Highlands can be chilly. Nha Trang has warm – sometimes hot - weather all year round, with a rainy season from the end of September until December.
Unless you intend to visit friends, relatives or your family, we do not recommend visiting Vietnam during the Lunar New Year, Tet holidays (Vietnamese New Year falls between late January and February). The Tet holiday is the most important period of the year for Vietnamese people who take time off to visit their families in the countryside. All hotels, buses, trains and flights are full, and there is almost no activity in the markets and shops. Some hotels and restaurants are under-staffed and in some cases the quality of the service may suffer. This period of reduced activity may last from a week before and a week after the Tet period. It is also impossible to get a “visa authorization letter” processed during this period.
As a reminder, the peak season lasts from October to May. To avoid disappointment because hotel rooms or domestic flights are fully booked, reserve your travel arrangements early. Contact us to discuss your travel plans.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
TRIP | VIETNAM IN STYLE
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Hanoi (2) - Ninh Binh (1) - Ha Long Bay (1) - Hoi An (1) - Hue (2) - Ho Chi Minh City (1) - Mekong Delta (1)
Stay in some of the finest accommodations in this country as you discover the exoticism of this vast country in our Vietnam in Style trip. In Hanoi, you will see French influences all over the streets and admire the beautiful scene of Halong Bay on a boat ride. In Central Vietnam, you will cruise along the Perfume River and venture in the forbidden city of Hue. In Saigon, embark on an overnight cruise to the Mekong Delta where you can sample the culinary delights of the floating market in this Vietnam tour.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
October - May IDEAL FOR
Couples & families BASICS
9-nights; road & flights PRICES START FROM
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The best insider experiences, the most exclusive guides, and the top pick of hotels - Vietnam for the discerning luxury traveller.
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI
Welcome to Hanoi! Begin your tour in the bustling capital city of the country. Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, our guide will be present for a meet and greet, followed by a transfer to the city for check in at your luxury hotel.
Depending upon your arrival time into Hanoi, we could plan an experience for you or you could just kick back and relax at your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
Depending upon your arrival time into Hanoi, we could plan an experience for you or you could just kick back and relax at your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 2: IN HANOI. INSIDER TOUR OF HANOI
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the day’s insider tour of the capital city.
Embark on a walking tour through Hanoi’s best culinary spots alongside a renowned food blogger. This local insider possesses an enormous passion for his country's cuisine, resulting in a blog that has gained a large following both in Vietnam and internationally. Join the specialist street food guide with private transport to the centre of Hanoi to begin the walking street food tour of Hanoi; a comfortable pair of walking shoes are recommended!
Stroll through Old Quarter beyond the old east gate to the Thanh Ha market. Encounter local delicacies and strange food items; an explanation of Vietnamese food practices will be given along the way. This busy, eclectic market is alive with the sights and sounds of Hanoi- a true symbol of the essence of Vietnamese culture. Continue through the streets of the Old Quarter to Dong Xuan market to sample some local treats such as pho tiu and bun dau. Stroll up ‘food alley’ to see the plethora of other dishes on offer.
From here, visit the food sections of Hanoi’s main market, Dong Xuan, where dried goods and aromatics fill the senses. Walk down to Hang Than Street to view ceremonial cake stalls and taste a special French influenced dessert. Continue back into the Old Quarter via Hang Cot Street where a range of exotic fruits can be sampled. Walk along Phung Hung Street through temporary market stalls where the changing market scene of Hanoi is ever present.
At the end of the tour, stop at one of the Old Quarter’s busiest (yet smallest) coffee shops for a well-earned sit down and coffee before transferring back to the hotel.
This afternoon, continue to West Lake and visit one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi, Tran Quoc, and the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh. The rest of the day is open to relaxing and exploring Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Embark on a walking tour through Hanoi’s best culinary spots alongside a renowned food blogger. This local insider possesses an enormous passion for his country's cuisine, resulting in a blog that has gained a large following both in Vietnam and internationally. Join the specialist street food guide with private transport to the centre of Hanoi to begin the walking street food tour of Hanoi; a comfortable pair of walking shoes are recommended!
Stroll through Old Quarter beyond the old east gate to the Thanh Ha market. Encounter local delicacies and strange food items; an explanation of Vietnamese food practices will be given along the way. This busy, eclectic market is alive with the sights and sounds of Hanoi- a true symbol of the essence of Vietnamese culture. Continue through the streets of the Old Quarter to Dong Xuan market to sample some local treats such as pho tiu and bun dau. Stroll up ‘food alley’ to see the plethora of other dishes on offer.
From here, visit the food sections of Hanoi’s main market, Dong Xuan, where dried goods and aromatics fill the senses. Walk down to Hang Than Street to view ceremonial cake stalls and taste a special French influenced dessert. Continue back into the Old Quarter via Hang Cot Street where a range of exotic fruits can be sampled. Walk along Phung Hung Street through temporary market stalls where the changing market scene of Hanoi is ever present.
At the end of the tour, stop at one of the Old Quarter’s busiest (yet smallest) coffee shops for a well-earned sit down and coffee before transferring back to the hotel.
This afternoon, continue to West Lake and visit one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi, Tran Quoc, and the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh. The rest of the day is open to relaxing and exploring Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 3: HANOI - HOA LU / TAM COC
Just a couple hours’ drive outside of Hanoi will head deep into Vietnam’s picturesque countryside. Discover Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties, before taking a sampan trip down the Tam Coc River. Also called the ‘Halong Bay on Land,’ this region is famous for its charming grottoes and limestone Karst Mountains.
Depart from the hotel in the morning for the 2-hour drive through rural northern Vietnam. Stop off at Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu, where there are temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel (most of which has since been destroyed) once covered an area of three square kilometres.
If time permits after visiting Hoa Lu, take a half-hour walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills; a difficult but highly rewarding climb with spectacular views. Continue on for Tam Coc Town where a Vietnamese-style lunch will be waiting; there will be ample opportunity to stop for photographs of the villages and landscapes along the way. After lunch, board a private sampan to either Thung Nang (visited in summer) or Trang An (visited in winter). As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields giving rise to its name the ‘Halong on Land.’
For those feeling adventurous, climb up to the 15th century Bich Dong Pagoda on nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain, comprising three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Depart from the hotel in the morning for the 2-hour drive through rural northern Vietnam. Stop off at Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu, where there are temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel (most of which has since been destroyed) once covered an area of three square kilometres.
If time permits after visiting Hoa Lu, take a half-hour walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills; a difficult but highly rewarding climb with spectacular views. Continue on for Tam Coc Town where a Vietnamese-style lunch will be waiting; there will be ample opportunity to stop for photographs of the villages and landscapes along the way. After lunch, board a private sampan to either Thung Nang (visited in summer) or Trang An (visited in winter). As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields giving rise to its name the ‘Halong on Land.’
For those feeling adventurous, climb up to the 15th century Bich Dong Pagoda on nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain, comprising three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
DAY 4: NINH BINH - HA LONG BAY
After breakfast, depart Ninh Binh for an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay. En route, journey through the rich farmlands and observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers as they work the rice fields, take pigs to the market on bicycles, and plough the fields with water buffaloes. Arrive in Halong City in the late morning and board the traditional wooden junk for an overnight journey into the Bay. Lunch is served on board.
Towards the end of the day, set anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, dinner is served on board with fresh seafood, salads, and fruits. Overnight on board in Halong Bay.
Towards the end of the day, set anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, dinner is served on board with fresh seafood, salads, and fruits. Overnight on board in Halong Bay.
DAY 5: HA LONG BAY - HAI PHONG - DANANG - HOI AN
Upon return to Halong City, enjoy a wholesome brunch as the boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Upon disembarkation, your driver will be waiting for a transfer to Hai Phong Airport for the flight to Danang.
On arrival into Central Vietnam, there will be a welcome and 40-minute transfer to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.
On arrival into Central Vietnam, there will be a welcome and 40-minute transfer to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.
DAY 6: HOI AN - HUE
After breakfast at your hotel, drive to the ancient port town of Hoi An.
Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of the ancient city remains wholly untouched. Enjoy a walking tour through town- the best way to see this UNESCO World Heritage site. Have a brilliant lunch at one of Hoi An’s best restaurants, which serves original and creative cuisine that can only be described as Vietnam-Latin American-Japanese fusion. With a combination of refreshing flavours, beautiful presentations, and a relaxing atmosphere, this eatery has won the heart of many loyal and happy customers.
Leave Hoi An after lunch for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Passing through Danang, visit its notable Cham Museum, before climbing over the ‘Pass of Ocean Clouds’. Arrive in Hue late in the afternoon and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Hue.
Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of the ancient city remains wholly untouched. Enjoy a walking tour through town- the best way to see this UNESCO World Heritage site. Have a brilliant lunch at one of Hoi An’s best restaurants, which serves original and creative cuisine that can only be described as Vietnam-Latin American-Japanese fusion. With a combination of refreshing flavours, beautiful presentations, and a relaxing atmosphere, this eatery has won the heart of many loyal and happy customers.
Leave Hoi An after lunch for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Passing through Danang, visit its notable Cham Museum, before climbing over the ‘Pass of Ocean Clouds’. Arrive in Hue late in the afternoon and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Hue.
DAY 7: HUE
Pick up from the hotel by cyclo and head to Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake, the former holiday spot for the Emperors. Continue by cyclo to the local Tay Loc Market, situated in the northwest part Dai Noi. (rarely visited by tourists) From Tay Loc, transfer by vehicle to a beautiful pagoda which dates back to 1843. One of the most interesting aspects of the pagoda are the eunuch tombs from the former Royal Court.
If in Hue on Thursday or Sunday mornings between 9:00-10:00AM, it is the gathering place for up to 20 Buddhist monks and nuns who gather together to pray and read aloud scriptures. This is a fascinating visit and highly recommended. Head next to Ho Quyen, an arena where duels between elephants and tigers were once fought for the entertainment of former Kings. At the end of the morning, visit the recently restored An Dinh Palace where magnificent murals can be seen, as well as the stunning façade where oriental and European designs are integrated.
Enjoy lunch in Hue at one of the city’s most renowned restaurants, Ancient Hue. In the afternoon pay a visit to the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds.
Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European flare, making it entirely unique from the other tombs in Hue. At the end of the afternoon head back to the hotel.
Enjoy dinner at one of Hue’s most beautiful garden houses known locally as ‘nha vuon’. These houses are traditional, privately owned, and set in large, attractive formal gardens. Some have connections with the old Royal Imperial Court and the house’s traditional architecture has long been associated with the natural environment and the ancient belief of ‘feng-shui’. Overnight in Hue.
If in Hue on Thursday or Sunday mornings between 9:00-10:00AM, it is the gathering place for up to 20 Buddhist monks and nuns who gather together to pray and read aloud scriptures. This is a fascinating visit and highly recommended. Head next to Ho Quyen, an arena where duels between elephants and tigers were once fought for the entertainment of former Kings. At the end of the morning, visit the recently restored An Dinh Palace where magnificent murals can be seen, as well as the stunning façade where oriental and European designs are integrated.
Enjoy lunch in Hue at one of the city’s most renowned restaurants, Ancient Hue. In the afternoon pay a visit to the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds.
Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European flare, making it entirely unique from the other tombs in Hue. At the end of the afternoon head back to the hotel.
Enjoy dinner at one of Hue’s most beautiful garden houses known locally as ‘nha vuon’. These houses are traditional, privately owned, and set in large, attractive formal gardens. Some have connections with the old Royal Imperial Court and the house’s traditional architecture has long been associated with the natural environment and the ancient belief of ‘feng-shui’. Overnight in Hue.
DAY 8: HUE - HO CHI MINH CITY
After breakfast, head out to Hue Airport for the short morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City; pick up and transfer upon arrival.
Step off the beaten track and take a stroll into the oldest quarter of the city. Explore Saigon’s well-kept secret, Antique Street (Le Cong Kieu), followed by a visit to the Beaux-Arts Museum, a superb neo-colonial building home to various modern arts.
Enjoy a local lunch before departing on a vespa tour!
There are many ways to explore the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, however none are as exhilarating as on the back of a Vespa scooter! Scooting around Saigon, soak in the buzzing streets while spectating some of the biggest sites of the city. Stop off at the monument of Thich Quang Duc, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk who burned himself to death on June 11, 1963 to protest against the persecution of Buddhists by South Vietnam’s Ngo Dinh Diem administration. Head onwards to the colourful Ho Thi Ky flower market before riding to the Funeral Home to get to know about Vietnamese funeral ceremonies & customs. Roll through Chinatown to the Nhi Phu temple built in the end of 17th century by Chinese immigrants. Continue with a short walk through the nearby alley full of tailoring supplies, then heading back to Nhi Phu temple and District One via bike. On the way, stop at a Chinese Medicine shop for an explanation about “Thuốc Bắc - medicine from herbs” or ”Thuốc tàu – medicine from China.”
Leaving Chinatown, drive through the tunnel to District 2 for some entirely unique views of downtown Saigon. A few final landmark visits ensue before heading back to District 1. Driving back, take note of the Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and historic Reunification Palace, followed by the beautiful Opera House and HCMC People’s Committee. The rest of the evening is free at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Step off the beaten track and take a stroll into the oldest quarter of the city. Explore Saigon’s well-kept secret, Antique Street (Le Cong Kieu), followed by a visit to the Beaux-Arts Museum, a superb neo-colonial building home to various modern arts.
Enjoy a local lunch before departing on a vespa tour!
There are many ways to explore the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, however none are as exhilarating as on the back of a Vespa scooter! Scooting around Saigon, soak in the buzzing streets while spectating some of the biggest sites of the city. Stop off at the monument of Thich Quang Duc, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk who burned himself to death on June 11, 1963 to protest against the persecution of Buddhists by South Vietnam’s Ngo Dinh Diem administration. Head onwards to the colourful Ho Thi Ky flower market before riding to the Funeral Home to get to know about Vietnamese funeral ceremonies & customs. Roll through Chinatown to the Nhi Phu temple built in the end of 17th century by Chinese immigrants. Continue with a short walk through the nearby alley full of tailoring supplies, then heading back to Nhi Phu temple and District One via bike. On the way, stop at a Chinese Medicine shop for an explanation about “Thuốc Bắc - medicine from herbs” or ”Thuốc tàu – medicine from China.”
Leaving Chinatown, drive through the tunnel to District 2 for some entirely unique views of downtown Saigon. A few final landmark visits ensue before heading back to District 1. Driving back, take note of the Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and historic Reunification Palace, followed by the beautiful Opera House and HCMC People’s Committee. The rest of the evening is free at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 9: HO CHI MINH CITY - MEKONG DELTA
The Cuu Long region, otherwise known as the Mekong Delta, is an unforgettable place to discover a whole different side of Vietnam: amazing waterways hiding amongst vibrant tropical fruit gardens, bustling floating markets boasting a cornucopia of items, and acres of emerald rice fields.
Depart from your hotel and travel to Cai Be. Board your private houseboat, designed in the style of a traditional sampan. The boat’s petite size enables a unique discovery of smaller canals, rivers, and tributaries of this region.
Cruise the colourful floating markets of Cai Be and Cai Rang, pay a visit to the famous town of Sadec, enjoy a leisurely lunch on the boat, followed by a visit to the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda. Continue onwards to the city of Can Tho and its iconic Cao Dai Temple. Cao Daism is a religion indigenous to South Vietnam; its colourful and unusual murals that adorn the temple’s interior are nothing short of brilliantly blinding.
Before sunset, enjoy a last stop at a splendid 19th century house where an unforgettable candle-light dinner will be served. After dinner, proceed for one hour to Can Tho where your sampan will be moored for the night.
Spend the night aboard your sampan.
Depart from your hotel and travel to Cai Be. Board your private houseboat, designed in the style of a traditional sampan. The boat’s petite size enables a unique discovery of smaller canals, rivers, and tributaries of this region.
Cruise the colourful floating markets of Cai Be and Cai Rang, pay a visit to the famous town of Sadec, enjoy a leisurely lunch on the boat, followed by a visit to the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda. Continue onwards to the city of Can Tho and its iconic Cao Dai Temple. Cao Daism is a religion indigenous to South Vietnam; its colourful and unusual murals that adorn the temple’s interior are nothing short of brilliantly blinding.
Before sunset, enjoy a last stop at a splendid 19th century house where an unforgettable candle-light dinner will be served. After dinner, proceed for one hour to Can Tho where your sampan will be moored for the night.
Spend the night aboard your sampan.
DAY 10: MEKONG DELTA - HO CHI MINH CITY - DEPARTURE
Crossing the Mekong on the way to the Cai Rang Floating Market, take in traditional sights such as rice barges, wooden ship building yards and even fruit drying along the Mekong’s banks.
After visiting the colourful floating market, return to Ho Chi Minh City by 4pm. A private car and guide will be available until the final transfer to your airport for departing international flights or domestic extensions.
After visiting the colourful floating market, return to Ho Chi Minh City by 4pm. A private car and guide will be available until the final transfer to your airport for departing international flights or domestic extensions.
CERTIFIED DESTINATION EXPERTS
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