12 Days Essential Vietnam Tour

INT-V-EVT12 12 Days Essential Vietnam Tour

From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City plus Mekong Delta, Halong Bay and Sapa, this 12-day tour covers all the essential attractions and culture in Vietnam, which will show you the best that Vietnam has to offer.

Your tour commence from Hanoi. Take a cyclo tour to travel through the famous Old Quarter to view the most elegant French colonial architectures and the bustling streets in Hanoi; then take the overnight train to Sapa to experience the culturally diverse of ethnic minorities and year-round cloud-shrouded mountains landscapes; and then take a luxury Halong Bay cruise to explore the many lime karsts jutting out of the green waters. And transfer to Hoian to discover the beauty of this ancient town. At last, move to Saigon, to witness the busy city life in Saigon and enjoy a full day unique Mekong River Cruise.

TOUR CODEINT-V-EVT12

PLACES VISITEDHanoi - Sapa - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi - Hoi An - Saigon

DEPARTURE DATESDates are flexible and customizable for private departures.

    Trip At a Glance

    Hanoi(1 night)

    On the train(2 night)

    Sapa(1 night)

    Halong Bay Cruise(1 night)

    Hoi An(3 nights)

    Saigon(3 night)

We are specialized in private and luxury Indochina tour.

  • Our tours are fully tailored to your budget and interests.
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Vietnam Tour, 12 Days Vietnam Essential Tour

Why you'll love this trip?

  • Travel to Hanoi and experience a fusion of French and Vietnamese.
  • Experience hilltribe culture and ancient customs, and discover stunning scenery and friendly people.
  • Enjoy Halong Bay and it's many limestone islands on this private full-day tour.
  • Stroll through atmospheric streets in Hoi An Ancient Town and relax yourself totally.
  • Experience the daily life of the locals and do shopping the hand-made goods at Binh Tay Market.
  • Delve into an underground world of guerrilla warfare in the incredible Cu Chi tunnels.
30% DEPOSIT
FREE 3 DAYS BOOKING HOLD
FREE TOUR PLANNING

Tour Map & Day by Day Itinerary

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Day 1

Welcome to Hanoi!

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Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival, your local tour guide and driver will welcome you at the airport. Then, the guide will escort you to the hotel and help you check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 1 Day 1
Day 2

Hanoi City Tour, Train to Lao Cai

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Meals: B

In the morning, your guide and driver will pick up at your hotel, start the tour to beautiful Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the shores of West Lake. This Pagoda is full of amazing Buddhist symbolism that visitors can learn more about.

Then, head to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnamese great father, President Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, where he lived on and off from 1958 to 1969.

The next destination is One Pillar Pagoda, a group of structures consisting of a pagoda and a tower built in the middle of a square lake. Leave the pagoda for the Temple of Literature, which is the first college of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, you need to choose one of the city’s museums (History Museum or Ethnology Museum) to visit. After that, drive back to admire Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple before taking cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore in Hanoi.

In the evening, board the overnight train to Lao Cai to discover the mountain tribes in northern Vietnam.

Overnight on the train.

Day 2 Day 2
Day 3

Arrive in Lao Cai, Sapa

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Meals: B

Arrive in Lao Cai railway station in the early morning around 6:30 am.

Your guide will pick you up from the train and then escort you to your hotel in the highland town Sapa. You can have a good rest at the hotel.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a relaxing walking tour through the beautiful rice terrace fields, and visit the Ta Van Village and Red Dao Village to discover the local ethnic tribe Back H'mong and Giang Ta Chai.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 3 Day 3
Day 4

Full Day Bac Ha Market, Train Back to Hanoi

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Meals: B

After breakfast, depart for the highland town of Bac Ha Market where you can wander through the district market, considered one of the most colorful ethnic markets in the Northwest.

After lunch, drive back to Sapa. On clear days you can see the highest mountain of Vietnam, the Fansipan Mountain. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Finally, head to Lao Cai Railway Station by car. You will take a night train at 21:40 to Hanoi.

Overnight on train.

Day 4 Day 4
Day 5

Arrive in Hanoi, Full Day Halong Bay Cruise

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Meals: B / L / D

After breakfast, travel to Halong Bay, one of the Wonders of the Orient (3 hr. drive). Your cruise across Halong Bay starts around noon on Tuan Chau Island at the doorstep of Vietnam's most fascinating wonder. As the boat sets sails, you will be greeted by the Paradise Crew and Cruise Manager who will aim throughout your stay at providing you with the highest standards of service for pure pleasure and utmost comfort onboard.

During the afternoon, discover some of the treasures spread across the Bay of the Descending Dragon: fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, fantastic rock formations rising up out of emerald water. While onboard, you can take advantage of the leisure of the Spa, Beauty & Massage services; surrounded by a stunning setting in motion, you can attend the chef's cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking.

One of the highlights of your stay on board is the innovative and varied cuisine offered at Lunch and Dinner in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages from around the world.

Overnight in Halong Bay.

Day 5 Day 5
Day 6

Return Hanoi; Flight to Danang

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Flight: Domestic flight include and arranged by Indochina Tour

Meals: B

Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. The breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, followed by a visit to the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around noon and transfer back to Hanoi Airport and take the flight to Danang.

Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to Hoi An for check in.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6 Day 6
Day 7

Full Day My Son Heritage, Hoi An Ancient Town

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Meals: B

In the morning, travel to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lies the 4th century My Son Holy Land ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden for living or development. The ruins lie in a beautiful mountainous landscape. Enter the temples to hear all about the history and stories of the Cham people and this holy site.

In the afternoon, continue on to the Ancient Capital of Hoi An, which features the 16th-century port town in its preserved state. The town is a perfect mixture of ancient architecture, houses, and temples as well as modern western restaurants and cafes. The historic sites you will visit are the Japanese Bridge, a renowned Chinese Temple, and former Vietnamese merchants' houses.

Later, take a boat trip along the Huai River to Thanh Ha Pottery Village and see how local people work on their crafts. In the evening, the town became so romantic when the lights come on and you see colorful lanterns everywhere especially the flower lanterns floating on the river.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7 Day 7
Day 8

Relaxing on the Beach at Hoi An

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Meals: B

Today, you'll have a day at leisure to enjoy Hoi An Beach, you can relax in the sunshine and sunbathe on the beach.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8 Day 8
Day 9

Flight to Saigon

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Flight: Domestic flight include and arranged by Indochina Tour

Meals: B

Today, you will take the flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, your private local guide from IndochinaTour.com will welcome you at the airport. And you will be escorted to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 9 Day 9
Day 10

Saigon Day Tour

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Meals: B

Today, you will be escorted to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You'll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then learn about the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. The impressive underground system they built remains to tell the story of the Vietnam War.

In the afternoon, see the highlights of Saigon and learn the history of these iconic landmarks.

Start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed by French colonists during their settlement, discover its significance as the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia.

Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building considered one of the main attractions in the city. Visit the Reunification Palace, home of South Vietnam’s President during the war.

The next stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market.

Finish today's journey with a visit to the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise Pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon's finest.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 10 Day 10
Day 11

Mekong Delta Discovery: My Tho

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Meals: B

This morning, transfer to remote My Tho. This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the "rice basket of Vietnam".

Firstly, head to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens overflowing with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools, and tombs, and ornate gates that provide entry.

Continue on a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages.

After lunch, visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island or explore the island on foot (the island is flat and relatively small).

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 11 Day 11
Day 12

Farewell from Saigon

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Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Meals: B

Today, you can enjoy your free time to explore this city until transfer to the airport. Hope you have a nice trip home and look forward to traveling with you again!

Service End.

Day 12 Day 12

Service Inclusions & Exclusions

Service Inclusions:

  • Flight tickets with airport tax as listed in above itinerary.
  • Entrance fee and sightseeing as listed in the itinerary.
  • Private English speaking tour guide service.
  • Private van for land transportation with cold drinking water and soft drink provided in the car.
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary (B for breakfast, L for lunch and D for dinner.

Service Exclusions:

  • International air tickets.
  • Visa Handling fee, visa stamp fee.
  • Meals do not listed in itinerary.
  • Insurance, gratuities and personal expenses.
  • Tipping for guide, driver and hotel bell boys, etc.
  • Surcharge for public holidays (if any).
  • Services not stated in the itinerary.

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What Our Customers Saying...

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Worry Free Vacation
Throughout the tour Helen, our operations manager, communicated with us via WhatsApp to make sure everything ran smoothly each and every day. She even met us at our hotel in Siem Reap to introduce herself.All of our guides were courteous, professional, and very knowledgeable.
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Dec 3, 2024 Cycle Time (Denver, CO)
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Rich Cultural Heritage Immersion
Ivy planned our tour and Helen was operating/communicating once we landed there. Overall it was very impressive, well organized, smooth with great hotels, guides and drivers Thoroughly planned covering all highlights of both the countries.
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Nov 7, 2024 Ritesh M (Sydney, Austrilia)
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Vietnam Cambodia and Thailand Tour
We had a wonderful visit to Siem Reap. Our guide Sreykea was excellent who brought us around some wonderful local cafes to taste the wonderful local food.I have to mention Kimheang who put our tour together. We travelled through Vietnam,Cambodia and Thailand. Kimheang was my go to and nothing was a problem.
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Nov 30, 2024 Sar (Dunboyne, Ireland)
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Great Travel Agency!
Our fantastic tour took place in April-May 2024, and everything went smoothly in all three countries without a single hitch!All in all, we couldn't have been happier with the service we received. Thank you very much, Indochina Tours. We wholeheartedly recommend this outstanding travel organization.
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Nov 29, 2024 Mistuko13 (Zurich, Switzerland)
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It's Worth Every Penny!
Great communication from the start of booking. Incredible helpful communication.They arranged everything and answered questions. Met at airport with Driver and Guide that I spent 4days with them. Driving in a clean nice van dropped off at 4 star hotel. Then taken after Fred hung up for a traditional dinner and dance theatre.
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Oct 29, 2024 Robert P (Carolina Beach, NC)
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Southeast Asia Tour
Our tour was very well organized, the guides were excellent and in the limited time we were able to cover many important destinations. Our tour adviser SrePov did an excellent job in planning out the itinerary and she was very responsive and always available over the phone.
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Oct 15, 2024 Meena Velu
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First-Class Service!
My wife and I (retired, 70's) arranged for a 28-day self-guided tour of Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam with Indochina Tour in November-December 2023. Everything worked perfectly in all three countries, not a single hitch! We had different tour guides in each location we visited, and their service ranged from excellent to superb.
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Sept 13, 2024 Leo F (Colorado Springs, United States)
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Indochinatour.com Delivered!
We really couldn't have asked for a better trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. Thanks to Indochinatours.com, Sreypov, Kea and each of the guides and drivers at each destination on our trip. In the planning phase, Sreypov and Kea were consistently responsive to all our questions and discussions, usually responding within 24 hrs of any comment or request
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Sept 4, 2024 Kathy A
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Vietnam Re-visited!
They offer as much flexibility with your trip as you desire and are very professional in their approach. They will make a plan that fits you and your schedule. (One thing I did learn was to be very specific in your requests as to sights to see etc. If you leave it up to Ivy she will make sure you see all of them!
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Aug 27, 2024 159lisab1972 (Columbia, SC, US)
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Great Experience!
Well this was a year in the planning with lots of talks with my rep Helen, to start off was my trip to Vietnam Hanoi/hoi an and oh chi min city and everything was great all the guides at each city and the trips to boot the hotels was all as expected. Next was Cambodia (siem reap) and what a place again guide and trips was outstanding really enjoyed Cambodia hotel was outstanding also.
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Aug 19, 2024 marcolm l (Burmingham, UK)
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Vietnam & Cambodia Custom Tour!
Indochina Tour was fantastic in organizing a custom private tour for us in Vietnam and Cambodia. Sreypov & Kea were so helpful: listening to our requirements, creating a very interesting itinerary, and making adjustments to accommodate our evolving plans.
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Aug 7, 2024 Paul H
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Thailand Culture and Experiences!
Right from the start Elena our travel consultant was quick to respond and took into consideration all our thoughts on where to go, what we wanted to see and do. Our guides Meng in Bangkok and Aonny in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai were knowledgeable, informative and extremely helpful.
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Jul 28, 2024 bartyfrog (Scoresby, Australia)
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Exceptional Customer Service!
Regarding our tour, it was fantastic. Everywhere we travelled we felt safe and welcomed. Our time in Ho Chi Minh City was limited which was good as it really doesn't have that much to offer tourists. Our time in Hoi An was peaceful and pleasant.
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Jul 28, 2024 Mark M (Seattle, WA)
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Almost Perfect!
I would like to thank Sreypov and SreyKea for organizing our 14 day tour from Vietnam to Cambodia. We could not be able to visit the cities and places without Indochinatour. Wonderfully planned.The tour was perfectly organized. Tour guides are very knowledgeable, specially Mr Nob in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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Jul 24, 2024 Flyer296303
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SE Asia Custom Trip!
Sreypov and Kea were very responsive in setting up a custom trip to SE Asia. Great hotels and great excursions. Very balanced.
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Jul 21, 2024 Monique A
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Right Mix of Busy and Relaxing!
Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.We booked through Sreypov and Kea at IndoChina Tours. What an amazing trip!Every detail was taken care of which aloud us to enjoy the trip and not think about the details.I broke my foot while in Vietnam and everyone from Indochina was so helpful making sure my experience was still positive.
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Jul 8, 2024 Nancy P (Canada)
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Indochina Tour!
Indochina Tour,specifically Sreypov and Ms. Kea, were so helpful with organizing and making all arrangements for a 23-day tour of Vietnam,Cambodia and Thailand for myself,my husband and another couple.Our hotels were nice and clean and centrally located and the guides were all very knowledgeable and helpful.
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Jul 7, 2024 tlr321
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Highly Recommended!
Our trip to Thailand was amazing due to the excellent planning of Kimheang and Sreykea at Indochina Tours.They were totally flexible in making adjustments to their tours and we were able to customize a perfect vacation for my husband and I.We travelled throughout Thailand and were received by a private driver and guide in every city we visited.
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June 28, 2024 candayceclarke
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Fantastic Thailand Trip!
My husband and I took a private,15 day tour of Thailand in early February 2024. We had two travel guides,Rain,for Southern Thailand and "Woody",for Northern Thailand.They were both very knowledgeable about their areas of expertise, friendly,extremely kind and accommodating,and were truly good will ambassadors for their country.
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June 28, 2024 happytravelers118 (Ojai,California)
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Trip of a Lifetime!
I chose this company based on the reviews and the quick and professional responses via email.I had first contact with Bliss, who created the tour for us based on our requests and customized it to suit our needs.She was always available to answer questions and create what we were looking for.
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June 28, 2024 Niha H (Penticton,Canada)
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Private 14-Day Tour!
Everything was organized to perfection,with knowledgeable and flexible tour guides in every city we visited, who made some variations to the itinerary where we had more time available.We opted for 4-star accommodations,and all the hotels met our expectations.
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June 26, 2024 Alessia F
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Excellent Private Tour!
Indochina tours organised a fantastic trip for us. Everything from being picked up at the airports,to choosing great accomodation and organising private day tours was sorted impeccably. Thanks to Kimheang for having the patience and skills to put together an itinerary that we were extremely happy with.
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June 24, 2024 liznorton123 (Auckland,New Zealand)
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Considerate Service!
Having just returned from a 25 day tour of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, we must express our grateful thanks to Bliss and Kea for arranging a memorable holiday.Ms Bliss worked with us to arrange the programme and accommodate the various changes we kept making. Ms Kea then made all the arrangements which ensured a trouble free itinerary.
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June 20, 2024 Maggiemum2 (Holmfirth, UK)

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You are inquiring on:

12 Days Essential Vietnam Tour

  • Tour Code:INT-V-EVT12
  • Length: 12 Days
  • Route: Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi - Hoi An - Saigon
  • Price: USD
  • Departure Date:
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  • Top 5 Star (Above $170 per night per room)
  • Standard 5 Star ($120 to $150 per night per room)
  • Comfortable 4 Star ($80 to $100 per night per room)
  • Economoc 3 Star ($50 to $70 per night per room)
  • Book By Myself
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Essential Vietnam Tour
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