Family Vietnam In Depth
Family Vietnam In Depth
Family Vietnam In Depth
15 Days Starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City Hotel
Visiting: Hanoi, Mai Châu District, Săm Khóe, Ninh Bình
Tour Overview
Join us on an in depth journey through magical Vietnam, traversing the country from north to south. Bike alongside the rice paddy fields of Mai Chau and explore the intricate network of waterways in the Mekong Delta. Witness the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, the old-world charm of Hanoi, ancient neighbourhoods of Hoi An and dramatic limestone pinnacles of Halong Bay.
Mai Chau - Cycle along rice terraces and through villages dotted with stilt houses
Ho Chi Minh City - Learn about the resourcefulness of the Viet Cong at the Cu Chi Tunnels, visit an underground weapons bunker and explore old Saigon's bustling back alleys
Mekong Delta - Navigate the delta by bike and boat. Stay in a traditional homestay and take part in a Vietnamese cooking lesson
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Hanoi.
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Nesta Hotel, Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi. Vietnam's bustling capital is architecturally styled like a French provincial town, with tree-lined boulevards and low-rise buildings. It's a wonderful city to explore on foot.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Hanoi at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport (airport code HAN), which is 30KM, around one hour's drive from the airport. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to head to the Old Quarter, a maze of narrow lanes named after the various crafts and specialities of the city's artisans. The pavements are filled with food sellers tempting you with steaming noodles, snacks and stir-fried delights.
Day 2: Hanoi. Watch Locals Take Lakeside Yoga Classes, Explore Night Markets.
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Nesta Hotel, Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning join our trip leader to see more of Hanoi, visiting the One-Pillar Pagoda, the tranquil Temple of Literatures and the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh lying in state.
The afternoon is then free to perhaps take an optional cookery class, or explore Hanoi's elegant French Quarter by cyclo. In the evening there is the chance to witness a remarkable performance of traditional water puppetry (optional activity). Set on a flooded stage, the stories tell tales of legendary heroes and everyday life, with dragons and unicorns often sharing the stage with fireworks and naval battles, alternatively head out to sample the delights of Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant including regional specialities such as Goi cuon (spring rolls) or Pho, Vietnam's national dish, a light beef or chicken broth flavoured with ginger and coriander, to which are added broad, flat rice noodles, spring onions and slivers of chicken, pork or beef.
Day 3: Scenic Drive To Mai Chau, Bike Through Paddy Fields Past Tranquil Traditional Villages.
Location: Mai Châu District
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mai Chau Ecolodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hemmed in by hills and set in a tranquil valley, Mai Chau is a world away from the hectic pace of life of Hanoi. The four hour journey provides a glimpse of rural life in the north of the country passing through villages surrounded by paddy fields. On arrival, check-in to our hotel with fine views of local villages distantly related to the tribes in Thailand, Laos and China, lunch is included at the hotel.
This afternoon head out on a biking tour along rice terraces of the Mai Chau Valley dotted with stilt houses. The ride provides opportunities for panoramic views of paddy fields, spectacular karst cliffs and verdant valleys around you, a truly spectacular setting. On the way home, pass by Van Village, home to the White Thai people. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at our comfortable eco lodge featuring a swimming pool to cool off in after an afternoon of cycling.
Day 4: Drive To Xam Khoe Village, Home To Thai Ethnic Minority, Home Cooked Lunch With A Local Family.
Location: Săm Khóe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mai Chau Ecolodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Xam Khoe Village and set off on a walking tour to Buoc Village populated by the Thai ethnic minority people, the terrain is mainly flat, sticking to the valley floor traversing the network of banks separating rice paddy fields. Enjoy local hospitality in a simple stilt-house and a home-cooked lunch prepared by our host family. Take a short drive back to Mai Chau with a stop en route to explore the magnificent Van Mai Valley.
Day 5: Continue To Ninh Binh, Likened To An Inland Halong Bay.
Location: Ninh Bình
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is left free to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Drive to Ninh Binh in the afternoon. Whilst the town itself is fairly unremarkable, the area around Ninh Binh is beautiful, known for its impressive cave formations and network of waterways, lakes, temples and towering limestone peaks.
Day 6: Bike Ride Through Paddy Fields To Visit Dong Tam Village. Afternoon Boat Trip To Explore Cave Complex.
Location: Ninh Bình
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning stretch our legs as we cycle the back roads through picturesque local communities to Dong Tam village. After a break at a temple we head through the countryside towards the spectacular limestone peaks of Van Long, surrounded by paddy fields and meandering waterways. The landscape is truly spectacular. Our destination is the nearby village of Vuon Thi, where we enjoy a delicious traditional lunch prepared by friendly hill tribe villagers.
After lunch, take a sampan ride along the charming Ngo Dong River to a cave complex, with time to explore the network of caves in the area. Return to Ninh Binh.
Day 7: Morning Drive To Ha Long Bay. Overnight Cruise On A Traditional Junk Boat, Visit Fishing Village, Sea Kayaking.
Accommodation Name: Halong Bay Junk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Ninh Binh after breakfast, we drive to the Gulf of Tonkin and the breath-taking scenery of Ha Long Bay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visually impressive landscapes in South East Asia, Halong Bay is the setting for an overnight cruise. Boarding just after midday, set sail towards Bai Tu Long Bay. Lunch is served shortly after embarking, there is ample time after lunch to sit back and admire the towering limestone islands topped by rainforest that Halong Bay is so famous for.
We make a stop to visit a Vung Vieng fishing village by rowing boat or kayak, the choice is yours. The rest of the afternoon is spent further exploring the bay scattered with hundreds of islands and dotted with caves and grottoes. Dinner is served on board, a chance to sample fresh sea food and regional dishes, we anchor overnight in Bai Tu Long Bay.
There are between 10-18 en-suite cabins on board with a restaurant, bar and sundeck area. All bedding is provided. Please be aware, the boat may not be exclusive to our group and consequently we may be sharing with other tourists.
Day 8: Witness Sunrise Over Halong Bay. Visit Thien Canh Son Caves. Return To Hanoi To Take The Reunification Express Overnight Train To Hue.
Accommodation Name: Overnight train from Hanoi to Hue
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sunrise takes place around 0630, if the weather is clear it's well worth making the effort to witness sunrise over the bay. A light breakfast of pastries, tea and coffee we disembark to visit the hidden Thien Canh Son caves with numerous stalactite and stalagmite limestone formations in an impressive cavern. Returning to our boat, continue to cruise in the bay. Brunch is served on board.
Returning to Hon Gai harbor, rejoin our vehicle and drive back to Hanoi. The rest of the afternoon is free, with two day use rooms provided for the group to freshen up before we head to the central train station in Hanoi to board the Reunification Express overnight sleeper train to Hue, Vietnam's old imperial capital.
We travel in soft sleeper compartments, with four passengers sharing each compartment with all bedding provided. Please note, breakfast will not be provided on the train, it's advisable to pick up snacks for the morning before boarding the train.
Day 9: Travel To The Tu Duc Royal Tombs. Try Kite Making (And Flying!) And Visit The Imperial Palace.
Accommodation Name: Thanh Lich 2 Hotel
Arriving in Hue this morning, we enjoy some of the highlights of this historic city including a visit to the Royal Palace with its Terracotta Warriors guarding the entrance and the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city. We also visit the house of a national champion kite flier for Vietnam where we are shown how to make traditional Vietnamese kites. Taking time to decorate our kites with iconic symbols such as dragons, birds and peacocks, we take our completed kites to the nearby Citadel grounds to try them out. The Citadel is an impressive monument that is almost 10 km in circumference with the Imperial City located in the centre of the Citadel which is more than 600m long on each side. Access to the Imperial City can be made by four entrance gates although the Noon Gate is only used for the King.
Day 10: Hoi An. Martial Arts Lesson. Make Traditional Wood Paintings, Cruise On The Perfume River.
Accommodation Name: Vinh Hung Old Town Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to Trieu Son village, located by the Perfume River on Hue's outskirts for a guided walk and boat ride. First stop is Sinh village where we meet a local family that specializes in making wood paintings.
Later in the morning, take to the open road on a leisurely cycle ride around the village and along countryside lanes to Thanh Tien village, famous for paper flowers. Criss crossing an intricate network of paddy fields, we arrive at Tien Non village where we board our cruise boat, taking us back to Hue (total cycling distance is approximately 6km).
An included martial arts lesson is our next stop with a visit to a dedicated martial arts school that practices the Vietnamese art of Kinh Van, Vietnam's equivalent to Kung Fu, based upon defence techniques from the actions of a tiger, cobra, and bird. The owner's ancestors were chosen to guard the Vietnamese king; knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation to our host, who has been intrusted with teaching this ancient art. Travel over the Truong Son Mountains and through the Hai Van Pass as featured on the TV programme, Top Gear, to the historic merchant seaside town of Hoi An.
Day 11: Free Day In Hoi An, Opportunity To Spend The Day On The Beach.
Accommodation Name: Vinh Hung Old Town Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The morning is free to wander through the historic heart of this World Heritage Site, taking in the wonderfully preserved buildings of what was once one of the busiest trading outposts in South East Asia. Discovering this delightful town, we recommend an early morning visit to Hoi An's fish market which presents the perfect setting for some great photographs.
Wander through Hoi An's historic collection of traditional wooden houses and Chinese temples. This afternoon you could hire bicycles and explore the surrounding countryside, experience a gentle river cruise, or grab the chance to visit some of Hoi An's famous tailor shops. Alternatively take a 20 minute taxi ride to the nearby coast to spend the day on the beach.
Day 12: Fly To Ho Chi Minh City. Explore The Old Quarter In Cyclos (Cycle Carriages With A Seat).
Accommodation Name: Huong Sen Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Danang, fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Explore Old Saigon, and discover 'Secret Weapons Bunker'
This afternoon we will experience a different side of Ho Chi Minh City, away from the major sights where we take a walk through Old Saigon's back alleys. We make our way to District 3 by cyclo (cycle carriages with a seat at the front) and turn off the main thoroughfare and into the maze of narrow streets of this bustling district. Our walk takes us past ramshackle shopfronts, through local markets selling anything from colourful fruit to bootleg DVDs, and past houses, churches and schools, all squeezed into the small buildings that line the narrow alleys. It's a fascinating inter-connected community here that is a stones-throw from the city centre, yet feels a far cry from the modern buildings and throngs of tourists. We stop at a local stall for a traditional Vietnamese coffee (brewed coffee served sweet with condensed milk) where we can also sample 'Banh Mi' - a Vietnamese take on the humble French baguette - freshly baked and packed with a combo of traditional and more exotic, aromatic ingredients.
The walk ends the so-called 'secret weapons' bunker'. A small unassuming 'tube house' nestled in a quiet neighbourhood hides a trap door in the floor, concealing a basement stocked full of rifles, grenades and ammunition. The bunker played a key role in the TET Offensive of 1968, it was the base from which the Viet Cong's "Team 5" launched their assault, and its location was only revealed after the end of the war. We have some time to explore the house and bunker, filled with decommissioned weapons and photographs, news clippings and memorabilia from the wartime.
Day 13: Discover The Cu Chi Tunnels Which The Viet Cong Used As A Hideout During The Vietnam War.
Accommodation Name: Huong Sen Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning drive to visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels. First constructed by the Vietnamese during their colonial war with the French, the tunnels were later greatly expanded and went on to achieve notoriety during the Vietnam War, when they served as an underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops. Exploring Cu Chi gives some idea as to the conditions that the Vietnamese had to endure (the tunnels are narrow and can be quite claustrophobic). The afternoon allows for more time in the city including an optional visit to the waterpark, a great way to cool off from the mid-day sun.
Day 14: Drive To The Mekong Delta, Overnight Homestay, Explore Villages By Bike.
Accommodation Name: Ut Trinh & Ut Quynh Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the city, journey to the Mekong Delta and board a boat to the start point of our cycle ride. We cycle for around 10-12 km along the flat Cai Thai village path with constant views of the delta as we wind our way around its many tributaries. The route is often shaded which is helpful to combat the humidity (the boat can pick up cyclists at various stopping points if required). Along the way, we visit Mrs Nani's home who will show us how to make rice paper in the traditional way and Mr and Mrs Chin's home who will provide refreshments that include her famous 'Banh Tieu' (traditional doughnut).
Returning to our cruise boat for lunch on-board, we continue sailing along the delta to our night stop. Transferring from our cruise boat to a sampan craft, a small traditional boat regularly used by the villagers to travel along the delta, make the short journey to a traditional homestay, set in a lovely garden setting with a main lounge area and dining room, accommodation is en-suite (shower and toilet) with traditional décor throughout. After settling into our simple but clean accommodation, embark on a gastronomic experience as we take part in a Vietnamese cooking lesson. Typically our hosts usually give a traditional dancing and singing show to accompany the evening meal.
Day 15: Morning Cruise On The Mekong Delta. Drive Back To Ho Chi Minh City Where The Trip Ends.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving the homestay behind, cruise back along the Mekong delta passing small floating markets and soaking up the atmosphere of this unique trading point, a vast network of rivers and islands that crisscross agricultural villages, paddy fields and mangrove swamps. Bidding farewell to our boat crew, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.
We will aim to be back at Ho Chi Minh City around 3pm. For those with evening flights, a day use room will be provided. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Saigon's Tan Son Nhat International Airport (airport code SGN). The earliest your flight can depart is 5pm.
What's Included
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Meals – Half Board
Breakfast: 14
Lunch: 5
Dinner: 4 -
All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Train Tickets
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Accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
What's Not Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
Why Book this Tour
This extended holiday to Vietnam spends additional time in the north of the country, known for its rich heritage and beautiful scenery. Spend time in Mai Chau riding along the pathways dividing rice paddy fields and Ninh Binh known as an inland version of Halong Bay with its steep limestone pinnacles and intricate network of inland waterways to explore.
An ideal destination for families who want to explore the best of South East Asia and enjoy travelling on a variety of transport options - bus, train, boat, flight and bicycle. Vietnam is an incredibly welcoming country, and caters extremely well to families of all ages. There are a number of easy active elements to this adventure including trying out Vietnams answer to Kung Fo, sea kayaking in the stunning Halong Bay, kite flying and cycling along the Delta - this adventure also allows us to meet local people and visit their homes including when we make kites and rice-paper. A great trip from one end of the country to the other.
At the end of your trip you can extend your tour with a four night tropical beach extension to Phu Quoc (trip code VB) known for its expansive white sand beaches. Located off the south west coast of Vietnam, enjoy three nights at the for star Amarin Resort and Spa from £249 per person based on twin share including return flights from Ho Chi Minh City, transfers and daily breakfast.
Meals
Breakfasts: 13
Lunches: 5
Dinners: 4
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
20
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, on the first and last day of the trip only
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Company Instant Book
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
1 nights comfortable homestay
11 nights comfortable hotel
1 nights comfortable junk
1 nights simple overnight train -
I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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