Vietnam offers mostly shallow reef diving with visibility between 10 and 30 metres and water temperatures from 26°C to 30°C. The diving is dominated by coral reefs and occasional wrecks, with calm conditions from October to April. Currents are mild, making it ideal for beginners learning to dive. Expect modest marine life variety and some crowding at popular spots. Vietnam is best for affordable certification, not for advanced or deep technical diving.
The 10 dive sites range from easy reefs at Hon Mun Island and Cham Islands to remote, pristine locations like Con Dao Islands and Nam Du Islands. Sites like Dam Bay and Monkey Island offer relaxed beginner-friendly conditions, while Ly Son Island and Phu Quy Island require local arrangements and more adventure. If you want budget-friendly, safe training dives, Vietnam delivers; if you want dramatic walls or pelagic encounters, look elsewhere.
Key takeaways
- Choose Con Dao Islands for the best beginner-friendly reefs with common sea turtle sightings and calm seas from October to April.
- Avoid Hon Mun Island on weekends due to heavy crowds and 15+ boats competing for space on shallow reefs.
- Plan diving trips between October and April to maximize visibility up to 30 metres and avoid the rainy season.
- Combine Dam Bay and Con Dao Islands on a multi-day trip for calm, shallow dives with frequent turtle encounters.
- Skip Phu Quy Island unless comfortable arranging dives locally and seeking solitude; infrastructure is very basic.
- Expect Open Water certification to cover all main dive sites; no advanced certification needed for Vietnam’s typical depths.
- Book weekday morning dives at Monkey Island to avoid moderate crowds and enjoy colorful coral gardens peacefully.
- Skip Cham Islands for diving if you prefer less crowded sites; it’s better suited for snorkeling shallow reefs.
In this guide
Dive site comparison
| Dive site | Character | Level & depth | Signature sighting | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Con Dao Islands | Pristine reef and wreck | Open Water · 5-40m | Common sea turtles and reef sharks | Best for beginners seeking quiet, healthy reefs; skip if short on time or budget. |
| Hon Mun Island | Shallow training reef | Open Water · 5-25m | Colorful reef fish and occasional sea turtles | Good for beginners but crowded; avoid weekends and expect many boats. |
| Cham Islands | Protected reef system | Open Water · 5-30m | Frequent sea turtles and soft corals | Better for snorkeling; divers face crowds and limited coral depth. |
| Phu Quoc Island | Moderate reef dives | Open Water · 5-30m | Soft corals and groupers | Suitable for casual divers; prioritize beach resorts over serious diving. |
| Nam Du Islands | Remote pristine reef | Open Water · 5-35m | Occasional sharks and healthy corals | For adventurous beginners; arrange diving locally, expect basic facilities. |
| Ly Son Island | Volcanic reef formations | Open Water · 10-40m | Lava tubes and soft corals | Unique landscape for explorers; no formal dive shops, arrange locally. |
| Monkey Island | Colorful coral garden | Open Water · 5-25m | Tropical fish and occasional reef sharks | Less crowded than Nha Trang; visit weekdays for best experience. |
| Dam Bay | Calm shallow bay reef | Open Water · 5-20m | Relaxed sea turtles and soft corals | Perfect for relaxed beginner dives; skip if seeking depth or challenge. |
| Phu Quy Island | Untouched reef system | Open Water · 5-35m | Soft corals and groupers | Extreme remoteness; only for confident adventurers comfortable with basics. |
| Bai Tu Long Bay | Limestone reef dive | Limited data; moderate crowds, not a primary dive destination. |

Where the dive sites are
The dive sites in detail
Con Dao Islands – Vietnam’s Pristine Reefs and Turtle Haven
- Depth: 5,40 m
- Level: Open Water
- Dive type: Reef, wreck
- Crowds: Quiet
Descend through clear water onto vibrant coral gardens stretching from 5 to 40 metres. Swim among large reef fish and reef sharks patrolling the rocky outcrops. Sea turtles glide effortlessly in the morning light. Occasional whale sharks appear, adding rare excitement to the peaceful dive.
This remote archipelago demands Open Water certification and patience for the 2.5-hour ferry. Expect calm seas and 20 – 30 metres visibility between October and April. Diving costs more than Nha Trang but rewards with solitude and healthy reefs. Book small-group dives to avoid crowding.
Visibility ranges 20 – 30 metres with calm seas; water temperature hovers around 27 – 29°C; currents are mild to moderate.
- ▸ Sea turtles commonly seen during morning dives
- ▸ Reef sharks cruising the coral slopes
- ▸ Giant groupers lurking near rocky ledges
- ▸ Occasional whale sharks passing through open water
Vietnam’s top dive destination for pristine reefs and turtle encounters, worth the extra cost and travel time for serious beginners and above.
Skip if pressed for time; the ferry alone consumes half a day and increases overall trip cost significantly.
Who it suits: Right for Open Water divers seeking quiet, healthy reefs; skip if budget or rapid access is your priority.

Hon Mun Island – Nha Trang’s Crowded Coral Classroom
- Depth: 5,25 m
- Level: Open Water
- Dive type: Reef
- Crowds: Mobbed
Drop into shallow reefs ranging from 5 to 25 metres, swimming over colorful soft corals and busy reef fish. Groupers and occasional sea turtles add variety, but expect heavy boat traffic and many divers sharing the same spots. Visibility averages 10 – 20 metres in warm water.
This is Nha Trang’s main dive site and a hotspot for Open Water courses. Dive operators run frequent day trips, making weekends chaotic with 15+ boats crowding the reef. Opt for weekday mornings to avoid the worst traffic. Visibility and coral health suffer from overuse but remain decent.
Visibility averages 10 – 20 metres; water temperature stays around 27 – 29°C; currents are generally mild with occasional surge.
- ▸ Reef fish schooling over soft coral patches
- ▸ Soft corals providing vibrant underwater color
- ▸ Occasional sea turtles gliding near the reef
- ▸ Groupers hiding in coral crevices
The busiest dive site in Vietnam, ideal for beginners but crowded and showing coral stress from heavy traffic.
Skip weekend dives; the reef becomes a traffic jam with 15+ boats and crowded conditions.
Who it suits: Right for Open Water learners wanting easy access; skip if solitude or pristine conditions matter.

Cham Islands – Better for Snorkeling Than Diving
- Depth: 5,30 m
- Level: Open Water
- Dive type: Reef
- Crowds: Moderate
Explore shallow reefs from 5 to 30 metres with healthy soft corals and reef fish, but most marine life concentrates in the upper zones. Sea turtles appear regularly. The dive sites are busy with tour boats, and underwater visibility is moderate, limiting the appeal for divers seeking rich underwater scenes.
Protected marine park status keeps corals healthier than Nha Trang, but diving is crowded and less rewarding than snorkeling here. Open Water certification suffices. Best visited from October to April when conditions are calm. Combine with beach and village visits for a fuller experience.
Visibility around 10 – 20 metres; water temperature about 26 – 28°C; currents are mild with some boat traffic.
- ▸ Regular sea turtle sightings in shallow zones
- ▸ Soft coral gardens with diverse reef fish
- ▸ Groupers lurking near rocky patches
A protected area with decent reefs but crowded dive sites; better suited for snorkelers than divers.
Skip diving in favor of snorkeling; shallow coral zones offer the best underwater views.
Who it suits: Right for Open Water divers wanting easy access; skip if seeking vibrant, uncrowded dive sites.

Phu Quoc Island – Resort Diving with Moderate Reefs
- Depth: 5,30 m
- Level: Open Water
- Dive type: Reef
- Crowds: Moderate
Descend into warm waters with moderate coral cover from 5 to 30 metres. Soft corals and reef fish populate the reefs, with occasional sea turtles. The dive sites are accessible from shore or boat but lack the density and variety of more remote locations. Water clarity varies seasonally.
Phu Quoc is developing fast as a beach resort, so diving is secondary. Open Water certification is enough to dive here. Best months are November to April for calm seas and visibility. Serious divers should skip this for Con Dao, but it’s a convenient option for combining diving with beach relaxation.
Visibility varies between 10 – 20 metres; water temperature remains around 27 – 29°C; currents are generally mild.
- ▸ Reef fish scattered among soft corals
- ▸ Soft coral formations providing habitat
- ▸ Groupers common near reef structures
- ▸ Occasional sea turtles passing by
A convenient resort dive spot with moderate reefs, better for beachgoers than serious divers.
Skip serious diving; head to Con Dao for richer underwater experiences.
Who it suits: Right for Open Water divers wanting easy access and warm water; skip if seeking vibrant or remote reefs.
Nam Du Islands – Untouched Reefs for the Adventurous Diver
- Depth: 5,35 m
- Level: Open Water
- Dive type: Reef
- Crowds: Quiet
Dive over pristine reefs from 5 to 35 metres with clear water and minimal boat traffic. Expect healthy soft corals and reef fish in an untouched environment. Occasional sharks patrol the area. The underwater landscape is simple but peaceful, with no crowds to disturb the marine life.
This remote archipelago requires Open Water certification and local arrangements for diving. The season runs November to April with calm seas and good visibility. Infrastructure is minimal, so prepare for basic conditions. Ideal for divers who want solitude and pristine reefs without tourist crowds.
Visibility often exceeds 20 metres; water temperature is around 26 – 28°C; currents are mild with calm seas in season.
- ▸ Healthy soft coral gardens in untouched areas
- ▸ Reef fish thriving without disturbance
- ▸ Groupers near rocky outcrops
- ▸ Occasional sharks patrolling the reef edges
Rarely dived, pristine reefs offering complete solitude but minimal facilities and local-only dive arrangements.
Skip if expecting formal dive shops or comfortable infrastructure; this is rough, adventure diving.
Who it suits: Right for Open Water divers seeking solitude and pristine reefs; skip if needing easy access and full services.
Ly Son Island’s Volcanic Underwater Maze
- Depth: 10,40 m
- Level: Open Water
- Dive type: Reef
- Crowds: Quiet
Descend into clear waters over volcanic terrain marked by lava tubes and jagged rock formations. Depths range from 10 to 40 metres, with reefs dotted by soft corals and occasional groupers. Navigate through cavernous structures that create a rare underwater landscape, ending your dive amid quiet schools of reef fish in near solitude.
Ly Son Island demands an Open Water certification but offers a remote, low-traffic experience unlike typical resorts. Arrange dives locally; expect minimal facilities and calm conditions from October to April. Ideal for adventurous beginners ready to trade convenience for unique volcanic scenery.
Visibility ranges from 10 to 20 metres with mild currents and water temperatures around 26 – 29°C during peak season.
- ▸ Reef fish schooling near volcanic rock formations
- ▸ Soft corals carpeting lava tubes and ledges
- ▸ Occasional groupers patrolling the deeper reef sections
Ly Son Island offers rare volcanic underwater features and solitude, perfect for divers seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-path reef experience.
Skip Ly Son if expecting formal dive shops or easy booking; locals handle all dive arrangements under basic conditions.
Who it suits: Right for confident Open Water divers seeking remote sites; skip if you need full-service dive infrastructure.
Monkey Island’s Colorful Coral Gardens Near Cat Ba
- Depth: 5,25 m
- Level: Open Water
- Dive type: Reef
- Crowds: Moderate
Dive into shallow reefs between 5 and 25 metres featuring vibrant soft corals and healthy tropical fish populations. The underwater landscape is gently sloping with coral patches and occasional reef sharks patrolling. Swim through colorful coral gardens in Lan Ha Bay’s less crowded waters, finishing with a peaceful drift amid small fish schools.
Monkey Island suits Open Water divers and offers a quieter alternative to Nha Trang’s busy sites. Access is via day boats from Cat Ba town, best dived October through April on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Expect moderate visibility and mild currents, making it beginner-friendly yet rewarding.
Visibility typically 10 to 15 metres with light currents and water temperatures near 26 – 28°C during the season.
- ▸ Tropical fish darting between soft coral clusters
- ▸ Soft corals creating vibrant reef textures
- ▸ Occasional reef sharks cruising the reef edges
Monkey Island delivers colorful coral reefs and fewer crowds than Nha Trang, ideal for relaxed, beginner-friendly diving in Lan Ha Bay.
Skip weekends to avoid dive boat congestion; weekdays offer calmer, less crowded conditions.
Who it suits: Right for Open Water divers wanting easy reef dives; skip if you prefer advanced drift or deep dives.
Dam Bay’s Calm Waters and Turtle Encounters
- Depth: 5,20 m
- Level: Open Water
- Dive type: Reef
- Crowds: Quiet
Explore a protected bay near the Con Dao Islands with shallow reefs from 5 to 20 metres. The dive features calm, clear water with soft corals and frequent sea turtles cruising slowly. The gentle topography suits relaxed swimming and underwater photography, ending with turtles resting on sandy bottoms.
Dam Bay fits Open Water divers looking for calm, shallow dives with reliable turtle sightings. Access is from Con Dao Island on day trips or part of extended stays. Dive conditions are stable October to April, making it a safe, low-stress option for beginners focused on marine life rather than depth or complexity.
Visibility ranges 10 to 18 metres with minimal current and water temperatures around 27 – 29°C in season.
- ▸ Common sea turtles gliding over sandy patches
- ▸ Soft corals forming dense clusters on reefs
- ▸ Reef fish inhabiting calm, shallow waters
Dam Bay is a calm, protected site near Con Dao with consistent turtle sightings, perfect for relaxed beginner diving and underwater photography.
Skip Dam Bay if seeking deep or technical dives; it’s strictly a shallow, gentle site.
Who it suits: Right for Open Water divers and novices; skip if wanting challenging or deep dive profiles.
Phu Quy Island’s Untouched Reefs and Solitude
- Depth: 5,35 m
- Level: Open Water
- Dive type: Reef
- Crowds: Quiet
Dive remote reefs between 5 and 35 metres around Phu Quy Island with clear water and pristine coral formations. The underwater terrain features soft corals and scattered groupers in near-complete solitude. Expect minimal human impact and few other divers, with wide-open reef spaces to explore, concluding dives amidst schools of reef fish in untouched surroundings.
Phu Quy Island demands Open Water certification but is reserved for adventure divers ready to arrange diving through local fishermen. November to April offers the best conditions, though infrastructure is minimal. This site suits divers seeking untouched reefs far from tourist crowds and regular service.
Visibility varies from 10 to 20 metres with light currents and water temperatures around 26 – 28°C in season.
- ▸ Pristine soft coral gardens with no signs of human impact
- ▸ Groupers patrolling the reef edges
- ▸ Schools of reef fish inhabiting quiet reef slopes
Phu Quy Island offers extreme remoteness and untouched reefs, perfect for divers who want solitude and raw reef environments.
Skip Phu Quy unless prepared for basic infrastructure and arranging dives through locals; not for comfort-seekers.
Who it suits: Right for Open Water divers seeking adventure and solitude; skip if requiring guided, full-service dive operations.
Bai Tu Long Bay’s Pristine Reefs in Limestone Karsts
- Depth: 5,25 m
- Level: Open Water
- Dive type: Reef
- Crowds: Moderate
Dive amid limestone karst formations with moderate depths offering reefs that support diverse marine life. The underwater terrain is a mix of coral patches and rocky outcrops, with moderate visibility and a calm current profile. Swim through reefs with varied fish species and soft corals, surrounded by dramatic underwater rock shapes that echo the bay’s iconic surface landscape.
Bai Tu Long Bay is less crowded than Ha Long Bay, suited for Open Water divers on day trips or liveaboards. The best months are October through April when conditions stabilize. Expect moderate visibility and easy currents, making it a solid choice for beginners wanting scenic dives without the crowds.
Visibility averages 10 to 15 metres with light currents and water temperatures near 25 – 28°C during peak months.
- ▸ Diverse reef fish species around coral patches
- ▸ Soft corals growing on rocky outcrops
- ▸ Occasional sightings of small reef predators
Bai Tu Long Bay provides less crowded, scenic reef dives within iconic limestone karst scenery, great for beginner divers wanting calm water.
Skip Bai Tu Long Bay if expecting advanced dives; it’s best for shallow to moderate depth reef exploration.
Who it suits: Right for Open Water certified divers seeking scenic, quiet reef dives; skip if requiring complex or deep dives.
Compare dive trips, courses and liveaboards in Vietnam

Marine life: what you see underwater
Vietnam’s diving features vibrant reef life with reliable sea turtle encounters and frequent reef sharks. Expect coral gardens, groupers, and occasional whale sharks near Con Dao. Visibility varies but rarely exceeds 30 metres. The marine scene is reef-focused, with few pelagic exceptions, making it ideal for beginners seeking steady, colorful underwater views.
Spot large, slow-moving sea turtles grazing on reefs or gliding near the surface. Most reliable from October to April, especially around Con Dao Islands and Dam Bay, where they appear regularly during calm mornings.
Where: Con Dao Islands, Dam Bay, Cham Islands, Phu Quoc Island, Hon Mun Island
Look for small reef sharks patrolling coral reefs, usually shy but visible during quieter dives. Typically seen from October through April, especially around Con Dao Islands where healthy populations persist.
Where: Con Dao Islands, Monkey Island, Nam Du Islands
Encounter massive groupers hiding near coral outcrops or caves. These slow-moving fish appear year-round but are most often seen on deeper reef slopes at Con Dao Islands, where fishing pressure is low.
Where: Con Dao Islands
Explore diverse hard and soft coral formations teeming with tropical reef fish. Coral gardens are best viewed October to April at sites like Hon Mun Island and Cham Islands, though expect some stress from crowds at popular spots.
Where: Hon Mun Island, Cham Islands, Dam Bay, Phu Quoc Island, Monkey Island
See medium-sized groupers lurking near reef crevices and ledges. Reliable throughout the diving season, especially on quieter reefs like Phu Quy Island and Nam Du Islands, where fishing is minimal.
Where: Cham Islands, Phu Quoc Island, Nam Du Islands, Phu Quy Island
Admire colorful soft corals that sway with currents, providing habitat for numerous small fish. They thrive year-round but are most vibrant in protected areas like Cham Islands and Monkey Island during the dry season.
Where: Hon Mun Island, Cham Islands, Phu Quoc Island, Nam Du Islands, Monkey Island
Rare sightings of whale sharks happen near Con Dao Islands between October and April. These enormous filter feeders appear unpredictably; do not plan a trip expecting guaranteed encounters.
Where: Con Dao Islands
Smaller reef sharks appear sporadically at quieter sites like Monkey Island. They are elusive and best spotted during calm months from October to April with patient observation.
Where: Monkey Island, Nam Du Islands
Water conditions
Underwater visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres, best during the dry season when seas calm and plankton decreases. Sites near Con Dao and Nam Du offer the clearest water.
Water temperatures hover roughly between 26°C and 30°C year-round. A 3 mm wetsuit suffices for most divers; no drysuit needed.
The top diving season runs October through April, avoiding the monsoon rains and rough seas. This period offers calm waters, better visibility, and steady marine life activity.
Snorkelling vs diving
Snorkelling in Vietnam delivers colorful coral gardens and common reef fish at shallow sites like Cham Islands and Hon Mun Island. However, the best marine life – sea turtles, reef sharks, and giant groupers – requires diving to depths beyond snorkel reach. Skip snorkelling if expecting turtle encounters; instead, dive early mornings at Con Dao or Dam Bay for relaxed turtle sightings.

When to dive
| Month | Diving | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January | Peak | Calm seas, clear water south and central |
| February | Peak | Stable conditions, good visibility nationwide |
| March | Peak | Warm water, calm seas both coasts |
| April | Peak | Best visibility, low currents everywhere |
| May | Marginal | Start of south coast rains, rough seas |
| June | Poor | Monsoon hits south coast, rough waters |
| July | Poor | Strong monsoon, unsafe diving south coast |
| August | Poor | Heavy rains, rough seas south coast |
| September | Marginal | Monsoon fades, seas still rough south |
| October | Good | Seas calm, visibility improving south coast |
| November | Peak | Calm seas, clear water south and central |
| December | Peak | Stable conditions, good visibility nationwide |
Vietnam Diving Season Overview
Dive from October to April for calm seas and clear water, especially on the south coast where the monsoon runs May to September. The central coast and north have overlapping good months but can be cooler with variable visibility. Avoid May through September in the south due to rough seas and poor conditions. The two coasts do not have opposite seasons; the south monsoon dominates the dive calendar.
Planning Your Dive Trip
Base in Nha Trang or Phu Quoc for easy day trips to Hon Mun Island and nearby reefs. Con Dao Islands require at least two days plus a 2.5-hour ferry or flight, best for multi-day trips or certification courses. Remote spots like Nam Du, Ly Son, and Phu Quy need local arrangements and extra travel time. Budget 4 – 7 days to fit a beginner course and several dives comfortably.
Combining Dive Spots Efficiently
Pair Nha Trang’s Hon Mun Island with Cham Islands for central coast diving from one base. Con Dao Islands and Dam Bay form a focused southern trip needing separate travel. Phu Quoc and Nam Du Islands can combine for Gulf of Thailand diving but require local logistics. Skip remote spots like Phu Quy and Ly Son unless seeking adventure. For beginners, stick to Nha Trang and Con Dao for best access and conditions.

Certification, operators and safety
Getting certified in Vietnam
Vietnam’s dive sites mostly require an Open Water certification, making it ideal for first-time divers who want to learn here. Training is widely available, especially around Nha Trang, with calm, shallow reefs perfect for beginners. Advanced certification is unnecessary for nearly all sites except for occasional deeper or wreck dives at Con Dao Islands. Expect courses to take about 3 – 4 days, with clear water and manageable conditions supporting a smooth learning curve.
Choosing an operator and costs
Pick operators with clear safety protocols, small group sizes, and good equipment maintenance; avoid those cramming 10+ divers on one boat, especially at Hon Mun Island. Expect roughly $40 – 50 per fun dive near Nha Trang, $60 – 80 per dive at Con Dao Islands. Open Water courses run about $350 – 450, including gear and theory. Day trips cost $60 – 80, while liveaboards are rare and pricier, usually above $150 per day. Always confirm prices before booking.
Diving safely in Vietnam
Currents are mild on most beginner sites but can pick up near Con Dao wrecks and volcanic formations at Ly Son Island. Remote sites like Nam Du and Phu Quy lack immediate medical facilities – factor in evacuation time. Boat safety varies; choose operators with solid reputations and stable boats. Dive insurance is essential due to limited decompression chamber access. Stick to your certification limits and avoid solo dives to control risks effectively.
Responsible diving practices
Respect Vietnam’s fragile reefs by never touching or chasing marine life, especially sea turtles common at Con Dao and Cham Islands. Support operators who follow marine park rules and enforce no-touch policies. Avoid standing on coral or stirring sediment. Pay any local conservation fees and prioritize sites with active protection like Hon Mun Island. Responsible behavior preserves these reefs for future divers and supports local ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
1Is Vietnam a good place to learn scuba diving?
Yes, Vietnam offers excellent beginner-friendly sites with calm, shallow reefs, especially around Nha Trang and the Cham Islands. Courses typically last 3 – 4 days and are affordable. Avoid remote spots like Phu Quy or Nam Du for learning due to limited infrastructure.
2Which dive sites in Vietnam are best for beginners?
Hon Mun Island near Nha Trang and Dam Bay at Con Dao Islands are top beginner sites with shallow depths and calm conditions. Avoid deeper or wreck dives at Con Dao until certified beyond Open Water.
3How much does diving cost in Vietnam?
Expect around $40 – 50 per dive near Nha Trang and $60 – 80 at Con Dao Islands. Open Water certification courses run roughly $350 – 450. Day trips cost about $60 – 80, while liveaboards are rare and usually cost over $150 per day.
4Are there any dangerous currents in Vietnam’s dive spots?
Most beginner sites have mild currents, but Con Dao Islands and Ly Son Island can have stronger currents and deeper dives. Stick to sites matching your certification and avoid challenging conditions without experience.
5What marine life can I expect to see as a beginner diver?
Expect colorful reef fish, soft corals, groupers, and frequent sea turtles at Con Dao Islands and Cham Islands. Reef sharks and occasional whale sharks appear at Con Dao but sightings are rare for beginners.
6Is diving at Con Dao Islands worth the extra cost?
Con Dao offers the best reefs and marine life in Vietnam, including regular sea turtle encounters and pristine coral. The higher cost and slow ferry access are justified if budget and time allow.
7Can I dive at remote spots like Nam Du or Phu Quy without local contacts?
No. These remote islands have minimal infrastructure and require arranging dives through local fishermen or contacts. They’re unsuitable for casual or first-time divers.
8Should I tip dive guides and operators in Vietnam?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Around 10% of the dive cost or $5 – 10 per day is fair for good service. Always tip directly to your guide, especially on smaller boats or personalized trips.
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