One of Vietnam’s most picturesque coastal cities, Da Nang, is quickly rising to prominence in Asia’s travel and tourism sector. It was named one of the top 10 Asian cities with the most devoted tourists in recent years due to its high percentage of repeat visitors. A dedication to innovation, especially in the field of digital technology, is driving the city’s remarkable transformation, which is why its reputation is growing. Da Nang is adopting digital solutions to enhance the visitor experience and maintain its position as a top travel destination, with plans to welcome over 17.3 million tourists by 2025.
The Digital Shift: Harnessing Technology to Transform Tourism
At the core of Da Nang’s strategy is its focus on digital transformation. The city has integrated advanced technologies across various aspects of its tourism infrastructure, aiming to enhance both the visitor experience and operational efficiency. One of the major milestones in this digital shift is the launch of the VR360 “One Touch to Da Nang” application. This platform allows users to virtually explore the city’s key attractions from the comfort of their homes, promoting the destination to potential visitors worldwide.
In addition to this virtual platform, Da Nang has also introduced 3D scanning at its museums. These cutting-edge tools help create detailed digital replicas of historical artefacts and exhibition spaces, allowing for greater accessibility and engagement. The city’s efforts reflect a broader goal to position itself as not just a top tourism destination but a smart city at the forefront of the digital economy. Through these initiatives, Da Nang is not only attracting more visitors but is also leading the way in technological integration for tourism.
Revolutionizing Museums: A Digital Experience
Among the many institutions embracing this digital revolution is the Da Nang Museum, which has taken the lead in integrating technology into its exhibitions. The museum now offers 3D mapping films that vividly narrate the history of Da Nang, such as the story of the Dien Hai Citadel. These films provide an immersive and easy-to-understand experience for visitors, enhancing their connection with the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Alongside 3D mapping, interactive screens have been installed, allowing visitors to engage more directly with the exhibits. Multilingual chatbots are also available, offering real-time information and answering visitors’ questions, making the museum more accessible to international tourists. Additionally, Bluetooth audio guides and NFC check-ins ensure that tourists can access information seamlessly and without physical interaction, which is particularly beneficial in the current health-conscious climate.
Digitising these collections is not only enhancing the visitor experience but also playing a key role in preserving Da Nang’s cultural heritage. By reducing physical contact with fragile artifacts, the museum ensures their protection while making them more accessible to a global audience. The integration of these technologies sets a high standard for other cultural institutions in Vietnam and across Asi
Experience Passports: Enhancing Visitor Interaction
In its bid to further enhance the visitor experience, Da Nang has introduced digital “experience passports” for tourists. These digital tools are designed to guide visitors through the city’s attractions, providing them with a comprehensive, interactive experience that goes beyond traditional sightseeing.
The three primary experience passports — Da Nang Food Tour, Da Nang Heritage Tour, and Da Nang Green Tour — allow tourists to register online, check in at various attractions, collect digital stamps, and redeem rewards. These e-passports not only make the experience more engaging but also ensure that tourists can access key destinations that meet the city’s safety and service standards. The digital platform incorporates visitor feedback, allowing the city to continuously refine and improve the tourism experience.
Boosting Efficiency and Revenue with Technology
The impact of these digital initiatives has been tangible, with the city seeing significant growth in both the number of visitors and tourism-related revenues. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, Da Nang welcomed over 10.7 million visitors, including more than 4.2 million international tourists. This influx has resulted in an estimated VND 33.8 trillion (US$1.28 billion) in revenue from accommodations, dining, and travel services, marking an impressive year-on-year increase in the city’s tourism earnings.
One of the standout effects of the digital shift is the efficiency with which services are now delivered. Traditional booking processes, which could take weeks to arrange, are now streamlined into a one-click process, thanks to the widespread adoption of digital platforms. Visitors can easily book tours, accommodations, and services in real-time, further boosting the city’s appeal as a modern and accessible destination.
The Role of AI and Big Data in Tourism
Another key aspect of Da Nang’s digital transformation is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. These technologies are being deployed across various sectors to enhance the visitor experience and streamline operations. For example, AI-powered chatbots have been integrated into social media platforms, offering real-time assistance and providing personalised recommendations to tourists. These tools not only help in managing queries but also assist in making instant bookings, which is especially beneficial for inbound tourism.
The municipal Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has also created a digital tourism database, which hosts open datasets and connects nearly 2,000 local businesses. Hotels, in particular, have been quick to embrace this technology, with many now listed on global travel and booking platforms. Some leading hotels have even begun experimenting with AI-driven chatbots, 360-degree immersive tours, and automated check-in systems, further enhancing the convenience and efficiency of the travel experience.
Partnerships and Growth: The Road Ahead
As Da Nang continues to innovate, it is focusing not only on technological advancement but also on partnerships with travel agencies, associations, and major online platforms. These collaborations aim to increase the city’s visibility on the global stage and attract even more international tourists.
Moreover, Da Nang is investing in smart infrastructure to ensure that technology benefits both businesses and visitors. This includes improving transportation systems, integrating digital services, and creating smart tourist hubs that cater to the evolving needs of modern travellers.
A Model for Modern Tourism
The digital revolution in Da Nang is a potent illustration of how technology can change a city’s tourism scene. In addition to drawing millions of tourists, the city is establishing itself as a leader in smart tourism in Asia by embracing digital solutions in every aspect of service delivery and cultural preservation. As the city develops, its goal is still to give visitors a smooth, interesting, and sustainable experience while making sure that the local economy and cultural legacy prosper in the digital era.
[Image Source: Vietnam Tourism Official Website]
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