Technology revitalizes heritage tourism.

Many historical sites in Hanoi are gradually renewing themselves through innovative tourism products and the application of modern technology. These developments are contributing to the renewal of the tourism landscape and increasing its attractiveness to visitors.

In recent times, the Temple of Literature - National University has introduced many unique new tourism programs and products that attract visitors. Photo: P. Sy

Interesting experiences

Recently, the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám Cultural and Scientific Activities Center introduced the "Vietnamese Soundscape" night tour, a new and experimental cultural tourism product aimed at creating a unique experience for visitors in 2026. As night falls, the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám historical site is illuminated, opening up a journey of discovery rich in emotion: visitors successively tour Khue Van Cac, Thien Quang Well, and the Bai Duong area; access spaces showcasing traditional crafts and calligraphy; and conclude with an experience of enjoying traditional Vietnamese music .

Also at this historical site, the art program "The Way of Learning" was organized, offering a vivid perspective on the nation's tradition of valuing education. Through the language of theatrical art, the image of the scholar, his students (the students of Nhan My School), and performances by students, artists, and performers, the program recreated the enduring connection of learning in Vietnamese cultural life, from the ancient examination system to the spirit of learning in contemporary society today.

Ms. Duong Ngoc Ha, Deputy Director of the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám Cultural and Scientific Activities Center, said that continuing the activities of 2025 and beginning 2026, the unit will continue to innovate its approach to heritage, organizing many activities aimed at the public and tourists in more lively and engaging forms. Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám focuses on developing both daytime and nighttime tours, expanding cultural experiences, and gradually building Van Lake into a creative cultural center of the capital. Along with that, the application of technology and the creation of creative spaces have brought new experiences, making it easier for visitors to access and learn about the heritage, thereby diversifying activities and attracting visitors both day and night, without overcrowding the site.

Recently, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Site has continuously introduced many new sightseeing and experiential products, focusing on exploiting technology and performing arts to increase visitor interaction. Besides the "Memories of the Flagpole" tour, which combines heritage site visits, exhibition spaces, and art programs, the "Thang Long Capital" performance, utilizing 3D mapping technology and a digital experience system, has become a notable highlight, contributing to a renewed approach to heritage and revitalizing the Imperial Citadel with contemporary energy.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, said that the project was launched with the desire to innovate the approach to heritage, contributing to the formation of a creative space that awakens historical memories and allows visitors to enter the thousand-year flow of Thang Long - Hanoi through stories, images, spaces, and experiences that are carefully designed and highly interactive. The program is not simply a high-tech visual performance, but also a strong affirmation that the thousand-year-old heritage remains vibrant, breathing the spirit of the times, and continuing to spread historical and cultural values ​​on a foundation of new creativity.

Alongside efforts to innovate at historical sites and destinations to provide new experiences for tourists, many tourism businesses are also proactively refreshing their products, aiming to increase the value and depth of the experience. A prime example is the "Hanoi Beautiful Sound" bicycle tour, launched by the Hanoi Department of Tourism in collaboration with Vietnam Sustainable Tourism Company (VIETNAM STID) and TNGo from December 19, 2025. The product impresses with its seamless integration of the TNGo public bicycle system with an automated audio guide application with GPS positioning, offering tourists a flexible, modern, and highly interactive way to explore the capital city.

A boost for the tourism industry.

These new experiences are not just experimental "novelties," but if properly invested in, professionally operated, and with a long-term strategy, they will become an important driving force to help Hanoi's heritage tourism enhance its value and make a practical contribution to the development of the cultural industry in the coming period.

Ms. Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, noted that new tourism products not only innovate the form of experience but also demonstrate flexible adaptation to modern trends through the creative and effective application of technology. Through this, the products contribute to improving the quality of the tourist experience, while affirming the spirit of innovation and creativity in line with the city's guiding principles.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Nguyen Dac Toi, former Head of the Heritage Research Department (Institute of Culture and Development Research), believes that new experiences at historical sites and innovative tourism products in Hanoi are moving in the right direction and meeting market demands. A noteworthy point is that the approach does not "distort" the heritage, but uses technology, performance art, and experiential forms to support storytelling, helping tourists understand historical and cultural values ​​more deeply instead of simply visiting. This is a key factor in shifting heritage tourism from a static sightseeing model to a creative experiential model, in line with the capital's cultural industry development orientation.

Furthermore, it is important to encourage proactive collaboration between heritage site management units and businesses in creating new products, rather than relying solely on traditional tourist sources. However, it is necessary to strictly control the content, experiential scenarios, and frequency of exploitation, ensuring a balance between preservation and development, and avoiding a focus solely on technology or entertainment.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/cong-nghe-lam-moi-du-lich-di-san-20260113161558224.htm