In an impactful move to enhance visitor engagement, authorities in Co To district, located in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh, are pioneering the use of 360-degree virtual reality technology at the President Ho Chi Minh Special National Memorial Site on Co To Island. This initiative aims to offer a more immersive and interactive experience for tourists visiting the significant memorial.
The introduction of this advanced technology represents a significant advancement in the way historical and cultural sites are presented to the public. According to Nguyen Hai Linh, head of the district’s Office of Culture, Information, and Tourism, the virtual reality application is designed to provide visitors with a vivid preview of the memorial and its surrounding attractions. This technology allows users to explore the site in a virtual space, offering a comprehensive view that simulates real-life experiences.
Visitors can access the virtual tour by visiting the website, where they can engage with a detailed 360-degree view of the monument. This application provides both free-style tours and pre-set itineraries, enabling users to navigate the site and its highlights with ease. Through this immersive platform, tourists can hear informative commentary and explore the surroundings from every angle, much as they would during an actual visit.
Linh emphasised that despite the low cost of implementing this technology, it delivers high effectiveness in promoting and advertising the memorial site and other local attractions. The virtual reality application not only enhances the visitor experience but also serves as a powerful tool for increasing awareness and interest in the cultural heritage of Co To Island.
The virtual reality technology extends beyond the President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site. The same platform allows visitors to preview other notable attractions on Co To Island, including Mong Rong Beach, Co To Lighthouse, and Truc Lam Pagoda. This comprehensive virtual tour helps tourists visualise their trip more clearly, plan their itineraries more effectively, and make more informed decisions about their travel plans.
Looking ahead, the Co To district plans to expand the use of virtual reality technology to showcase additional destinations on the island. Upcoming projects include virtual tours of Truc Lam Co To Pagoda and Thanh Lan Island. These expansions aim to further enrich the visitor experience and highlight the diverse cultural and natural attractions of Co To Island.
The integration of virtual reality into tourism represents a significant step forward in how cultural and historical sites are experienced and appreciated. By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, Co To district not only enhances the accessibility and appeal of its attractions but also sets a precedent for other regions looking to modernise their tourism offerings.
As AopenGov Asia reported, Vietnam is advancing tourism through smart technology. Hanoi uses virtual exhibitions and e-ticketing, Ho Chi Minh City features a 3D interactive map, and Quang Ninh, Da Nang, and Ninh Binh employ AI, 360-degree VR, and QR payments to enhance services and visitor experiences.
Despite progress, challenges such as limited local investment and uneven IT infrastructure remain. To address these, Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has launched a 4.0 technology project to build a smart tourism ecosystem and enhance the sector’s economic impact.
The application of 360-degree virtual reality at the President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site is a noteworthy development in the realm of digital tourism. It offers a dynamic and engaging way for visitors to experience the site and its surroundings, while also promoting the rich cultural heritage of Co To Island. As technology continues to evolve, it promises to provide even more innovative ways to connect with and explore historical and cultural landmarks.
