Many of Hanoi's historical relics and landmarks have leveraged advanced technologies to offer visitors enhanced utilities and exceptional convenience.
"No more crowding, chaos, or ticket scalping at the Huong Son Special Relic Complex (Huong Pagoda). The digitalization of services has made it easier and safer for festival-goers by combining entrance fees with boat and ferry fees into a single electronic ticket sold via QR codes," Nguyen Huy Tien from Dan Phuong District, an annual visitor to the Huong Pagoda Festival, told The Hanoi Times.
"Digitizing the tickets helps my family feel more comfortable and secure in experiencing the festival without fear of being solicited or overcharged," said Tien.
About 60 kilometers southwest of downtown Hanoi, the Huong Son Special Relic Complex, which was listed as a national relics site in December 2017, has undergone a major transformation with the support of technology, making a breakthrough in preserving traditional values. As the longest festival in Vietnam, the Huong Pagoda Festival began in early February and continues to captivate visitors for three vibrant months, ending on May 1.
Guests scan electronic tickets to gain access to the Huong Pagoda Festival 2025. Photo: The Management of the Huong Son Special Relic Complex |
"Combining the entrance fee and boat fee into one ticket for the Huong Pagoda Festival 2025 is one of the major improvements to enhance the convenience of visitors," said Dang Van Canh, Vice Chairman of My Duc District People's Committee and head of the festival's organizing committee.
He told The Hanoi Times that there are 4,000 boats to take visitors on sightseeing tours, equipped with life jackets, garbage bins, umbrellas and free drinking water. Each boatman has a QR code to facilitate feedback on their service attitude," Canh added.
First aid stations have been set up in high-traffic areas to ensure the safety of visitors. Ticket prices are visibly displayed.
Thanks to a mobile application, visitors can easily check the festival schedule, map of attractions, food and beverage information, and weather forecast. A virtual tour guide function is also integrated. This not only enhances the visitors' experience, but also helps to reduce the pressure on the service staff.
"By focusing on these measures, the festival aims to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors and create a joyful and festive atmosphere for people at the beginning of spring," Canh emphasized.
Digital technology has been used in the logistics of the festival as well as in the performances. At the festival celebrating the 236th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi Victory in Dong Da District, the opening ceremony was organized for the first time with a semi-realistic art program using 3D lighting technology to tell the story in a modern and attractive way.
Semi-realistic art program using 3D lighting technology at the 236th Anniversary of Ngoc Hoi Victory Festival in Dong Da District, Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times |
Nguyen Thanh Tung, Vice Chairman of Dong Da District People's Committee, told The Hanoi Times that the use of modern technology has helped enrich the experience for visitors. "This year, the number of visitors to the festival has doubled compared to last year."
At Tay Ho Palace, the Tay Ho District People's Committee has been using digital technology to control vehicle parking since last year, moving toward cashless payment. Visitors scan QR codes with their mobile phones to pay the entrance fee and learn about the historical values of the relic. This has helped the Tay Ho Palace management to control the number of visitors, service prices and revenue.
Meanwhile, at the Ha Communal House - Pagoda Spiritual Relic Site in Cau Giay District, Trinh Thi Dung, Vice Chairwoman of the Cau Giay District People's Committee, said that the relic's management board has placed QR codes at the entrance so that people and visitors can conveniently find information about the relic's festival.
Mai Luong, a young girl from Ha Long City who visited Ha Pagoda for the first time, said: "Although the pagoda was crowded, the visit was very civilized, disciplined and orderly. The QR code helps me find information about the relic easily."
According to the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, there are more than 1,500 festivals in the city, most of which take place at the beginning of the year. The innovative efforts of localities have created a clear change in Hanoi's festival season 2025 that will last for a long time.
According to the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, there are more than 1,500 festivals in the city, most of which take place at the beginning of the year.
"Localities are strengthening communication on civilized rules for festivals, paying attention to environmental hygiene, food safety, fire prevention and control, security and order, and applying technology to attract more tourists," said Pham Xuan Tai, Deputy Director of the department.
By reducing the pressure on organizers, improving the experience of visitors, and preserving and promoting cultural values, technology has proven its important role in modernizing festivals and heritage to attract tourists.
According to Vu Thu Ha, Deputy Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee, the capital city will develop smart tourism combined with digital transformation in the sector to gain a competitive edge nationally and regionally.
"The city will focus on creating a sustainable tourism environment, ensuring infrastructure and environmental hygiene at scenic spots," Ha said at an online conference last December to take stock of 2024 achievements and outline key tasks for 2025 for the culture, sports and tourism sector.
Foreign visitors at the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2024. Photo: Lai Tan/The Hanoi Times |
"The city is committed to improving its capacity to organize cultural, artistic and sports activities. Last year, Hanoi hosted more than 3,000 national and international events. Among them, the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2024, held in mid-November, attracted experts, young designers and more than 300,000 visitors, and left an indelible mark. The city has also established a Coordination Center for Creative Spaces, which has so far identified more than 60 creative spaces and contributors to cultivate them," Ha said.
In 2024, Hanoi welcomed over 27 million tourists, an annual increase of 12%. Among them, international visits amounted to 6.35 million, an increase of over 34% year-on-year. Tourism revenue exceeded VND110 trillion (US$4.32 billion), marking a year-on-year growth of over 18%.
Hanoi has been recognized by the World Tourism Organization as a leading global destination and a top destination in Asia since 2022. In 2024, it was ranked as Vietnam's leading cultural destination.
