From the northernmost Lung Cu Flag Tower to the southernmost point of Ca Mau Cape, each interactive board equipped with wireless NFC (Near Field Communication) chips serves as a gateway to a vivid treasure of cultural and historical heritage, all unlocked with a simple tap of a smartphone.
After more than six months of implementation, tens of thousands of check-ins and widespread social media sharing have helped revitalise tourism experience, offering travellers deeper inspiration and connection at every destination.
A single tap – Millions of connections
From high-tech check-in points at millennia-old heritage sites to a digital tourism ecosystem spanning all 63 provinces and cities, the “Love Vietnam So Much” project is not only bringing history and culture to life through digital experiences, but also infusing each step of the traveller’s journey with the spirit of modern technology.
Nguyen Huong Giang from Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, was pleasantly surprised when she first encountered the interactive NFC-enabled board at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “When I tapped my phone on the NFC board, it felt like the information was having a conversation with me. It’s history—but not dry or distant. It felt vivid and personal,” she shared.
The project has left a strong impression not only on Vietnamese people but also on international friends. Muhammad Zaki Bin Abdul Ghani, Counsellor for Information at the Malaysian Embassy, was one of the distinguished guests invited to the project’s launch. “Although I haven’t had the chance to experience it firsthand, based on the information provided, I am confident this will be an extremely useful tool—especially for foreigners—to better understand the history and significance of Vietnam’s landmarks,” he remarked.
Zaki praised the initiative as a modern approach to tourism, not only offering accessible information but also fostering cultural connection between Vietnam and the world.
Kohdayar Marri, Ambassador of Pakistan to Vietnam, noted that Vietnam is taking the lead in using technology to promote culture: “This is a model Pakistan could learn from to enhance cultural exchange between nations.” In a world where geographical boundaries are no longer barriers, each NFC tap serves as an open invitation to connect.
After just over six months, nearly 200 NFC-enabled boards have been installed free of charge by Nhan Dan Newspaper, covering all 63 provinces and cities across the country. At each board, visitors can interact using their smartphones to access multimedia content—from maps, videos, archival photos, and cultural-historical narratives, to smart features like AI tour guides, personalised itineraries, reward point systems, and digital certificates.
“Love Vietnam So Much” has rapidly become a nationwide network of emotional connection, spreading experiences from individuals to the wider community.
A lever to boost Vietnam’s tourism promotion
In Thanh Hoa, a province rich in heritage with 858 historical and scenic sites, two significant destinations—Ba Trieu Temple and the Lam Kinh Historical Site—have been selected, alongside the UNESCO-recognised Ho Dynasty Citadel, for the installation of NFC-enabled boards under the “Love Vietnam So Much” project.
Do Quang Trong, Deputy Director of the Thanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, described the project as not only a creative initiative of technology and culture, but also a major step forward in preserving and promoting heritage values through modern, accessible methods.
Meanwhile, in Quang Ninh where nature and history have intertwined over millennia, NFC stations have been installed at sites of great significance, such as the Yen Tu Scenic and Historical Complex, Quang Ninh Museum, the Ho Chi Minh Memorial on Co To Island, and Tra Co Communal House.
Nguyen Lam Nguyen, Deputy Director of the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said: “It’s a smart step forward merging cultural richness with digital innovation, helping people and tourists not only feel beauty but also understand the deep meaning of each place. Some even mark coastal boundaries, highlighting national sovereignty and underlining their strategic importance in cultural preservation and tourism growth along Vietnam’s frontiers and islands.”
In the nouthern mountainous province of Lao Cai, where over 25 ethnic communities live side by side, the project is already making an impact. NFC boards have been installed in popular destinations like Quan Square (Sa Pa), Kim Tan Square (Lao Cai City), and the Lung Po Flagpole (Bat Xat).
Sung A Lenh, Deputy Head of Lao Cai’s National Assembly delegation, shared: “To develop tourism sustainably, we must preserve identity, enrich experiences for tourists and apply smart tools to promote destinations. ‘Love You So Much, Vietnam’ does exactly that—it presents Lao Cai through a lens that’s vivid, honest, and emotionally resonant. We’re planning to expand it to more iconic spots like the Lao Cai international border gate, Thuong Temple, Fansipan Peak, and the historic Hoang A Tuong Mansion.”
Phan Linh Chi, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, affirmed: “Love Vietnam So Much represents a harmonious blend of traditional values and modern technology. It acts as a series of approachable digital guides, enabling young people to understand and carry forward the nation’s heritage with a contemporary mindset.”
She praised the heartfelt and responsible initiative led by Nhan Dan Newspaper while affirming that the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism is ready to support the project’s expansion across localities. The authority is currently reviewing it as a standout initiative to be included in the Smart Tourism Development Plan in 2025–2030. The project is seen as a premise in premise for forming a personalized tourism experience ecosystem on a digital platform.
From an artist’s perspective, conductor Dong Quang Vinh views each NFC station as “emotional material” for artistic creation. “These destinations are not just check-in spots. They are where artists draw inspiration. We will bring them into our music, so international friends can know more about Vietnam.”
Le Quoc Minh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, Vice Head of the PCC’s Commission of Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation and President of the Vietnam Journalists Association, stated: “Beyond the technology, the essence of this project lies in its mission to create real connections between provinces and provinces, regions and regions.”
With NFC boards in all 63 provinces and cities, “Love Vietnam So Much” is contributing to the realisation the journey of “uniting the country” in the digital age. It is a journey where every individual, regardless of nationality or profession, can become an ambassador of Vietnamese identity.
