Điện Biên’s push for digital tourism is anchored in a solid legal and strategic foundation. The province has rolled out key resolutions and development plans on digital transformation, all aimed at building a smart tourism ecosystem powered by technology. One of the most tangible initiatives is the development of the Điện Biên Smart Tourism System, whose tasks and budget were approved by the provincial People’s Committee in June 2025, signaling a strong commitment to creating a shared data platform for the entire sector.

Alongside this, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is implementing several measures to turn static heritage assets into dynamic digital resources. At the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum, a modernization project is underway that includes digitizing 960 artifacts, installing multilingual information kiosks, and launching a virtual museum tour. A 3D cinema room combining miniature battlefield models with virtual reality (VR) and interactive 3D mapping has also been built, promising an immersive and multidimensional historical experience. The provincial museum and heritage sites are now supported by a digital heritage management system (qldsvh.svhttdl.dienbien.gov.vn). Hundreds of artifacts have been captured in 2D images and converted into 3D models, and virtual 3D tours have been created for 15 nationally recognized historical sites.

A major highlight, and a clear proof of Điện Biên’s progress in digital tourism promotion, is its “heritage digitization” initiative. Instead of relying solely on traditional information panels, technology is enabling heritage sites and artifacts to “tell their stories” more vividly. One widely adopted tool is the QR code system. QR codes have been placed at high-traffic areas such as airports, bus stations, hotels, restaurants, and printed on promotional materials.

Sharing her experience, Nguyễn Phương Liên from Thanh An commune said: “I was genuinely impressed. With just one quick scan, all the information about the destination and its history appears on your phone. At the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum, scanning QR codes to learn about artifacts is extremely convenient. The multilingual information kiosks also helped me and the foreign visitors I was traveling with gain a deeper understanding of the museum and its exhibits.”

Electronic receipts have also been introduced at major tourist sites such as the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum, A1 Hill, De Castries Bunker, and the Mường Phăng Command Headquarters, offering greater convenience for visitors and enhancing transparency in management.

Digital tourism promotion goes beyond the cultural sector. An emerging digital media ecosystem is actively amplifying Điện Biên’s image. Local media agencies, including Điện Biên Newspaper, Radio, and Television, have been producing short videos and travel features for social media platforms. These videos have attracted strong engagement, especially from younger audiences.

At the same time, digital content creators (KOLs and TikTokers) play an increasingly powerful role. Recognizing this trend, the province has organized “Presstrip” programs, inviting popular travel bloggers to experience and promote Điện Biên. TikTok channels such as “Điện Biên Lang Thang” and “Blog Của Rọt” have produced million-view videos showcasing the region’s blooming ban trees, local culture, and fresh perspectives that strongly appeal to young travelers.

Digital content creator Nguyễn Nam Khánh, owner of the Điện Biên Lang Thang channel, shared: “In today’s information - saturated world, digital technology is not just a tool, it’s a bridge connecting destinations with global audiences. A 30-second TikTok or Facebook video featuring a village, a dish, or a mountain sunset can reach millions. The key is authenticity, emotion, and knowing how to use the platform, understanding algorithms, choosing the right angles, sounds, and posting times. Digital tools also let us track real-time audience reactions, helping creators refine their storytelling.”

Despite these positive results, promoting tourism on digital platforms remains challenging. The digital tourism database is still under development and lacks full updates. Digitization of products, destinations, and heritage sites is progressing slowly, and its real-world application remains limited. Another major bottleneck is the underdeveloped infrastructure and limited access to information technology. More importantly, the tourism workforce remains small and undertrained in IT skills. From 2023-2025, only three training courses were held for nearly 160 participants, a modest number compared to actual needs.

Điện Biên is now at a pivotal stage. The strategy is clear, and early digital products are already reaching visitors. With sustained investment from relevant agencies and the natural amplification power of media platforms and digital creators, the province is well positioned to create a meaningful breakthrough, transforming its historic potential into economic strength in the digital era.