AI voice technology is transforming the way visitors explore Da Nang. Traditional cyclo tours now feature multilingual narration, allowing tourists to experience the city’s landmarks in 15 languages, including Vietnamese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. This innovation combines heritage travel with smart tourism in Vietnam, making cultural storytelling accessible to international visitors.
The initiative is organized by the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center in collaboration with XNOR Group, a local technology company. The system is powered by Blaze, an AI Voice platform developed by Dr. Trung Huynh, Head of AI at XNOR Group, which uses GPS to trigger audio narration at landmarks such as Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, and APEC Park.
“Blaze was designed to make Da Nang’s heritage accessible to all visitors, in their own language,” said Dr. Trung Huynh. “Our goal is to use AI voice technology to amplify local culture, not replace it.”
Each cyclo is equipped with a compact device and headset, enabling visitors to listen to real-time narration without a guide. An integrated AI chatbot allows tourists to ask questions and explore cultural, historical, and local attractions interactively, creating a personalized experience for each visitor.
The pilot involves 83 trained cyclo drivers, who assist tourists with device operation and language selection. Vehicles feature cushioned seating, protective canopies, and standardized design. Drivers were also trained in traffic regulations, safety, and local knowledge to complement the AI narration. The service was free through September 2024, with a small narration fee of approximately 50,000 VND per ride thereafter.
Tourists have praised the initiative for combining heritage travel with AI voice technology, allowing them to enjoy Da Nang’s streets at a relaxed pace while learning about the city’s history, bridges, markets, and cultural sites.
This project represents a significant step toward smart tourism in Vietnam, showing how locally developed AI voice technology can enhance visitor experiences while preserving cultural authenticity and highlighting Vietnam’s innovative capabilities.
