Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province – Nestled in the highlands of Quang Tri province, Khe Sanh is transforming its tourism landscape with a pioneering digital tourism map. This innovative initiative connects everything from lush farms and hillside cafes to local specialty shops and accommodations with a simple scan of a QR code or a click on a computer, offering tourists an accessible and engaging way to explore the region.
A Digital Key to Khe Sanh’s Treasures
The digital map is more than just a directory; it’s a gateway to experiencing the unique charm of Khe Sanh. The initiative aims to boost tourism by making it easier for visitors to discover the diverse offerings of the region.
“We created this digital tourism map with the primary goal of making it easier for tourists to access and explore Khe Sanh,” says Tran Thai Thien, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Vietnam Agricultural Tourism Cooperative – Khe Sanh, the driving force behind the project. “At the same time, it serves as a tool to promote the local culture, history, tourism, and distinctive agricultural products to a broader audience.”
Discovering Khe Sanh’s Diverse Attractions
Khe Sanh is rapidly emerging as a hub for agricultural and community-based ecotourism. The digital map guides visitors to attractions such as Khe Sanh Valley Farm, where they can pick coffee beans, fish, and savor fresh, locally sourced produce. Khe Sanh Camping, a project initiated by local youth, offers immersive experiences like campfire nights and cloud-hunting expeditions at the Huong Tan wind farm or the Quang Tri hydroelectric reservoir. Trosie Garden stands out as a unique space that combines a coffee shop with a showcase for clean agricultural products, supporting the livelihoods of ethnic minority communities.
Popular routes like the red-leaf maple forest trail, the Sao Sao forest, and the Khe Sanh Coffee Tour have become key tourism products, providing opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in nature, enjoy the scenery, and experience the local way of life.
Unprecedented Connectivity
Notably, the digital tourism map of Khe Sanh has quickly integrated nearly 40 service providers, destinations, farm stays, and coffee shops. This represents an unprecedented level of collaboration, bringing together small-scale farmers and businesses on a unified platform. This approach allows tourists to easily customize their itineraries to suit their needs, while also enabling local residents to promote their products and services to a wider customer base.
The digital map extends beyond community tourism to include important historical sites that bear witness to a time of fierce conflict, such as Ta Con Airport, Hill 689, Lang Vay Base, Lao Bao Prison, and Pa Thien-Voi Mep, a destination that preserves the memories of the Truong Son mountain range.
Community Embraces Digital Transformation
Local business owners have expressed enthusiasm for the digital initiative.
“We are delighted to receive the code from the Khe Sanh Tourism Association,” says Ho Thi Phuong, owner of Khe Sanh Valley Farm. “This code represents the solidarity and unity of the local tourism community. Tourists can easily access all the information they need, from directions and phone numbers to prices, ambiance, and menus, with a simple scan.”
Young people involved in agricultural tourism share this enthusiasm.
“This is a meaningful gift,” says Hoang Trung Truc, manager of Trosie Garden. “Khe Sanh has many distinctive agricultural products, and the scenery is beautiful, so having a promotional tool like this will make things much easier. Khe Sanh tourism is sure to grow, and so will local agricultural products.”
Modern Tourism Meets Digital Transformation
The digital transformation of Khe Sanh’s tourism sector is an ongoing process.
“To date, we have implemented the digital map by putting Khe Sanh’s destinations and tourist attractions on a website,” explains Tran Thai Thien. “In the near future, we will deploy a more visually appealing map with the logos of tourism businesses. Tourists will simply click on each destination to get all the information they need to make their choices.”
The introduction of the digital map has created a new space for connection. Each farm stay, homestay, coffee shop, and check-in point becomes a “node” in a common network. When linked together, they form a modern and transparent tourism ecosystem that supports mutual development and provides a more complete experience for visitors.
Khe Sanh’s Tourism Potential
Khe Sanh currently welcomes an average of 250,000 visitors each year. This is a significant number for a remote commune, indicating the potential for sustainable tourism development. With the addition of unique products and the strong application of digital technology, Khe Sanh has the potential to become a key destination on the tourism map of the province and the central region.
In addition to the efforts of cooperatives and the startup community, local authorities are playing an important role. The commune of Khe Sanh has identified agricultural and ecotourism as a sustainable direction and has actively supported infrastructure, encouraged the digitization of services, and connected models. From telecommunications and internet infrastructure to skills training programs for young people and women, this support is creating the conditions for Khe Sanh to not only have unique tourism products but also a professional approach that keeps pace with trends.
A Vision for the Future
The initiative has garnered high praise from tourism officials.
“The Khe Sanh digital tourism map not only makes it easier for tourists to find information but also serves as a bridge for the community, spreading the aspirations of the highlands of Quang Tri,” says Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. “It embodies the creativity of the younger generation, the dedication of the people, and the spirit of a land rich in revolutionary tradition. When tradition and modernity are linked by technology, Khe Sanh will surely become an attractive destination, contributing to the ongoing journey of building a homeland in the digital age.”
Through a unified digital presence, Khe Sanh is poised to unlock its full tourism potential and offer visitors an enriching experience of its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
