What does Hai Phong night tourism have that young people look forward to?

Hai Phong will officially launch its new cultural night tourism product called “Sacred Traces of Hang Kenh” on June 28, 2025, at Hang Kenh Communal House – a nationally recognized heritage site of exceptional historical and architectural value located in the city center. This initiative marks a strategic move to revitalize cultural and spiritual tourism by integrating heritage, traditional art performances, and modern technology, with the goal of extending visitor experiences into nighttime hours and introducing a contemporary approach to cultural immersion.

The tour will operate every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a capacity of approximately 200 guests per session. The program includes ceremonial incense offerings, performances of traditional Vietnamese arts such as chèo (folk opera), văn singing (spiritual singing), water puppetry, calligraphy demonstrations, traditional crafts, local culinary tastings, and a highlight 3D mapping projection titled “Waves of Bach Dang – The Spirit of Ngo Quyen.” Each element of the experience is thoughtfully designed to form a seamless cultural narrative that bridges time-honored values and contemporary presentation formats.

As Vietnam’s tourism sector increasingly focuses on experiential value, night tourism is emerging as a promising direction in various localities. Recent market research indicates that a majority of travelers aged 18 to 35 prefer cultural, artistic, and technology-driven activities in the evening, rather than only engaging in daytime sightseeing. Therefore, “Sacred Traces of Hang Kenh” is not merely a new product but represents a concrete implementation within the strategy to develop immersive cultural experiences rooted in heritage.

The most distinctive feature of this tour is its fusion of tradition and storytelling technology. The use of 3D mapping projections on the ancient architectural backdrop of Hang Kenh Communal House enables the vivid re-enactment of national history through a modern, visually engaging lens. This approach aligns well with evolving aesthetic preferences among younger audiences while preserving the cultural integrity of the site.

The performance space has been carefully selected for its architectural compatibility, scale, and suitability for evening operations. Technical elements such as lighting, sound, guest coordination, and operational protocols are professionally managed to ensure a smooth and immersive experience. The collaboration among cultural authorities, travel agencies, and technology partners demonstrates a long-term orientation and a systematic approach to product development beyond one-off events.

The tour also emphasizes experiential integration. It is designed to connect seamlessly with other local services such as culinary venues, accommodations, and city attractions, allowing visitors to extend their stay and enjoy a broader range of nighttime experiences. This contributes to more balanced tourism development throughout the day and enhances the economic potential of nighttime spending.

In terms of content, the program reflects a deep engagement with Vietnamese culture. Each performance segment retains its traditional essence while being adapted for modern visual enjoyment. The storytelling is cohesive and meaningful, helping guests not only watch but also understand and internalize the historical and cultural themes. The 3D mapping component acts as a technological bridge between past and present, making heritage accessible and emotionally resonant.

From a market perspective, this is a timely initiative. Nighttime tourism in Vietnam has previously focused mainly on food streets and walking zones, with limited exploitation of cultural assets. “Sacred Traces of Hang Kenh” stands out as a fresh direction, providing educational value while aligning with emerging consumption patterns of younger domestic travelers who increasingly seek interactive and narrative-driven experiences.

The tour also creates opportunities for traditional artisans, performing artists, creative professionals, and technology developers. Its regular weekend schedule provides operational consistency, laying the groundwork for a sustainable cultural tourism supply chain. This is a practical interpretation of the ongoing national strategy to promote the nighttime economy.

At the municipal level, this product demonstrates Hai Phong’s flexibility in governance and effective coordination among stakeholders. Organizing a night tour in a heritage space requires rigorous technical planning to preserve the site while optimizing the visitor experience. The execution of this tour reflects Hai Phong’s capacity to modernize its cultural offerings while maintaining authenticity, an endeavor not all cities are currently equipped to pursue.

Looking ahead, “Sacred Traces of Hang Kenh” can serve as a blueprint for expanding Hai Phong’s nighttime cultural tourism. It could be extended to include other iconic locations such as the City Opera House, colonial-era streets, historic temples, and contemporary art spaces. Such efforts would help the city develop a distinctive nighttime tourism identity grounded in cultural expression.

If effectively scaled, this tour will not only contribute to the city’s cultural landscape but also support the formation of a comprehensive nighttime experience map for Hai Phong in its next phase of tourism growth. This initiative reaffirms the creative potential of combining heritage, technology, and modern travel demand in a structured, professional, and visionary manner.

“Sacred Traces of Hang Kenh” is more than a nighttime art show. It is a creative solution to extend the relevance of heritage, enhance travel experiences, and reshape Hai Phong’s image into a more vibrant, culturally enriched, and contemporary destination. As such, it offers a valuable model for future cultural night tourism development in Vietnam.