In Da Nang, the traditional Vietnamese cyclo experience is getting a modern upgrade, with GPS-enabled rides offering multilingual smart commentary and AI interaction for international travelers exploring the city.
The tourist cyclo team provides Auto Guide service, helping tourists have more experiences when visiting Da Nang. Photo: https://baodanang.vn/
The Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center has announced that it is piloting technology-assisted cyclo tours. Each vehicle is fitted with a device and headphones that deliver real-time information about landmarks along the route.
Powered by GPS, the system automatically activates commentary whenever the cyclo passes a cultural or historical site.
Stories about the city’s iconic attractions, such as the Rong (Dragon) Bridge or the APEC Park, are narrated in one of 15 languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese.
Alongside audio guides, passengers can interact directly with an AI chatbot embedded in the application to ask questions and explore more details about their surroundings.
As reported, a total of over 80 cyclos participating in this project have been standardized with stainless-steel frames, padded seats, and canopies for passenger comfort.
A visitor enjoy a cyclo tour in Da Nang. Photo: https://danangfantasticity.com/
The design not only modernizes the iconic vehicle but also ensures a recognizable identity across the fleet.
Drivers have undergone health checks, training in customer service, foreign language basics, and knowledge of local attractions to enhance the overall visitor experience.
For many tourists, the combination of eco-friendly transport and cutting-edge technology is proving irresistible.
A South Korean visitor who joined a ride along the Han River praised the initiative, saying it was “a very special experience to listen in my own language while enjoying the scenery”.
The commentary service will be offered free of charge until the end of September. From October, passengers will pay a small additional fee, around VND50,000 (approximately US$2) on top of the regular fare.
By blending tradition with innovation, Da Nang is not only elevating the cyclo from a nostalgic mode of transport to a modern cultural experience but also positioning itself as a city ready to welcome global travellers with creativity and hospitality.
Thu Le