The organising board of the Perfume Pagoda festival conducts inspections and monitoring of security and public order, ensuring safety for residents and visitors through an AI-powered camera surveillance system. — Photo hanoimoi.vn

HÀ NỘI — On busy festival days at the Hương (Perfume) Pagoda, long queues and crowded pathways were once part of the experience. Today, visitors to Hương Sơn Commune are finding a smoother journey, as local authorities turn to digital tools to better manage one of Việt Nam’s most popular spiritual destinations.

Home to the nationally recognised special relic complex at the Perfume Pagoda, Hương Sơn has identified digital transformation as a key solution to improve festival management and enhance services for both residents and tourists, in line with Resolution 57-NQ/TW on advancing the digital transformation.

A range of technologies has been introduced, including AI-powered camera systems, an operations centre for festival management, e-ticketing, cashless payments and digital platforms supporting tourism services.

Through the surveillance system, authorities can better monitor security, regulate visitor flows and respond quickly to incidents. For visitors, digital tickets and cashless payments help cut waiting time, reduce the need for cash transactions and make the overall experience more convenient.

Alongside service applications, the commune has also focused on improving connectivity infrastructure. Two new mobile towers have been put into operation in the pagoda area, expanding telecom coverage and improving internet access. This allows visitors to easily access information, use online services and make digital payments during their trip.

Hương Sơn is also exploring the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to support resource management, forest monitoring, fire prevention and tourism operations, as well as agricultural production.

Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, vice chairman of the commune’s People’s Committee, said the goal is not only to introduce more technology into festival management, but also to improve service quality and operational efficiency.

“When data systems, surveillance cameras, e-ticketing and cashless payments are integrated, management becomes more proactive, while visitors can access services in a more convenient and transparent way,” he said. — VNS