With just a smartphone, locals and tourists can experience and explore historical sites and vibrant cultural beauty in the digital space.

Tourists scan the QR code to learn about the Son La Prison National Special Monument.

From 3D exhibits and automated narrations to virtual reality experiences and interactive QR code scanning, the Son La Provincial Museum is now not only a repository of historical and cultural memories but also a vibrant and engaging experiential space for locals and tourists alike.

Ms. Dang Thi Thanh Que, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, was very impressed with the virtual reality experience of visiting the Son La Prison National Special Monument: "Just by scanning the QR code, we saw the entire map and the content of our tour, details about the prison's structure, daily life, and how the French colonialists imprisoned Vietnamese political prisoners here."

Virtual reality technology allows tourists to explore and experience things remotely.

With just a few clicks, visitors from all over the world can access the digital data archive preserved at the Son La Provincial Museum. Much of the data from over 35,000 artifacts and documents here has gradually become available online; including collections of images, antiques, rituals, costumes, traditional handicrafts of ethnic minorities, and the history and culture of Son La and the Northwest region.

Ms. Cam Thi May, from the Education and Communication Department of the Son La Provincial Museum and Library, informed: Currently, the Son La Museum's website offers many features that allow visitors who cannot visit the museum to explore and experience the site. Using virtual reality technology, visitors can simply click on a link to view the entire current state of the prison relic and the museum's rooms, as well as 3D exhibits on display. For more detailed information, visitors can click on each exhibit to see its material, year of use, and purpose.

Son La Provincial Library changes its book borrowing, returning, and reading procedures using digital technology.

The Son La Provincial Library is also gradually changing its appearance, with a smart technology device that can replace the entire catalog room; a QR code can unlock a digitized knowledge repository... The process of searching for and borrowing books at the library is simpler than before, when readers had to search using paper catalogs, fill out forms, and wait for staff to find books.

Ms. Le Xuan, residing in To Hieu ward, Son La province, shared: "Previously, readers had to bring a booklet to borrow or exchange books. Now, they only need to read the name or code to search, making borrowing books at the library very convenient. Keeping up with the 4.0 era, we can also check the library's fan page to find out where the book we're looking for is located, eliminating the need for extensive searching..."

Digitizing books, documents, etc., is more convenient thanks to the investment in modern equipment.

Digital technology also helps librarians save time, reduce the burden of manual tasks in management, and prevent document loss. This is especially true for old books and valuable documents, which used to be difficult to preserve due to the effects of time, humidity, storage conditions, and the risk of damage to the original artifacts. However, this is gradually changing as many books are now scanned and stored electronically.

Mr. Lo Van Thong, from the Professional Services Department of the Son La Provincial Museum and Library, said: "The scanners are much more modern now than before. We don't have to edit images when storing them, saving us many steps... Now, we only need one scanning step to directly upload them to digital data for readers. With that saved time, we can create more online books to send to everyone."

Thousands of digitized documents, including books, stories, and ancient Thai script, have made it easier for readers to search and refer to them, especially for students in remote areas or those who do not have the opportunity to visit a library in person.

Bui Bao Nam, from To Hieu Ward, Son La Province, shared: "I find it very useful. At home, I can find books through websites and apps, and I can read books online. When using the app, the interface and search function are also very easy and convenient for users..."

Many documents and books have been uploaded to electronic platforms by the Son La Library.

The influence of technology has helped historical values, knowledge, and culture become increasingly vibrant, attractive, and widespread. From this, images and stories about Son La and the Northwest region, rich in revolutionary traditions and cultural identity, will become more accessible to people and tourists from all over the country.