Sky AR: Technology opens a new era for fireworks festivals

For the first time in Viet Nam, outdoor augmented reality (Sky AR) technology has been applied at a large-scale cultural - tourism event, offering a unique, modern and emotional experience to both locals and visitors.

Since the opening night of DIFF 2025, Sky AR has created a new buzz in the community. With just a smartphone, viewers can open up a magical 3D world in the sky of the Han River through the Sun Paradise Land app.

From ancient Cham towers to mysterious dances, from the image of the Whale - the symbol of the fishermen of Central Viet Nam, to the brilliant fireworks effects, vivid cultural imagery comes to life in the sky, seamlessly blending tradition with modern technology.

Sky AR is not only a visual experience but also a way for Da Nang to tell a cultural story through the language of technology. Designed with a coverage of up to 600,000m² and nearly 10 million pixels, Sky AR is currently the largest outdoor virtual reality system appearing in a cultural event in Viet Nam.

Each effect is "tailored" according to the theme of each competition night, creating high synchronization and personalization, and bringing a different experience for each fireworks night.

Mr. Le Huu Chinh, a tourist from Ha Noi, commented “I think technology is so amazing now. I used my phone to scan the ticket and immediately saw models of famous destinations in Da Nang, and those images appeared in the sky when I pointed my phone at the Sky AR pixel”.

Mrs. Dinh Thi Kim Ngan, a Da Nang resident, shared that each international fireworks festival was an opportunity for the organizers to renew the programmes, and this year Sky AR technology was a very new feature.

Mrs. Ngan hoped that the upcoming fireworks festivals will introduce the city's unique culture, promoting it to domestic and foreign tourists in a more meaningful and emotional way.

According to Director of the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Truong Thi Hong Hanh, DIFF 2025, themed Da Nang - The New Rising Era, has been the longest and largest fireworks festival to date.

In particular, the application of virtual reality technology combined with fireworks experience contributes to bringing visitors new experiences and sublimated emotions with fireworks.

Sky AR is not only a part of the performance technology but also a strong statement of Da Nang about the transformation in the digital age.

“We hope that with the city’s investment and the strong partnership of businesses, especially Sun Group, we can create a truly remarkable festival, amplify the fireworks brand, and affirm Da Nang’s position as a leading destination for festivals and events in Asia” said Mrs. Hanh.