Nang Loeng Meta: Guideline to Development of Tourism Potential in Nang Loeng Community by Immersive Technology

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) examine the tourism potential of the Nang Loeng community, 2) investigate the use of virtual reality technology for tourism purposes, and 3) propose development guidelines for enhancing the community’s tourism potential through virtual reality technology. A mixed-methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 400 tourists selected through accidental sampling using a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 key informants, including government administrators, local stakeholders, and academic experts selected through purposive sampling.

The findings revealed that: 1) the tourism potential of Nang Loeng is strongly associated with its cultural heritage resources, including traditional foods, ancient Thai desserts, historic architecture, and the preservation of local ways of life, together with its strategic location in central Bangkok. Nevertheless, certain limitations remain, particularly the lack of value-added tourism activities that encourage longer visitor stays. 2) The appropriate use of virtual reality technology lies in supporting storytelling, creating immersive tourism experiences, and preserving cultural knowledge that is gradually disappearing. The technology should be user-friendly, affordable, accessible to diverse groups of users, and designed to complement rather than replace authentic on-site experiences. 3) An appropriate development approach involves integrating virtual reality technology with the community’s cultural assets based on the principles of simplicity, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency. This approach should emphasize community participation in storytelling and decision-making processes, together with support from both the public and private sectors.