A study on information searches for a lesser-known hot spot: The case of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam

Travelers seeking information about Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a lesser-known but ecologically significant UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam, prioritize practical details such as transportation options—including cross-border and domestic routes—and popular local experiences. Analysis of online travel forums revealed that while sites like Lonely Planet, Oxalis Adventure, Rough Guides, The Lost Passport, and Rome2rio offer standard destination overviews (e.g., landmarks, tours, accommodations), Oxalis Adventure stands out for its depth in logistical details, while The Lost Passport highlights lesser-known but favored on-site activities. Topic modeling of forum posts identified 27 distinct information categories travelers actively seek, emphasizing real-world needs beyond generic descriptions. This study underscores the gap between broad travel guides and the granular, context-specific data that travelers value for navigating remote or under-documented destinations.

Choi, E.-Y., & Yoon, B.-K. (2021). A study on information searches for a lesser-known hot spot: The case of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam. International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, 35(2), 23–36. https://doi.org/10.21298/ijthr.2021.2.35.2.23