Virtual Voyages: Enhancing Cultural Heritage Tourism Through VR360 Experiences of Wat Sri Suphan
摘要
This paper explores the development and impact of a Virtual Reality (VR) 360 experience centered around Wat Sri Suphan, also known as the Silver Temple, located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Recognized for its cultural and spiritual heritage, the temple serves as an exemplary case study for leveraging VR technology to transcend geographical barriers, thus making cultural heritage sites more accessible to a global audience. Through a comprehensive methodology that includes design, implementation, user engagement, and educational impact analysis, the paper presents a framework for creating immersive and educational virtual experiences. Results from user engagement and educational impact questionnaires reveal moderate levels of immersion and interactivity, alongside a significant educational impact in enhancing participants’ understanding of Wat Sri Suphan’s cultural and historical significance. Despite limitations such as a small participant sample size and varied familiarity with VR technology, the study underscores the potential of VR in cultural heritage tourism. It highlights opportunities for future research, particularly in enriching content interactivity and broadening participant diversity. This VR360 project not only contributes to the field of digital heritage preservation but also opens new pathways for cultural exchange, education, and tourism, inviting a reimagining of how we interact with and preserve cultural landmarks worldwide.