Oil-lamp light and night-time tourism: a case study at an isolated Vietnamese village

In a world driven by the experience economy, a demand for creating unique tourism products has become extremely essential. This study aims to introduce a case study of an isolated village that has successfully created a special tourism product based on its difficulties and constraints (Con Ho river islet, Vinh Long, Vietnam). Without electricity, oil lamps are the primary source of night light. Since 2020, this traditional light has been utilized to create a distinctive experience for tourists. This study employed in-depth interviews with 31 participants, including tourists, tour guides, and locals, to understand a niche tourism product. The findings indicate a high level of satisfaction and delight among visitors. The oil-lamp light has stimulated multiple senses and fostered emotional solidarity among tourists and locals, thereby evoking a warm, bittersweet nostalgia among tourists. This study contributes to studies of the night-time economy by elucidating that oil-lamp light serves not merely as physical illumination but as a cultural symbol that fosters emotional tourism experiences. Accordingly, the findings offer valuable insights for destination managers and rural planners to leverage traditional sensory elements in designing authentic, culturally immersive night-time attractions in rural settings.