Yes, hotels in Vietnam are jumping on to the tech bandwagon and are using innovative high-tech gadgets and latest software for their operations, doing away with paper and, in the process, improve efficiency and service.

The 52-year-old Caravelle Hotel (pictured right) in downtown Ho Chi Minh City has joined a handful of leading hotels worldwide, which have converted their magnetised room keys to advanced RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. You just need to be in the door’s proximity to unlock it with this high tech key.

“Imagine walking up to your room with your hands full and letting the key in your wallet or pocket unlock the door for you — that can happen if your wallet is close enough to the lock,” said Linton Borthwick, Caravelle Hotel’s executive assistant manager of rooms.

As the microchip communication with the lock is infallible guests will never have to go to the front desk with malfunctioning keys/key cards, as so often happen

Borthwick’s pet project, however, is a remote check-in service that allows arriving guests to bypass the front desk altogether. Introduced in early August two Wii-pads, remote handheld tablets, enable guests to check-in anywhere on the property.

Currently this mobile check-in is from the lobby’s seating area, but it will extend to other areas such as the rooftop bar, in the elevator and even by the pool.

The Caravelle, best known as a haven for journalists during the Vietnam War, has also installed GPS tracking in all its Mercedes vehicles.

The 110-year-old Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (pictured left) is also undergoing a digital makeover, and an array of slick, modern devices have “invaded” every corner of this historic hotel.

Suites come with state-of-the-art Beosound 8 docking sound systems, and Apple’s iPads are available for guests’ use. The tablet is also at the concierge desk for guests to search online for information on where to go and what to see. At the Italian restaurant, Angelina, guests can go through the wine list and menu on this popular tablet too.

By October all rooms in the Metropole will have Wifi, and it will be a free service for guests.

The popular Go Concierge programme will be revamped. Concierge on duty will be able to print information, from  requests for ticket reservations to restaurant recommendations, from a pre-loaded database. Guests could have confirmation letters, itineraries and even directions in their hands within minutes.

“The biggest changes we’re making are invisible, most of our guests will probably never be aware of them,” said Kai Speth, Metropole’s general manager. “What they will experience are shorter wait times, and smoother, more efficient service when putting up at the Metropole.”

The technology wave in Vietnam is not just confined to land, but also extends to the waters. Emeraude Classic Cruises on Halong Bay has equipped one of its vessels, the Emeraude, with modern gadgets and instruments that include Fingerprinted Clock-In/Clock-Out, 3D radar and advanced GPS tracking.

Jacques Le Fur (pictured left), Emeraude’s captain said even thought these tools were not required by Vietnamese regulations they would provide seamless service, as well as safety when cruising.

The finely tuned GPS tracking automatically sounds an alarm any time the anchor drifts, or when the vessel lists to an unusual degree.

Le Fur is also able to ascertain when engineers and sailors complete hourly rounds by examining the clock-in fingerprint log.

By bucking the obstacles to transplant modern technology into the country these establishments are shedding their decade-old practices and adapting to the changing way of doing business. As one industry player said, “Innovate or get left behind.”