Introduction
Since the global success of Pokémon Go, AR Geolocation technology has proven its power in connecting users with the world around them. Instead of merely “watching” through a screen, participants truly move, explore, and interact directly in real life.
In marketing, this becomes a “new weapon” for brands to design engaging, playful, and highly viral campaigns. Customers don’t just receive information — they live inside the experience.
Doritos' trending AR Geolocation campaign in Western Streets in 2023
AR Geolocation – Bridging the Real & Virtual World
AR Geolocation combines real-world maps with Augmented Reality experiences. Users move through real spaces, and at specific locations, they unlock unique digital content such as 3D characters, interactive games, mini challenges, or branded rewards.
👉 Imagine this: you walk into a coffee shop, open your camera, and suddenly spot a floating “virtual gift box” on the counter. Tap it, and you unlock a 20% voucher for your next drink. That delightful surprise might encourage you to visit another branch in the chain — who knows what’s waiting there?
A great example of this is Starbucks’ AR Geolocation campaign “A Little Kindness,” which went viral across the U.S. in 2023
Marvy – Pioneer of AR Geolocation Experiences in Vietnam
In Vietnam, Marvy is among the first agencies to research and deploy AR Geolocation in large-scale brand events. Some of the highlight projects include:
AR Treasure Hunt in Shopping Malls: Players use smartphones to scan QR/AR codes across different zones, hunting for “brand treasures” — both entertaining and increasing booth visibility.
AR Treasure Hunt at AEON Mall Hà Đông: The entire mall transformed into a treasure map, where players searched for hidden AR markers to win branded gifts. The campaign attracted thousands of check-ins and shares on social media
Outdoor Advertising Campaigns: Integrating AR Geolocation with billboards or retail streets, where customers could unlock 3D characters, AR filters, or join “hunt & win” challenges.
Nutifood's Bridge in 3D Model form
Nutifood AR Geolocation Bridge: Marvy introduced a 3D pedestrian bridge model right at the construction site via WebAR 360°. With just one link, users experienced the bridge virtually on location — a breakthrough fusion of AR and GPS that invited the public to engage with evolving urban spaces
The AR Bridge event attracted huge crowds to check in and interact, reinforcing Nutifood’s brand presence in a highly memorable way
Through these projects, Marvy not only delivered fresh entertainment experiences but also generated valuable location-based behavioral data, helping brands better understand customer journeys.
The Future of AR Geolocation in Vietnam’s Marketing Landscape
With a young population, high smartphone penetration, and a strong culture of check-ins and social sharing, Vietnam holds immense potential for AR Geolocation adoption. Future applications may include:
Trade Shows & Exhibitions: Attracting visitors to booths with AR-based treasure hunts.
Retail & F&B: Designing “gift hunt” journeys inside stores, encouraging repeat visits.
Tourism & Entertainment: Offering AR city tours where visitors explore monuments and cultural icons through virtual overlays.
Community Campaigns: Scaling interaction across cities, boosting brand awareness while engaging consumers in real-world activities.
The viral Pokémon Go trend in 2017 already showcased the enthusiasm of Vietnamese youth for AR experiences — setting the stage for what’s coming next
Marvy’s Vision – Building the AR Ecosystem for Vietnam
Marvy goes beyond delivering technical solutions. We are shaping the future of brand experiences in Vietnam:
Every event can become an interactive AR playground.
Every shopping mall can transform into a digital entertainment map, encouraging repeat visits.
Every marketing campaign can transcend messaging, turning into a holistic customer journey from real life to digital.
👉 At Marvy, we believe AR Geolocation will soon become the new standard for experiential marketing in Vietnam — where technology meets creativity, delivering campaigns that are not only innovative but also deeply impactful
