Top 10 Vietnam's stunning filming locations in Hollywood movies
19/06/2025 | News
1. Trang An, Ninh Binh
In 2016, Vietnam served as the backdrop for the American monster film *Kong: Skull Island*, directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts. The expansive 2-hectare valley of Trang An in Ninh Binh was selected as a key filming location, where the *Kong: Skull Island* set featured a native village constructed with bamboo and thatch, captivating audiences worldwide. The majestic scenery of Trang An showcased in the film’s trailer elevated Ninh Binh as a must-visit destination for tourists eager to explore its breathtaking beauty.
The film *Kong*, with its striking visuals of Trang An, has sustained its allure post-release, fostering significant opportunities for tourism development in the region.
2. Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Renowned as the “Second Cave of the Southern Sky” and often likened to “Halong Bay on Land,” Tam Coc – Bich Dong has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a celebrated destination for both domestic and international visitors.
The film *Two Girls and the Herb Garden Master* chose Tam Coc – Bich Dong as its primary setting. The film’s exquisite portrayal of Vietnam’s scenic beauty inspires viewers to experience this enchanting landscape firsthand. With its poetic blend of serene rivers, lush greenery, and towering mountains, this location lends a lyrical quality to the tragic romance between An and Ming.
3. Van Long Wetland Ecological Reserve, Ninh Binh
With its poetic and majestic natural beauty, Ninh Binh has emerged as an ideal filming destination for both local and international productions. Van Long Wetland, the largest wetland nature reserve in the Northern Delta, served as a stunning backdrop for the film *Pan*. The film captures the region’s iconic features, including pristine white storks, verdant rice fields, and meandering rivers, emblematic of Ninh Binh’s charm.
Through advanced cinematic techniques, locations such as Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and Quang Binh are portrayed with vibrant, mystical allure, offering a remarkable opportunity to promote Vietnamese tourism to a global audience. In *Pan*, Trang An is transformed into a surreal, ethereal realm, evoking a celestial world of wonder. With a production budget of $150 million, *Pan* captivates global audiences with its breathtaking visuals of Van Long Wetland.
4. En Cave, Quang Binh
The production team of *Pan* selected several renowned Vietnamese destinations for filming, with En Cave in Quang Binh—the world’s third-largest cave—standing out as a highlight. Unique scenes within the cave were filmed in 2014, utilizing 3D technology to recreate its spectacular interior. Actors performed against green screens, with their footage seamlessly integrated into the cave’s majestic settings.
In *Pan and Neverland*, audiences are treated to a visually striking experience, enhanced by remarkable 3D effects. The mystical scenes within the cave, adorned with intricate vines, leave viewers in awe of En Cave’s grandeur and enigmatic beauty. Widely regarded as an ideal setting for fantasy films, En Cave remains one of Vietnam’s most distinctive and cherished locations, favored by international filmmakers.
5. Halong Bay, Quang Ninh
The American film *Pan and Neverland* selected Halong Bay in Quang Ninh as a backdrop for several breathtaking scenes. Filming in Vietnam imbued the imagery of Halong Bay with a mystical and fairy-tale-like allure. The bay’s distinctive limestone islands and lush green landscapes enhanced the fantastical ambiance of Neverland.
Warner Bros invested significantly in this project, keeping the decision to film in Vietnam confidential until the trailer’s release, which astonished and filled audiences with pride as they witnessed their homeland’s natural splendor on the big screen. The visuals of Halong Bay seamlessly blended with the fairy-tale atmosphere of *Pan and Neverland*, delivering a captivating visual experience for viewers.
6. Sa Dec, Dong Thap
The film *The Lover* chose Vietnam’s Mekong Delta as its filming location, showcasing vibrant scenes of rice fields and traditional markets that paint a vivid and poetic picture. These images are prominently featured in the film, particularly at the historic Huynh Thuy Le House in Sa Dec, Dong Thap. This heritage site, central to many scenes, continues to attract visitors with its romantic tale from *The Lover*. Built in 1895, the Huynh Thuy Le House remains a must-visit destination in Sa Dec. The film highlights the enduring charm and beauty of the Mekong Delta.
Through its authentic and historical portrayal, *The Lover* offers a nostalgic journey into the past while preserving the cultural heritage of Sa Dec, Dong Thap. Filming in the Mekong Delta not only showcases its natural beauty but also immerses audiences in Vietnam’s rich history and culture.
7. Hue
The poignant film *Indochine* was shot across various locations in Vietnam, with Hue’s dreamy beauty serving as a pivotal backdrop for the story of rubber plantation owner Éliane Devries (Catherine Deneuve). Notably, the film crew was granted rare access to the inner sanctum of Hue’s Imperial Citadel to capture Vietnam’s feudal era. Hue, with its royal tombs and Imperial City, provided an impeccable historical foundation for the film. With special permission, scenes were staged in Emperor Bao Dai’s palace, resulting in breathtaking visuals.
Hue is an ideal setting for historical films, preserving the serene and regal elegance of Vietnam’s former imperial court. *Indochine* masterfully utilizes Vietnam’s iconic landmarks, transforming them into resplendent imagery. Audiences are not only treated to the beauty of their homeland but also experience it through a unique foreign perspective. *Indochine* is a remarkable contribution to promoting Vietnam’s culture and tourism.
8. Saigon
Saigon, known as the Pearl of the Far East, embodies a blend of modernity and cultural sophistication. The city’s mystical allure from yesteryears continues to captivate the hearts of Vietnamese people. In the 1950s, Saigon’s glowing lanterns, vintage cyclos, and vibrant red-light districts came alive in *The Quiet American*. Director Phillip Noyce skillfully portrayed Vietnam’s wartime beauty, from Saigon’s grandeur to the expansive streets of the South. The film’s depiction of Saigon transcends its war narrative, showcasing the elegance of Saigonese women and the city’s modern urban charm.
*The Quiet American* highlights the distinctive allure of the Pearl of the Far East, a meeting point of mystical history and dynamic life. Saigon’s scenes evoke memories of a bygone era while vividly capturing the city’s unparalleled vibrancy and mystique under shimmering golden lights.
9. Hoi An – Da Nang
Exploring Da Nang is akin to stepping into a masterpiece, where the Han River and East Sea beaches create a mesmerizing landscape. Da Nang serves as a gateway to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hue’s Imperial City, Hoi An’s Ancient Town, and My Son Sanctuary. *The Quiet American* traces a journey from Hanoi to Saigon, passing through the stunning routes of Da Nang and Hoi An.
Adapted from a renowned novel, the film narrates the complex love triangle between Thomas Fowler, Pyle, and Phuong amid the Indochina War. The portrayal of Da Nang and Hoi An exudes warmth and refinement, captivating audiences with the tranquil and alluring beauty of Central Vietnam.
10. Sa Pa
Vietnam’s enchanting landscapes are an endless source of inspiration for cinematic artistry. *Two Girls and the Herb Garden Master*, an international film directed by Dai Sijie and co-produced by France and Canada, chose Sa Pa as the backdrop for its poignant tale. The majestic Northwest mountains, adorned with peach and plum blossoms and golden rice terraces, create a breathtaking tableau.
Sa Pa captivates with its pristine beauty and the vibrant culture of the Red Dao people. Beyond its scenic splendor, it is a hub of rich cultural traditions and ethnic community life. In the film, Sa Pa is a journey into mystical beauty, where love and tragedy intertwine amidst towering mountains and vast rice fields.
In 2016, Vietnam served as the backdrop for the American monster film *Kong: Skull Island*, directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts. The expansive 2-hectare valley of Trang An in Ninh Binh was selected as a key filming location, where the *Kong: Skull Island* set featured a native village constructed with bamboo and thatch, captivating audiences worldwide. The majestic scenery of Trang An showcased in the film’s trailer elevated Ninh Binh as a must-visit destination for tourists eager to explore its breathtaking beauty.
The film *Kong*, with its striking visuals of Trang An, has sustained its allure post-release, fostering significant opportunities for tourism development in the region.
2. Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Renowned as the “Second Cave of the Southern Sky” and often likened to “Halong Bay on Land,” Tam Coc – Bich Dong has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a celebrated destination for both domestic and international visitors.
The film *Two Girls and the Herb Garden Master* chose Tam Coc – Bich Dong as its primary setting. The film’s exquisite portrayal of Vietnam’s scenic beauty inspires viewers to experience this enchanting landscape firsthand. With its poetic blend of serene rivers, lush greenery, and towering mountains, this location lends a lyrical quality to the tragic romance between An and Ming.
3. Van Long Wetland Ecological Reserve, Ninh Binh
With its poetic and majestic natural beauty, Ninh Binh has emerged as an ideal filming destination for both local and international productions. Van Long Wetland, the largest wetland nature reserve in the Northern Delta, served as a stunning backdrop for the film *Pan*. The film captures the region’s iconic features, including pristine white storks, verdant rice fields, and meandering rivers, emblematic of Ninh Binh’s charm.
Through advanced cinematic techniques, locations such as Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and Quang Binh are portrayed with vibrant, mystical allure, offering a remarkable opportunity to promote Vietnamese tourism to a global audience. In *Pan*, Trang An is transformed into a surreal, ethereal realm, evoking a celestial world of wonder. With a production budget of $150 million, *Pan* captivates global audiences with its breathtaking visuals of Van Long Wetland.
4. En Cave, Quang Binh
The production team of *Pan* selected several renowned Vietnamese destinations for filming, with En Cave in Quang Binh—the world’s third-largest cave—standing out as a highlight. Unique scenes within the cave were filmed in 2014, utilizing 3D technology to recreate its spectacular interior. Actors performed against green screens, with their footage seamlessly integrated into the cave’s majestic settings.
In *Pan and Neverland*, audiences are treated to a visually striking experience, enhanced by remarkable 3D effects. The mystical scenes within the cave, adorned with intricate vines, leave viewers in awe of En Cave’s grandeur and enigmatic beauty. Widely regarded as an ideal setting for fantasy films, En Cave remains one of Vietnam’s most distinctive and cherished locations, favored by international filmmakers.
5. Halong Bay, Quang Ninh
The American film *Pan and Neverland* selected Halong Bay in Quang Ninh as a backdrop for several breathtaking scenes. Filming in Vietnam imbued the imagery of Halong Bay with a mystical and fairy-tale-like allure. The bay’s distinctive limestone islands and lush green landscapes enhanced the fantastical ambiance of Neverland.
Warner Bros invested significantly in this project, keeping the decision to film in Vietnam confidential until the trailer’s release, which astonished and filled audiences with pride as they witnessed their homeland’s natural splendor on the big screen. The visuals of Halong Bay seamlessly blended with the fairy-tale atmosphere of *Pan and Neverland*, delivering a captivating visual experience for viewers.
6. Sa Dec, Dong Thap
The film *The Lover* chose Vietnam’s Mekong Delta as its filming location, showcasing vibrant scenes of rice fields and traditional markets that paint a vivid and poetic picture. These images are prominently featured in the film, particularly at the historic Huynh Thuy Le House in Sa Dec, Dong Thap. This heritage site, central to many scenes, continues to attract visitors with its romantic tale from *The Lover*. Built in 1895, the Huynh Thuy Le House remains a must-visit destination in Sa Dec. The film highlights the enduring charm and beauty of the Mekong Delta.
Through its authentic and historical portrayal, *The Lover* offers a nostalgic journey into the past while preserving the cultural heritage of Sa Dec, Dong Thap. Filming in the Mekong Delta not only showcases its natural beauty but also immerses audiences in Vietnam’s rich history and culture.
7. Hue
The poignant film *Indochine* was shot across various locations in Vietnam, with Hue’s dreamy beauty serving as a pivotal backdrop for the story of rubber plantation owner Éliane Devries (Catherine Deneuve). Notably, the film crew was granted rare access to the inner sanctum of Hue’s Imperial Citadel to capture Vietnam’s feudal era. Hue, with its royal tombs and Imperial City, provided an impeccable historical foundation for the film. With special permission, scenes were staged in Emperor Bao Dai’s palace, resulting in breathtaking visuals.
Hue is an ideal setting for historical films, preserving the serene and regal elegance of Vietnam’s former imperial court. *Indochine* masterfully utilizes Vietnam’s iconic landmarks, transforming them into resplendent imagery. Audiences are not only treated to the beauty of their homeland but also experience it through a unique foreign perspective. *Indochine* is a remarkable contribution to promoting Vietnam’s culture and tourism.
8. Saigon
Saigon, known as the Pearl of the Far East, embodies a blend of modernity and cultural sophistication. The city’s mystical allure from yesteryears continues to captivate the hearts of Vietnamese people. In the 1950s, Saigon’s glowing lanterns, vintage cyclos, and vibrant red-light districts came alive in *The Quiet American*. Director Phillip Noyce skillfully portrayed Vietnam’s wartime beauty, from Saigon’s grandeur to the expansive streets of the South. The film’s depiction of Saigon transcends its war narrative, showcasing the elegance of Saigonese women and the city’s modern urban charm.
*The Quiet American* highlights the distinctive allure of the Pearl of the Far East, a meeting point of mystical history and dynamic life. Saigon’s scenes evoke memories of a bygone era while vividly capturing the city’s unparalleled vibrancy and mystique under shimmering golden lights.
9. Hoi An – Da Nang
Exploring Da Nang is akin to stepping into a masterpiece, where the Han River and East Sea beaches create a mesmerizing landscape. Da Nang serves as a gateway to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hue’s Imperial City, Hoi An’s Ancient Town, and My Son Sanctuary. *The Quiet American* traces a journey from Hanoi to Saigon, passing through the stunning routes of Da Nang and Hoi An.
Adapted from a renowned novel, the film narrates the complex love triangle between Thomas Fowler, Pyle, and Phuong amid the Indochina War. The portrayal of Da Nang and Hoi An exudes warmth and refinement, captivating audiences with the tranquil and alluring beauty of Central Vietnam.
10. Sa Pa
Vietnam’s enchanting landscapes are an endless source of inspiration for cinematic artistry. *Two Girls and the Herb Garden Master*, an international film directed by Dai Sijie and co-produced by France and Canada, chose Sa Pa as the backdrop for its poignant tale. The majestic Northwest mountains, adorned with peach and plum blossoms and golden rice terraces, create a breathtaking tableau.
Sa Pa captivates with its pristine beauty and the vibrant culture of the Red Dao people. Beyond its scenic splendor, it is a hub of rich cultural traditions and ethnic community life. In the film, Sa Pa is a journey into mystical beauty, where love and tragedy intertwine amidst towering mountains and vast rice fields.
Older articles
United Airlines reopens flights to Saigon, Vietnam
United Airlines have announced plans to add daily flights to both Vietnam and...
Inside Vietnam's largest domestic terminal just opened at...
Vietnam's largest domestic terminal, T3 at Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat...