With its majestic natural beauty and diverse landscapes, Vietnam is increasingly becoming a preferred filming location for many international directors. From its imposing limestone mountain ranges and pristine caves to its rich history and culture, it creates unique and unparalleled cinematic visuals. Join Right Media in discovering some Hollywood films shot in Vietnam that have received high praise from the international film industry.
Top 6 Hollywood films shot in Vietnam
Over the years, Vietnam has increasingly made its mark on the world film map thanks to its pristine natural landscapes, diverse scenery, unique culture, and distinctive architectural system, especially those bearing the imprint of French influence. In addition, reasonable production costs and government support have also made Vietnam an attractive destination for international film crews.
In fact, many Hollywood films shot in Vietnam have made a strong visual impression, quickly generating box office success and achieving great global success.
Kong: Skull Island (2017)
One of the Hollywood blockbusters filmed in Vietnam that cannot be overlooked is Kong: Skull Island. The film was shot in many beautiful locations across Vietnam, primarily in Quang Binh (Chuot Cave, Yen Phu Lake, Cha Noi Valley), Ninh Binh (Trang An, Van Long Lagoon), and Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh). The majestic and pristine natural beauty of the limestone mountains, rivers, and caves was fully exploited, contributing to the mysterious and breathtaking image of Skull Island on the big screen.
Kong: Skull Island is one of the blockbuster films set in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
Not only was the film visually stunning, but it also achieved impressive box office revenue and received many positive reviews from international audiences. After its release, the locations featured in the film quickly attracted the attention of tourists, becoming clear evidence of Vietnam's appeal in large-scale Hollywood film projects.
The Quiet American (2002)
The Quiet American is a Hollywood film adaptation of Graham Greene's novel of the same name, with many scenes filmed directly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, featuring real-life settings that vividly portray Vietnam in the 1950s. The atmosphere of the old quarter, French colonial architecture, and the slow pace of life are authentically portrayed on screen, contributing to the film's distinctive historical tone.
The Quiet American was filmed primarily in Hanoi to recreate the old-world charm and distinctive character of Vietnam in the 1950s.
Without chasing action or special effects, The Quiet American made its mark with its profound storytelling and humanistic perspective on war. Although not a box office "blockbuster," The Quiet American was highly regarded for its artistic value, received an Oscar nomination, and was selected by the American Film Institute as one of the 10 best films of 2003.
Pan (Pan & Neverland) (2015)
If you've ever dreamed of visiting the mysterious Neverland of Peter Pan, you'll be proud to know that the 2015 live-action version of Pan was filmed in Vietnam. The magical scenery at En Cave and the majestic limestone mountains of Ha Long Bay make viewers feel as if they've wandered into a world straight out of a fairy tale. Most interestingly, all these scenes were filmed on location by the director, without any special effects.
The scenery inside En Cave was filmed entirely naturally, without the use of special effects.
After its release, the film quickly became a sensation due to its incredibly fantastical setting, contributing to bringing Vietnamese locations, especially En Cave, to the attention of international tourists. To this day, nearly 10 years after its release, Pan & Neverland remains one of the Hollywood films shot in Vietnam with great visual success, bringing the country to the attention of many international directors.
5 Bloods (2020)
Da 5 Bloods is a war drama directed by Spike Lee, set in Vietnam decades after the war. The film uses Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Lang Son, and Thai Nguyen to recreate the journey of American veterans returning home, reflecting the memories, trauma, and lasting consequences of the war. Notably, this film also marks the reunion of Ngo Thanh Van and Johnny Tri Nguyen as actors.
Da 5 Bloods features many touching scenes, filmed in various provinces and cities across Vietnam.
This film has made a strong critical impact, receiving much praise from international experts for its fresh approach to the Vietnam War, while also deeply exploring themes of racial discrimination, war memories, and patriotism in America. Da 5 Bloods is available on Netflix, so you can watch it if you're curious about this Hollywood film shot in Vietnam.
A Tourist's Guide to Love (2023)
If you're looking for a Hollywood film shot in Vietnam with a more modern, romantic, and sweet style, then A Tourist's Guide to Love is for you. The film tells the story of Amanda Riley, an American travel agent who comes to Vietnam on a business trip and unexpectedly embarks on a journey of discovery, exploring the country and herself. There, she meets a local guide and gradually finds healing and love amidst everyday experiences.
A Tourist's Guide to Love is a romantic Hollywood film that showcases a colorful yet tranquil Vietnam.
What makes A Tourist's Guide to Love so appealing is its portrayal of the rich cultural landscapes of all three regions of Vietnam: North, Central, and South. From the bustling atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market and the peaceful moments by the ancient river in Hoi An, to traditional cultural experiences associated with Tet (Lunar New Year) in Ha Giang and puppet shows in Hanoi, these scenes evoke a deep sense of homesickness not only in foreign tourists but also in Vietnamese people living abroad.
L'amant (The Lover) (1992)
L'amant (1992) can be considered one of the first Hollywood films shot in Vietnam. The film tells the story of a complex and tangled romantic relationship between a young French woman and a wealthy Chinese man living in Indochina. The narrative delves deeply into internal conflicts, class divisions, and social prejudices within a colonial context.
L'amant (1992) was filmed in Saigon and several provinces in the Mekong Delta.
In *The Lover*, Vietnam is prominently featured through realistic scenes filmed in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. The riverside landscapes, Indochinese architecture, and slow pace of life contribute to a realistic recreation of the historical context, while also creating a poetic quality and emotional depth for the film. *The Lover* (1992) was highly acclaimed artistically and received a 1993 Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography in the motion picture category.
Besides the films mentioned above, several foreign films have also chosen Vietnam as a setting, such as The Chinese Botanist's Daughters (China), Taxi Driver 2 (South Korea), and Indochine (France). Even more proudly, Vietnamese film crews are increasingly involved in international projects, primarily in visual effects (VFX) and graphics, participating in Hollywood blockbusters like Aquaman, Captain Marvel, Jurassic World, Avengers: Infinity War, and major series like Sweet Home (South Korea). This is an increasingly encouraging sign that Vietnamese cinema has the potential to connect more closely with the international community.
Looking back at the achievements so far, it's clear that Hollywood films shot in Vietnam not only deliver visually stunning footage but also contribute to bringing the country's image closer to global audiences. From majestic natural landscapes and rich historical settings to unique local culture, Vietnam is gradually asserting its position as a promising "natural film location." In the future, with appropriate investment and support, Vietnam could very well become a familiar destination for many large-scale international film projects.
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