Vietnam’s Hidden Gems: Filming Locations for Global Productions

Vietnam is often recognised for its beautiful beaches like those in Da Nang or the striking landscapes of Ha Long Bay. Beyond these popular landscapes, Vietnam’s hidden gems offers a diverse range of filming locations suitable for all kinds of global content. Whether you’re producing a sci-fi thriller, a romantic drama, or a corporate video, Vietnam’s rich variety of backdrops can help bring any story to life. The potential is limitless, with stunning natural wonders, vibrant cities, and picturesque rural landscapes that can fit any genre or theme.

A Growing Film Destination

Vietnam has quickly become a sought-after destination for filmmakers around the world, offering a range of backdrops for every type of production. With diverse geography and a welcoming environment for international productions, it’s no wonder that filmmakers choose Vietnam for its unique setting. Locations like Ninh Bình, the backdrop of Kong: Skull Island, demonstrate Vietnam’s cinematic potential, featuring dramatic karst formations and lush greenery.

The Vietnamese film industry is growing steadily, with box office revenues increasing by over 30% from 2019 to 2023. This surge reflects a greater interest in both local and international productions, contributing to the increasing prominence of Vietnam as a global filming hub. The country’s vibrant cinematic landscape and government-backed support make it an ideal location for filmmakers seeking diverse and captivating settings.

Our Top 5 Vietnam’s Hidden Gems

1. Mộc Châu: The Untouched Countryside

Mộc Châu, located in northern Vietnam, is known for its expansive tea plantations, rolling hills, and wide-open spaces. The region provides a perfect backdrop for content that requires a natural, peaceful setting—be it a romantic escape, a corporate retreat, or a fashion shoot in an idyllic countryside.

(Photo credit: Local Vietnam)

Its relatively untapped landscape, including traditional villages and pristine nature, can easily transform into a backdrop for any narrative that requires authenticity and natural beauty.

2. Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park: Otherworldly Landscapes

For filmmakers in search of a more dramatic and mysterious setting, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park offers one of the most unique locations in Vietnam. Known for its vast, awe-inspiring caves, the area presents an almost surreal backdrop perfect for adventure films, fantasy series, or documentaries about the natural world.

(Photo credit: Phong Nha Discovery)

With underground rivers and lush forests, this location provides an entirely different atmosphere, ideal for anything from sci-fi to action-packed stories.

3. Quy Nhơn: Coastal Charm for Any Genre

While Da Nang may be a popular filming destination for beach scenes, Quy Nhơn, located on Vietnam’s central coast, offers a more secluded, untouched coastal environment. The rocky cliffs, pristine beaches, and clear waters create a versatile backdrop for diverse content, from high-end commercial shoots to tropical beach escapes in romance or lifestyle films.

(Photo credit: Vinwonders)

Its relative obscurity allows for a more unique setting for any film that demands a coastal location without the heavy tourist crowd.

4. Củ Chi Tunnels: A Different Perspective on Underground Filming

The Củ Chi Tunnels, located near Ho Chi Minh City, offer more than just a historical insight—they serve as an excellent location for productions requiring underground settings. Whether you’re filming a spy thriller, a horror film, or a suspense drama, these tunnels provide an environment rich with storytelling potential. Their unique features make them suitable for a variety of genres beyond historical narratives, offering a fresh and atmospheric underground location.

(Photo credit: Thai Sawasdee)

5. Cần Thơ: A Slice of River Life

The Mekong Delta is a place where rivers, traditional wooden boats, and floating markets define daily life, and Cần Thơ is the heart of it all. This stunning location is perfect for any production requiring water-based scenes, traditional village life, or bustling market atmospheres. The narrow canals, vibrant river life, and picturesque landscapes allow for films ranging from commercial productions to heartwarming dramas or even travel content. It’s a location where one can film urban escape stories or content about humanity’s connection with nature.

(Photo credit: Vietnam Travel)

Government Support, Skilled Workforce, and Cost-Effectiveness

Vietnam’s government is a strong advocate for the growth of its entertainment industry, offering financial incentives, assistance with location scouting, and a streamlined permitting process for international productions. This collaborative approach between the government and private sector makes filming in Vietnam an attractive and efficient option for global filmmakers.

If you’re interested in exploring filming in Vietnam but don’t know where to start, Picture Perfect Productions can help. With extensive experience filming in Vietnam and strong local contacts, we can help you find the perfect location for your project, ensuring that your production runs smoothly from start to finish. Reach out today to learn more about how we can bring your vision to life in Vietnam’s stunning, untapped filming locations!