Thailand’s top movie locations

Thailand is home to paradise beaches, dense jungle, dramatic limestone cliffs and glistening temples. Sound like something from the movies? That’s because it is. This is our guide to blockbuster films and iconic screen productions shot in across the country.

Thailand has starred in stories across a huge range of genres. And for everyone who finds a place to call their own here – from hedonists to sun seekers and spiritualists to culture buffs – there’s a box office hit or binge worthy favourite to match.

The Beach (2000)

Based on the novel by Alex Garland, Danny Boyle’s adaptation of The Beach follows American college student Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio) on his quest to escape the well-trodden backpacker trail.

Making his way to a remote island in the Gulf of Thailand, Richard finds his paradise in a secret community. But as life on the beach becomes increasingly removed from reality, Richard slowly mentally disintegrates as he discovers that life in paradise may not be all it’s cracked up to be.

Filmed on the stunning Thai island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, Richard’s beach feels like a parallel universe. Luckily in the real world, travellers can visit the island without risking a two-kilometre swim through shark-infested waters.

The Hangover Part II (2011)

The second instalment of the hilarious Hangover series sees our favourite drunken disasters head to Thailand, where they plan to celebrate Stu’s upcoming nuptials with a quiet beer on the beach.

Unsurprisingly, a series of unfortunate events unfold that sees the wolf-pack land themselves in hot water, this time searching for the groom’s missing soon-to-be brother-in-law, Teddy. Much like the antics of the first Hangover film, a number of wild and ridiculous revelations come to light as the boys slowly piece together their evening, proving that, in Bangkok, anything really can happen.

Running around Bangkok looking for your travelling companion might look funny on screen, but in a city of eight million people with an average temperature of 32 degrees Celsius, it’s probably wise to keep tabs on your friends and save yourself the hassle.

The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

The ninth spy film in the James Bond series sees Roger Moore chasing the Solex Agitator, a device that can harness the power of the sun – obviously.

And what better place to chase the sun than Thailand? The iconic movie sees 007 fly over Phang Nga Bay to Ko Tapu in Ao Phang Nga National Park, popularly known as James Bond Island, where he comes head to head with his enemy, Scaramanga.

Nowadays, visitors can explore Phang Nga Bay at sea level instead – gliding between limestone karsts on a guided kayaking trip that stops for photographs at James Bond Island itself. It’s a far more peaceful way to take in the scenery, though Ao Phang Nga National Park still offers plenty of dramatic backdrops if you do fancy channelling your inner 007.

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Phang Nga Bay makes another appearance, this time standing in for the lush Wookiee home world of Kashyyyk. With towering trees, jungle waterways and otherworldly scenery, it’s easy to see why George Lucas chose Thailand to represent a galaxy far, far away.

The Killing Fields (1984)

This harrowing, award winning drama tells the story of war and friendship in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge. Much of the filming took place in Thailand, including areas around Bangkok and rural provinces that doubled for neighbouring countries. 

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Spike Lee’s Vietnam War drama follows four veterans returning decades after the conflict. Filmed in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand, Thailand’s jungles once again stand in for Vietnam, bringing raw intensity and emotional weight to the story. The misty mountains and dense forest landscapes prove Thailand’s versatility beyond beaches alone.

F9: The Fast Saga (2021)

Fast cars meet tropical backdrops as the franchise ramps up the spectacle. Action sequences were filmed across Krabi, Phuket and Koh Phangan, using clifftop roads, islands and coastal scenery to full high-octane effect. Think turquoise seas, dramatic drops and entirely implausible physics.

Thirteen Lives (2022)

Ron Howard’s gripping retelling of the 2018 cave rescue was filmed close to the real events in Chiang Rai. Flooded cave systems, jungle terrain and rural communities form the intense backdrop to one of the most emotionally powerful films connected to Thailand’s recent history.

Meg 2: The Trench (2023)

Jason Statham returns for another battle with prehistoric sharks, with Thailand supplying much of the spectacle. Phuket, Krabi and Bangkok doubled as the fictional “Fun Island”, turning southern Thailand into a glossy, big budget adventure playground.

Mother of the Bride (2024)

This Netflix rom com starring Brooke Shields shows a softer, sun drenched side of Thailand. Filmed at luxury resorts in Phuket, it highlights beachfront villas, palm trees and sunset ceremonies – proof that Thailand now stars just as comfortably in feel good, destination led stories as it does in action films.

The White Lotus – Season 3 (2025)

Too influential to ignore, Season 3 of HBO’s hit series was filmed in Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok. Using some of Thailand’s most luxurious resorts, the show sparked a surge in high end travel – a phenomenon dubbed “The White Lotus Effect” – and reinforced Thailand’s standing as a prestige, cinematic destination.