Vietnam’s scenic landscapes attract Hollywood filmmakers
With its breathtaking landscapes, filmmaker-friendly policies, and a clear strategy for industry growth, Vietnam is poised to become a major hub for film tourism.
Riot Studios recently chose Cat Ba archipelago in the port city of Hai Phong as a key filming location for its latest project. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)𒊎 – With its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and competitive production costs, Vietnam is fast becoming a sought-after filming destination for Hollywood.
Hollywood turns to Vietnam
Riot Studios recently chose Cat Ba archipelago in the port city of Hai Phong as a key filming location for its latest project. According to Rose Lam, its global executive producer, the production team scouted several countries, including Japan and the Republic of Korea, before selecting Vietnam for its breathtaking landscapes and strong local support.
The project, a nine-episode television series based on the hit game League of Legends, is set to premiere on major streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO. With over 650 million players worldwide, the series is expected to showcase Vietnam’s natural beauty to a global audience.
Nicholas Simon, CEO of Indochina Productions, highlighted Vietnam’s growing appeal to international filmmakers, citing its diverse landscapes, reasonable costs, and strong government backing. The country has previously hosted major Hollywood productions, including Kong: Skull Island, which helped turn Ninh Binh province’s Trang An into a global tourist hotspot.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to integrating cinema and tourism, emphasising film as a powerful tool to promote the country’s history, culture, and landscapes. He also noted ongoing efforts to streamline filming permits and improve logistical support for international film crews.
Red carpet rolled out for Hollywood
Vietnam ramped up efforts in 2024 to attract more film producers. The Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) recently hosted a roundtable on Vietnam-US film cooperation, bringing together Hollywood producers and industry experts.
VFDA President Ngo Phuong Lan underscored recent improvements in film permit procedures and the creation of a Production Attraction Index (PAI) to highlight Vietnam’s most film-friendly locations. With its vast and varied terrain from towering mountains to pristine beaches, each region serves as a natural film set.
Vietnam’s proactive approach was evident during the filming of Kong: Skull Island, when local authorities provided extensive logistical support, hotels offered special rates, and local workers volunteered to assist the production.
Now, Cat Ba is once again drawing Hollywood’s attention. Vu Huy Thuong, Deputy Director of Hai Phong’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, noted that if Riot Studios’ project is a success, it could further elevate the international profile of Cat Ba and nearby Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site—boosting both tourism and film investment.Experience shows that locations featured in blockbuster films often become top tourist destinations. New Zealand saw a tourism boom following The Lord of the Rings, while the RoK’s film and TV industry has helped drive record visitor numbers. Vietnam has the potential to leverage its cinematic appeal in a similar way.
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam is also strengthening international partnerships to develop its film industry. Minister Hung highlighted deepening cultural and tourism ties between Vietnam and the US, particularly since the two nations established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023.
With its breathtaking landscapes, filmmaker-friendly policies, and a clear strategy for industry growth, Vietnam is poised to become a major hub for film tourism.
Projects like the League of Legends not only enhance Vietnam’s cinematic profile but also serve as a gateway to sustainable tourism growth and global cultural recognition./.
The Vietnamese Government is committed to creating the most favourable conditions to attract film projects and is eager to listen to feedback from US partners, a diplomat has said.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) is taking its message direct to the heart of movie world, pushing ahead with a Vietnam Tourism - Cinema Promotion Programme in the US themed 'Vietnam - New Destination of World Cinema'.
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Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
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VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
