Uncover Bangkok's Film Appeal: 7 Iconic Films Set in the City
Iconic Bangkok Places You've Seen in Movies
To anyone who has visited Bangkok, it will come as no surprise that the Thai capital has been used as a movie location on several occasions. With its blend of modern skyscrapers and beautifully preserved buildings, it makes sense that Hollywood often looks towards Thailand. Films made here range from comedy blockbusters to arthouse thrillers. James Bond has visited more than once, and there are times when Bangkok stands in for other famous cities in Asia.
The beaches of the south may offer a more glamorous location for films, but Bangkok gets its fair share of movie crews, too. We’ve put together a list of favorite movies filmed in the city, from 70s classics to modern-day motion pictures.
1. The Deer Hunter (1978)
Recreating Vietnam on the capital’s streets
Good for: History, Nightlife
When location scouts came to Bangkok, they were hoping to recreate Vietnam for their anti-war movie The Deer Hunter (1978). Patpong Road might be one of the more infamous streets in the city, known for its colorful nightlife. The Mississippi Queen bar became even more famous when the venue and its dancers appeared in the scene after Nick’s release from the military hospital.
The infirmary scenes, which producer Mike Deeley believed helped secure the 1979 Academy Award for Best Picture and Supporting Actor, were shot at the Sunanthalai Building in Rajinee School. Though the bar no longer exists, the stunning pale yellow colonial building that doubled as the hospital can still be seen. Read more
The Deer Hunter (1978)
2. The Hangover Part II (2011)
Bachelor party disasters with a view to remember
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Photo
The Hangover Part II (2011) needed a backdrop as big and loud as Las Vegas for the second bachelor party gone wrong. Chinatown, with its beautiful shophouses and busy streets, was a key location. The Song Wad Road roundabout used for the infamous smoking monkey scene prompted animal rights group PETA to protest.
The most-visited location from the movie is the Sirocco restaurant at Lebua Hotel on the 64th floor of the State Tower, offering one of the best views in Bangkok. The bar was already popular, but now movie fans and panorama lovers stand almost cheek to cheek, sipping on Hangovertinis, a cocktail created in honor of the film.
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The Hangover Part II (2011)
3. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
Bangkok serves as the setting for Bond’s thrilling chases
Good for: Adventure, Luxury
Bangkok makes a few appearances in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), the first James Bond movie made in Thailand. It actually starts at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where Bond is pursued by a boatload of baddies. He manages to twist down Klong Dan, and everyone (except him) ends up in the water.
The following scene shows cars careening past Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing. If you want to stay in the same hotel as Bond did in the movie, check into the Mandarin Oriental, where he takes Mary Goodnight for dinner and a martini.
The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
4. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
When Bond turned the city into a stand-in for Saigon
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Decades after The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), James Bond returned to Bangkok in the form of Pierce Brosnan in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). When last-minute negotiations to film in Vietnam fell through, production was relocated to Thailand. In this movie, Bangkok stands in for another Asian city: Saigon.
Many blogs incorrectly state that the building Bond and Wai Lin abseiled down during their escape is the Banyan Tree. But anyone familiar with the city’s skyscrapers will know that’s not the case. The scene was actually filmed about a kilometer down the road at The Sinn Sathorn Tower. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to re-enact the jump scene yourself, as the building is now used as an office.
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
5. Only God Forgives (2013)
An edgy and stylized vision of the city
Good for: Photo, Unusual
The stunning, vivid images of Bangkok that appear in Only God Forgives (2013) give the city an edgy look, making it hard for even locals to recognize. Probably the most easily recognizable part of the city is where the foot chase occurs in Nana, thanks to its numerous neon signs.
The opening scenes offer a stylized view of Chinatown and the old tenement blocks found in the area. Clever use of colored lighting makes it look more like theater than the real Bangkok. The city feels more authentic and gritty during the Muay Thai fights filmed at Rangsit Boxing Stadium. At the other end of the spectrum are the Emporium Suites, with their penthouse featured in several key scenes.
Only God Forgives (2013)
6. The Railway Man (2013)
A haunting story set along historic railways
Good for: History, Photo
The Railway Man (2013) follows the story of a prisoner of war who was forced to work on the Death Railway that ran from Bangkok into Myanmar. Some scenes were filmed at the picturesque Hua Lamphong railway station, which feels like a step back in time thanks to many of its original fixtures and fittings.
Several scenes were also shot at the Bang Sue train yard, using many extras to convey the scale of the labor force. If you have the time while in the city, it’s worth heading to Kanchanaburi to visit the famous Bridge over the River Kwai and the peaceful cemeteries nearby, which also appear in the movie. Read more
The Railway Man (2013)
7. The Beach (2000)
Where the backpacker’s story takes its first steps
Good for: Adventure, Photo
When most people think of films made in Thailand, they think of The Beach (2001), and Bangkok appears right at the beginning. The portrayal of a newbie backpacker discovering Khao San Road is very realistic. Though it may seem that Leo actually wandered along this famous street himself, the main scenes were filmed in Krabi Province in southern Thailand. Moving thousands of travelers would’ve been impossible. Instead, some shots where Leo is shown from behind looking down the street were filmed by his double back in Bangkok.
As the starting point for many visitors to Southeast Asia, Khao San Road might only appear briefly in the film, but it triggers a whole host of memories for those who’ve been there. Read more
The Beach (2000)
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