Thailand is quickly becoming a popular filming destination because of its diverse filming locations, experienced local crew/production services providers, cost effectiveness, world-class infrastructure, film-friendly environment, and an attractive Film Incentive Program.
Some of the most popular Films and Series shot in Thailand include The White Lotus – Season 3, The Beach, The Hangover Part II, The Creator, Extraction, Alien: Earth, American Gangster, Only God Forbids, and more.
Below, we showcase some of the most popular Filming Locations in Thailand, ranging from breathtaking beaches and islands, bustling cities, vibrant markets, historic temples, to massive shopping malls.
Khao San Road (Bangkok)
One of Bangkok’s most popular locations is the famed Khao San Road, home to bustling businesses and avid backpacking enthusiasts. Lined with restaurants, hostels, clothing shops, and small food and fruit stalls, Khao San Road radiates with life and sound, serving as a great location for films and series such as The Beach (2000) and The Hangover Part 2 (2011) were filmed here.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel (Bangkok)
This beautiful, five-star hotel by the Chao Phraya River has welcomed foreign film productions in Thailand over the past years. Stamped on the map by the blockbuster The Man with the Golden Gun (1964), the Mandarin Oriental prides itself on elegance and top-notch hospitality. In 2024, the hotel was featured in the K-drama boy love series, Love in the Big City (2024), starring Nam Yoon-su as Go Young, a young gay man who sets out on a journey to self-discovery.
The Temple of Dawn (Bangkok)
Perched on the Chao Phraya riverside, the Temple of Dawn, also known as Wat Arun, has been featured in several films and series. In 2021, Mortal Kombat was filmed here as a stunning backdrop for intense fight scenes. Just three years later, stars from the popular hit boy-love series King the Land (2023) were filmed on the steps of a stunning pagoda.
Patpong (Bangkok)
Credit: Modern Diplomacy
A famed entertainment district in Bangkok, Thailand, Patpong nightlife district has made its presence known in many Hollywood films; The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), The Deer Hunter (1978), The Killing Fields (1984), Miss Saigon (1989), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), and Beautiful Boxer (2003). The area, known for its bustling atmosphere, bars and clubs, and the vibrant night market, draws in tourists and filmmakers.
Yaowarat Road (Bangkok)
With its beaming neon lights, Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat Road, dazzles at night, captivating tourists and filmmakers alike. The location made an appearance in Street Fighter (1994), showcasing busy streets and bustling nightlife. In 2008, the location became featured in Bangkok Dangerous (2008) and God Only Forgives (2013), featuring Ryan Gosling and Kristin Scott Thomas in this Action/Thriller.
Soi Cowboy (Bangkok)
Located just across from the iconic Terminal 21 shopping mall, Soi Cowboy is a short street packed with neon-lit bars and clubs. It gained international fame after appearing in The Hangover Part 2 (2011) and is a well-known symbol of Thailand’s vibrant nightlife, drawing both locals and expats. The area has also served as a backdrop for films such as Bangkok Dangerous (2008) and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004).
Iconsiam (Bangkok)
ICONSIAM is one of Thailand’s most famous shopping centers, known for its glass-tiered steps that glow gold at sunset. The mall offers a wide selection of luxury goods and dining options at Sooksiam on the basement floor. It also features a view of the Chao Phraya River, with boats on the water and five-star hotels along the riverfront. ICONSIAM was featured in King the Land (2023), with scenes filmed in front of its iconic waterfall.
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (Koh Samui)
Credit: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
The five-star hotel rose to prominence after being featured in the third season of the critically acclaimed HBO series The White Lotus. The production showcased the property’s luxurious pools, common areas, fitness facilities, and the iconic Ratliff family villa. Additional filming locations included other high-end resorts such as Four Seasons properties, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui, and Anantara Bophut Koh Samui.
The production team benefited from Thailand’s attractive film incentives, including tax breaks and cash rebates, which helped reduce production costs.
James Bond Island (Phuket)
Koh Khao Phing Kan gained international fame in the early 1970s after appearing in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), instantly turning it into a must-visit destination. Now famously known as James Bond Island, it remains iconic with its striking emerald waters, white sandy beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Nearly 25 years later, The Beach (2000), starring Leonardo DiCaprio, brought renewed global attention to Thailand’s islands.
Phang Nga Bay (Phuket)
Gorgeous, serene, and often tranquil, Phang Nga Bay is a breathtaking area dotted with islets, lagoons, and limestone formations. Its striking scenery has caught the attention of Hollywood, serving as a filming location for blockbuster hits like Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) and F9: The Fast Saga (2021).
Naiyang Beach (Phuket)
Found on the northwestern coast of Phuket, Naiyang Beach remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, making it a favorite among locals. Surrounded by natural beauty and offering a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to unwind or enjoy several seaside activities, such as snorkeling and parasailing. The beach also gained cinematic fame as a filming location for Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004).
Old Phuket Town (Phuket)
Old Phuket Town exudes historic charm, with its colorful 19th-century shophouses and beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture. The streets feature cozy coffee shops, Chinese shrines, Thai temples, and charming hostels, creating a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere. In 2000, the On On Hotel (now The Onion Hostel) was featured in The Beach (2000). Today, it warmly welcomes visitors eager to walk in Leonardo DiCaprio’s footsteps.
Maya Bay (Phuket)
Maya Bay is one of the country’s most iconic beach destinations, attracting countless visitors annually. Its rise to international fame came with the release of The Beach (2000), which showcased the bay’s crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, the bay offers ideal conditions for snorkeling or simply unwinding on its soft, white sand.
Krabi
Krabi has been a popular location for international productions, featuring in films such as The Beach (2000), F9: The Fast Saga (2021), Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, The Hangover Part 2 (2011), and Mortal Kombat (1995). It has also appeared in The Amazing Race. The region is set to be featured again in the upcoming Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025). Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and limestone cliffs, Krabi offers a dramatic backdrop perfect for action-packed scenes. The area’s natural beauty, including Ao Nang, Railay Beach, and the Phi Phi Islands, has made it a top destination for international productions.
River Kwai Bridge (Kanchanaburi)
Moving beyond Thailand’s famous beaches, Kanchanaburi offers a range of iconic and historically significant locations ideal for film production. The province’s most famous landmark, the Bridge on the River Kwai, appears in The Railway Man (2013), featured just before the closing credits. Kanchanaburi has also served as the backdrop for several other films and TV series, including Beyond Borders (2003), Operation Dumbo Drop (1995), Casualties of War (1989), and more.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet (Ayutthaya)
Ayutthaya, once Thailand’s revered capital before it was moved to Bangkok in 1782, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its ancient ruins and history. Scattered throughout the city center are remnants of grand temples and palaces that attract history enthusiasts and filmmakers alike. Wat Phra Si Sanphet was introduced to international audiences in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997), featured prominently in both the film’s opening and closing scenes. The site, part of Ayutthaya’s expansive historical park, is known for its brick pagodas and atmospheric ruins, making it an iconic filming location.
Other notable productions filmed here include The Last Executioner (2014) and Thailand’s epic historical drama, The Legend of Suriyothai (2001).
Khao Yai National Park (Nakhon Ratchasima)
Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, made an appearance in film productions such as The Hangover Part 2 (2011) and A Little Thing Called Love (2010). The park’s picturesque waterfalls, lush, green hills, and peaceful atmosphere make the national park an ideal location for capturing a glimpse of Thailand’s national beauty.
Wat Phra Putthabhat Tak Pha Temple (Chiang Mai)
Wat Phra Putthabhat Tak Pha Temple in northern Thailand has been featured in several international films, including The King and I (1956) and Rambo III (1988). Known for its staircase leading to a sacred Buddha footprint, the temple offers a visually striking setting. Its peaceful atmosphere and cultural significance make it a popular location for filmmakers searching for an authentic Thai backdrop.
Chinatown (Chiang Mai)
Chiang Mai’s Chinatown has been a popular filming location for international productions. The area’s bustling markets, colorful street scenes, and unique architecture have been featured in films including American Gangster (2007), The Beach (2000), and Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003).
InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping (Chiang Mai)
Credit: InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping
The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel in Chiang Mai, now known as the InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping, has been featured in the 2015 action-thriller No Escape. The hotel served as a key location in the storyline, with the protagonist’s family seeking shelter during a violent political upheaval in a fictional Southeast Asian country. The hotel’s central location near Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar and Tha Pae Gate made it an ideal setting for the film’s tense and dramatic scenes.
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