Imagine the thrill of stepping into the very locations that have graced the silver screen, where the most prominent stars have left their mark. The excitement is palpable as you walk the same paths and stand in the same spots where your favorite scenes were filmed.
From the prehistoric jungles of Krabi to the exclusive resorts of Ko Samui, Thailand has cemented its reputation as a global cinematic playground. For travelers, this presents a unique and thrilling opportunity to tread the same paths as Hollywood’s biggest stars, a privilege that few can experience, and immerse themselves in the very locations that have graced the silver screen.
One of the most thrilling examples is the epic blockbuster Jurassic World Rebirth. The film, starring an A-list cast that includes Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey, completely transformed Thailand’s southern landscapes into a prehistoric sanctuary. Fans of the film can now embark on a real-life adventure by visiting the exact locations where the action unfolded. Imagine standing in front of the cascading Huai To Waterfall, the exact spot where the dramatic dinosaur encounters took place. Or relaxing on the serene, white-sand beaches of Ko Kradan in Trang, the very beaches that were featured in the film. The iconic emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay were also extensively used, offering visitors a chance to see their favorite on-screen scenes come to life.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated third season of HBO’s critically acclaimed series, The White Lotus, has captivated audiences by choosing Thailand as its luxurious yet dramatic setting. The show’s new ensemble cast, featuring stars like Carrie Coon and Jason Isaacs, checked into some of the country’s most opulent resorts. Filming primarily took place in the stunning southern islands, with the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas serving as the main backdrops for the fictional White Lotus resort. Fans can indulge in the same five-star luxury and breathtaking views seen on screen, all while debating the season’s unfolding mysteries.
Filmmakers have long searched for and found sites in Thailand where they transform them into places that are integral to the story. Some of these locations have been immortalized on screen in some of the biggest movies in recent years.
Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands
Featured in: The Beach (2000)
• Leonardo DiCaprio’s quest for utopia led him to Maya Bay, a stunning cove surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.
• The film’s popularity turned the bay into a global sensation, though conservation efforts have since limited access to preserve its fragile ecosystem.
Bangkok
Featured in: The Hangover Part II (2011), Only God Forgives (2013), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
• Thailand’s capital is a character in itself—chaotic, colorful, and endlessly cinematic.
• From rooftop chases to neon-lit alleyways, Bangkok’s energy pulses through thrillers, comedies, and noir dramas alike.
Chiang Mai & Northern Highlands
Featured in: Rambo (2008), American Gangster (2007)
• The misty mountains and serene temples of the north provide a tranquil contrast to urban chaos.
• Elephant sanctuaries, tribal villages, and jungle terrain make it ideal for action and adventure films.
Krabi Province
Featured in: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), Around the World in 80 Days (2004), Jurassic World Rebirth (2025)
• With dramatic karst formations and hidden lagoons, Krabi’s landscapes are otherworldly.
• Though not always directly filmed, its scenery has inspired sci-fi and fantasy worlds.
Khao Sok National Park
Featured in:Lost in Thailand (2012)
• This Chinese box-office hit showcased Thailand’s natural beauty to millions.
• Towering cliffs, emerald lakes, and dense rainforest make Khao Sok a visual marvel.
Thai Studios & Local Productions
• Thailand’s own film industry has flourished, with studios in Bangkok and Chiang Mai producing acclaimed works like Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (Palme d’Or winner, 2010). These local productions not only contribute to the country’s cultural landscape but also provide opportunities for local talent and crew to showcase their skills on the global stage.
• Local crews and talent have supported international productions, making Thailand a hub for global filmmaking.
Why Thailand Works for Filmmakers
• Diverse Landscapes: Beaches, jungles, cities, and ruins—all within a few hours’ travel.
• Skilled Crews: Thailand’s film professionals are known for their expertise and hospitality.
• Cost-Effective: High production value at relatively low cost.
• Cultural Richness: Stories rooted in Thai mythology, history, and spirituality add depth to any narrative.
The influx of these high-profile productions offers far more than just a memorable experience for tourists; it delivers significant and lasting positive impacts for Thailand. By choosing to visit these iconic film locations, tourists contribute to the economic growth and cultural richness of the country, empowering them to be part of something bigger.
* Economic Powerhouse: The international film industry has become a significant economic engine. In the first half of 2025 alone, foreign productions injected a record-breaking 2.866 billion baht into the Thai economy. This revenue flows directly into various sectors, from hospitality and transportation to local catering and equipment rental. For instance, the production of Jurassic World Rebirth in Thailand led to a significant increase in hotel bookings and local employment. The government’s attractive cash rebate program, which offers productions up to 30% back on their spending, has been a key driver in luring these big-budget projects.
* Job Creation and Skill Development: Film shoots create thousands of jobs for Thai citizens, including highly skilled positions for local crew, technicians, artists, and a wide range of support roles. This collaboration provides invaluable experience and training, elevating the professional standards of Thailand’s domestic film industry.
* Global “Soft Power” and Sustainable Tourism: These productions act as an incredibly effective form of advertising by showcasing Thailand’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture globally. They introduce millions of people to the country’s unique beauty and traditions, inspiring “film-induced tourism” that can last for years. Film-induced tourism refers to the phenomenon where people visit a destination because they see it in a film or on TV. This global exposure also strengthens Thailand’s “soft power,” fostering a positive international image.
Notably, many destinations featured, such as national parks and protected islands, are now being promoted with an emphasis on sustainable tourism. By attracting visitors to these areas, film tourism plays a crucial role in their preservation, ensuring that these cinematic wonders are preserved for future travelers and filmmakers.
So, whether you are an aspiring paleontologist seeking a dinosaur-sized adventure, chasing Bond across Bangkok rooftops, meditating in the quiet ruins of Ayutthaya, or a luxury traveler wanting a taste of the high life, Thailand’s film locations offer a journey as unforgettable as the movies. It’s not just a backdrop—it’s a character, a mood, a story waiting to be told.
About the Author
“Frequent foodie and occasional craftsman of travel stories, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya (Chat) draws on his nearly 4 decades of promoting Thailand’s tourism industry to highlight everything from world-class attractions to hidden gems. When not writing stuff, he makes it a mission to catch rom-coms and DC superheroes whenever they show up in theaters.”
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