Thailand’s beautiful scenery, energetic cities, and rich culture have long made it a favourite spot for travellers and filmmakers alike.
If you’re heading to the land of white elephants soon, or even just looking for an excuse to start planning, these six films are a great watch before you go. They’re entertaining watches and will give you a feel for Thailand’s diverse locations, from the serene beaches of Phuket to the buzz of Bangkok.
1. The Beach (2000)
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Danny Boyle, The Beach truly showcases the beauty of Thailand. Based on Alex Garland’s novel, the film follows a backpacker chasing rumours of a hidden paradise–a secret island untouched by tourism.
- Filming locations: The movie was shot in several places across Thailand, but most famously at Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh, which has since become a tourist hotspot (and occasionally closed for environmental recovery).
- Why watch it: This is the ultimate tropical escape movie, capturing both the allure and darker undercurrents of paradise-seeking.
2. Bangkok Dangerous (2008)
This gritty action-thriller features Nicolas Cage as a jaded hitman navigating the underbelly of Thailand’s capital. Directed by the Pang Brothers, the film shows off the messy but lively side of Bangkok.
- What to expect: Sweeping night shots of the city skyline, gritty alleyways, chaotic street scenes, and the hum of motorbikes weaving through traffic.
- Why it matters: It offers a cinematic tour of urban Thailand that contrasts with the country’s more serene portrayals.
3. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)
Need something a bit more fun? This romantic comedy sequel takes the iconic Bridget Jones, played by Renée Zellweger, from London to Thailand.
- Plot highlight: Bridget reunites with her ex during a work trip and ends up in a comical misadventure that includes a stint in a Thai prison.
- Filming locations: Look out for Bangkok, Phuket, and Phang Nga Bay – the stunning limestone cliffs and clear waters make quite a backdrop.
- Bonus: Colin Firth and Hugh Grant round out the cast, making it an entertaining romp with breathtaking scenery.
4. The Hangover Part II (2011)
When the Wolfpack reunites for another bachelor party, things (of course) spiral out of control – this time in Bangkok.
- What makes it fun: While exaggerated, the film dives into Bangkok’s nightlife, maze-like streets, and high-energy atmosphere.
- Locations featured: Expect chaotic chases through temples, busy markets, and some of the more unusual spots around the capital.
- Why watch it: If you’re visiting Bangkok, this comedy gives a fun but exaggerated look to the capital city.
5. Rambo III (1988) & Rambo (2008)
Two Rambo films were shot in and around Chiang Mai, a city in Northern Thailand known for its temples and lush landscapes. Sylvester Stallone clearly had a soft spot for the region.
- Rambo III: Opens with scenes filmed along the Mae Ping River and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, showing a quieter side of Thailand before the action kicks off.
- Rambo (2008): Fast forward 20 years, and Rambo is back, this time helping mercenaries launch a rescue mission from Thailand into Burma. Filming includes scenes at Sri Lanna National Park and Mae Taeng.
- Why watch them: Beyond the action, both films offer glimpses of Northern Thailand’s natural scenery.
6. The Impossible (2012)
Directed by J.A. Bayona, The Impossible is based on the true story of a family caught in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. It’s a harrowing watch, but also a powerful story of survival.
- Filming location: Khao Lak, a quiet beach town in southern Thailand, is where the real-life events took place and where the movie was shot.
- Cast: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, and a young Tom Holland deliver powerful performances.
- Why it’s worth watching: It captures the emotional and physical impact of the disaster while also paying homage to the resilience of the Thai people and the natural beauty of Khao Lak.
Before You Go
Watching these films before your trip can do more than get you excited. They’ll give you cultural context, ideas for places to visit, and maybe even teach you a few useful phrases or customs.
Before you start packing, consider setting yourself up with an eSIM. With an eSIM plan for Thailand, you can arrive ready to book a taxi, find your hotel, and message family that you’re safe without hunting for a local SIM card.
Whether it’s adventure, romance, action, or drama you’re after, these movies bring different corners of Thailand to life.
Photo by Alex P, via Pexels.
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