It will come as no surprise to anyone who’s stepped foot in Thailand’s lively capital that if
Bangkok does anything, it’s inspire. Filmmakers are no exception to the rule. The streets (and
rivers) of Bangkok have been the filming grounds to some of the most beloved and breathtaking
films. So, if you want a day out in Bangkok worthy of a letterboxd review, consider this guide for
your next trip into the city.
Places to Stay –
There are no shortages of great hotels in Bangkok. However, for any fans of the 1987 Good
Morning, Vietnam, you might want to give a subtle nod to the Robin Williams classic by staying
at the very hotel that the iconic radio scenes were shot in. The Malaysia Hotel, located in the
Sathorn area, has great amenities, such as a pool and a conveniently located MRT station just ten
minutes away. For as close to a Robin Williams experience as possible though, we recommend
trying to snatch a room on the second floor, which is where the radio show was set.
Drinks to grab –
Few films ring closer to a hectic night out with friends than the Hangover franchise. Unlike some
of the other films on this list, the second instalment in the franchise is, narratively speaking,
centred entirely around Thailand as the wedding destination of Stu’s wedding, with the film’s
promotional tagline reading “Bangkok Has Them Now.” For a slightly calmer celebration than
the characters had, visit the Sky Bar by lebua, a gorgeous bar overlooking Bangkok at 247
meters. The spectacular views at the top gave Bradley Cooper an iconic shot, and it is sure to give
you a night that you will remember.
Things to Do –
In the making of his renowned film, In The Mood For Love, director Wong Kar-Wai struggled to
capture his vision of the Hong Kong he grew up in to the new and ever-changing city it had
become at the time of filming. This became a significant issue for his exterior scenes, and the
streets of Bangkok offered just the solution. While Bangkok too has changed since the film’s
2000 debut, fans of Wong’s cinematography should definitely explore the streets of Chinatown
and Chareonkrung Road to see the sights that influenced the director’s creative vision.
Transportation –
Who says transportation can’t be cinematic? In the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies,
production was meant to take place in Vietnam, specifically in Ho-Chi-Minh-City. At the last
minute, however, the crew were shut out of the country, forcing a swift change of plans. Filming
instead took place in Bangkok, whose fast paced roads and abundance of motorcycles set the
scene perfectly for Bond’s chase scene. For a full 007 immersive experience, get to Chang Nak
Alley, grab a bike and some gear, and follow the agent’s route around the city.
For a smoother ride, however, you can go even further back to 1956’s Around the World in 80
Days, and take a riverboat or water taxi across Chao Praya River (maybe you’ll even catch a
glimpse of the Grand Palace, like in the original picture).
Regardless of genre, district, or decade, Bangkok is sure to have plenty of hotspots for all movie
fans – if you can find any time between cinema crawls, that is.