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If The White Lotus Season 3 has you suddenly Googling “where was White Lotus filmed?” – you’re not alone. HBO’s award-winning drama season 3 was shot in Thailand, bringing its signature satire and chaos to some of the best beaches in Thailand and other top Thailand attractions. This got us wondering, which movies and series have been filmed in Thailand? Don’t worry, we took the deep dive so you don’t have to. Thailand’s islands are a sight for sore eyes (and cameras, too, apparently), pristine beaches, cheap holiday resorts and a whole lot of adventure. Without further ado, here are the top 10 movies and series you didn’t know were shot in Thailand
Comedy Movies filmed in Thailand
1. The Hangover Part II – Bangkok’s Wild Side and nightlife
When you think of Bangkok, chances are this chaotic Hangover comedy sequel comes to mind. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis take their bachelor party misadventures to the neon-lit streets of Bangkok, featuring iconic locations like Soi Cowboy, the Chao Phraya River and the legendary Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower.
Pro Tip: Want to relive the madness? Visit Sky Bar for a Hangovertini, yes, it’s an actual cocktail made just for fans of the film. You seem like you need to unwind in Thailand, so why not Fly to Bangkok?
2. Red Notice – Bangkok the perfect escape
Netflix’s Red Notice, starring Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds, may have been set across multiple continents, but a few sneaky scenes were filmed in Thailand. The lush jungle hideouts and ornate temples blended seamlessly into the action-packed storyline.
Pro Tip: The Grand Palace is a must-see—but get there early to avoid the crowds!
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Action Movies Filmed in Thailand
3. Extraction – Chris Hemsworth’s Action-Packed Getaway
While Netflix’s Extraction is mostly set in Dhaka, Bangladesh, many of its high-octane action scenes were actually filmed in Thailand. Chris Hemsworth’s character fights his way through the streets of Nakhon Pathom, blending fast-paced combat with Thailand’s raw urban aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Nakhon Pathom is home to the world’s tallest Buddhist stupa, Phra Pathom Chedi—worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Film your own movie in Thailand – Book our Thailand Packages
4. The Man with the Golden Gun – James Bond Island’s Claim to Fame
Roger Moore’s The Man with the Golden Gun put Thailand on the Hollywood map, featuring the now-iconic limestone karst known as James Bond Island (Koh Tapu) in Phang Nga Bay. This towering rock formation became a must-visit spot for Bond fans worldwide.
Pro Tip: Take a long-tail boat tour through Phang Nga Bay for stunning views and hidden caves worthy of a 007 escape.
5. Rambo: First Blood Part II – Jungle Warfare in Thailand
Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo sequel may be set in Vietnam, but a large portion of the film was actually shot in the dense jungles of Chiang Mai. The region’s rugged terrain and misty mountains created the perfect setting for explosive action sequences.
Pro Tip: Kanchanaburi is perfect for war history buffs and nature lovers alike.
6. Fast & Furious 9 – High-Speed Thrills in Krabi
Vin Diesel and the crew took their speed-fueled antics to Thailand in Fast & Furious 9, with jaw-dropping chase scenes filmed across Krabi and Phuket. If the dramatic coastal roads and winding jungle highways look familiar, it’s because they were heavily featured in Dom’s latest high-speed getaway.
Pro Tip: Rent a scooter and take a scenic ride along the Phang Nga coastal road, it’s a less chaotic way to enjoy the views.
Speaking of Phuket, how about a 5-star getaway, with return flights? Book Now!
Thriller Movies Filmed in Thailand
7. The Beach – Leonardo DiCaprio’s Search for Paradise
Long before The White Lotus, The Beach (2000) had backpackers scrambling to Maya Bay, thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s tropical misadventure. The film made the island so famous that Thailand had to hit the pause button on tourism there for a few years.
Pro Tip: Maya Bay is open again, but with limited access. Want that untouched paradise vibe? Try Koh Lanta or Railay Beach instead.
Did you know? Thailand is Visa Free for South Africans.
Series and Shows Filmed in Thailand
8. The Night Agent – Thailand, the perfect package
Netflix’s political thriller The Night Agent made a pit stop in Bangkok for its espionage-filled scenes. While the show is set in multiple locations worldwide, Bangkok’s vibrant streets and hidden alleyways provided the perfect backdrop for some of its most intense sequences.
Pro Tip: Visit Bangkok’s Chinatown for some of the best street food in the city—just keep an eye out for undercover agents (or at least, convincing lookalikes).
9. Money Heist Korea – Thailand’s Secret Cameo
Surprise! While most of Money Heist: Korea unfolds in South Korea, a few scenes were secretly filmed in Thailand. The tropical backdrop added an unexpected twist to the heist, blending urban tension with exotic scenery.
Pro Tip: Pattaya’s Walking Street is the nightlife hub, but for a quieter beach experience, head to Jomtien Beach.
No need to plan a heist just to get to Thailand. Just get this 4-star Centara Karon Resort package instead
10. The Bear – Thailand’s Food and Culinary Delights
FX’s hit series The Bear took a brief but mouthwatering detour to Bangkok in its latest season. The show’s obsession with food made Thailand’s street food scene a natural fit, with shots of sizzling woks and bustling night markets.
Pro Tip: For an authentic Bangkok food experience, hit up Jay Fai’s legendary street food stall—you might even spot a celeb chef (who knows?).
Now that you know the movies filmed in Thailand…
Ready for Your Close-Up?
There you go, you now know which movies were filmed in Thailand. You now also know that Thailand isn’t just a pretty face on screen—it’s an adventure waiting to happen. Book your Thailand getaway today and make your own movie-worthy memories. Just, you know… maybe skip the Hangover-style chaos. So go ahead, visit Thailand, see the best beaches in Thailand, explore Bangkok’s nightlife and the top attractions in Thailand. The White Lotus was filmed in Thailand so you could experience the beauty on screen but don’t stop there, experience Thailand in person! Subscribe to our newsletter for great holiday packages and cheap flights.
