8 Filming Locations in Vietnam: Settings and Planning Notes
By 96Hz Agency
Published
Compare eight filming locations in Vietnam by setting, access and shoot logistics.
Compare eight filming locations in Vietnam by setting, access and logistics. Confirm permissions, weather and travel time for your dates before booking the crew.
Hanoi: streets, architecture and daily life
The Old Quarter offers narrow streets, shopfronts, markets and traffic. Around West Lake and the Opera House, look for waterside views, wider streets and building exteriors. Scout at the planned shoot time to check crowds, noise and light.
- Consider street scenes, interviews, fashion or brand content.
- Check space for the crew, equipment, parking and public access.
- Agree on permission for each location and any setup that affects other people.
Ha Long Bay: water and limestone landscapes
Boat-based filming can combine open-water views and limestone formations. Choose a route around the actual shots, not just sightseeing stops. Confirm boarding, equipment storage, power, weather limits and the return plan with the operator.
Location access and any drone flight need separate checks. Do not assume a visitor booking includes commercial filming permission.
Hoi An: architecture and evening streets
The old town, river and nearby coastal settings offer different looks. Scout both daytime and evening conditions if lantern-lit scenes are part of the brief. Check pedestrian access, crowds, sound and the rules of each site or venue.
Sa Pa: terraces, villages and mountain roads
Muong Hoa Valley and the surrounding mountain settings can suit landscape and documentary work. The look of rice fields depends on the crop cycle and the exact location. Confirm current conditions with a local contact before setting dates.
- Check road access and the final distance equipment must be carried.
- Agree on participation and filming access with the people involved.
- Allow for weather changes and plan an alternative scene.
Da Nang: coast and city in one plan
Possible settings include the coastline, Dragon Bridge, Marble Mountains and Son Tra. Select locations by the required scenes and travel plan. Check access, operating hours and commercial filming conditions for venues or attractions.
Ho Chi Minh City: urban settings
City streets, offices, homes and the skyline can support corporate, lifestyle and commercial work. Use an actual recce to confirm noise, vehicle movement and lighting. Historic district names can help describe an area, but use the current address when arranging access.
Ninh Binh: rivers, fields and limestone backdrops
Trang An, Tam Coc and the surrounding landscapes offer river, field and mountain settings. Confirm the route and operating arrangements before planning boat shots. Check crop conditions, access hours and restrictions at each site.
Phu Quoc: coastal and hospitality settings
Beaches, resorts and fishing areas can suit travel and hospitality content. Confirm tides, weather, beach access and venue approval. Island travel and equipment transport need to be included in the schedule.
How to compare the options
SettingLocations to considerPlanning questionStreet and architectureHanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh CityCan the crew work without blocking access?Water and landscapeHa Long Bay, Ninh BinhHow will crew and equipment move along the route?Mountain and ruralSa PaWhat are the crop, road and weather conditions?Coastal and hospitalityDa Nang, Phu QuocWhat are the venue, tide and weather constraints?Permissions and logistics to confirm
Requirements depend on the production, crew, equipment and location. Ask the responsible authority or site operator about filming access, drone operations and any temporary equipment import before committing to dates. Do not rely on a single permit timeline for all shoots.
- Shot list, crew size and equipment footprint.
- Location contact and written permission where required.
- Transport, power, parking, restrooms and secure storage.
- Weather alternative and decision time for a schedule change.
- Itemized quote for the confirmed scope.
Start with the scenes you need
Share the brief, reference images, dates and deliverables with the production team. Shortlist locations around those needs, then confirm feasibility through a recce.