The Hollywood production Kong: Skull Island, released in March 2017, showcased several striking natural environments across Vietnam, drawing global attention to the country's diverse topography. Director Jordan selected these locations for their distinctive geological formations and untouched beauty, which provided a fitting setting for the adventure and fiction genre. For those inspired by the film's visuals, these Vietnamese sites present an opportunity to experience cinematic landscapes firsthand.
The movie's production spanned across three primary regions in Vietnam: Quang Binh Province, known for its extensive cave systems; Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, famous for its limestone islands; and Ninh Binh Province, characterized by its riverine landscapes and ancient grottoes. Each area contributed unique visual elements to the film, making them points of interest for travelers seeking to connect with the movie's world.
Quang Binh Province: A Realm of Caves and Karsts
Quang Binh Province, situated in Central Vietnam, is celebrated for its remarkable cave systems and limestone mountains. This region provided several key backdrops for Kong: Skull Island, highlighting its raw, untamed natural splendor.
Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha Cave is a prominent feature within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Its geological formations have developed over hundreds of millions of years due to significant tectonic activity. The Chay River has played a crucial role in shaping this cave, and sunlight filtering through openings illuminates the stalactites, creating a striking visual effect. The cave comprises 14 interconnected chambers, with an underwater river extending approximately 1.5 kilometers, accessible through various corridors. While some larger chambers exist, they are generally considered too challenging for public access.
Tu Lan Cave System
The Tu Lan Cave system encompasses more than ten distinct caves, set amidst a landscape of limestone mountains, stalactites, waterfalls, and subterranean rivers. Similar to other notable caves in the region, such as En Cave and Son Doong Cave, Tu Lan offers compelling natural scenery. Reaching these caves typically involves trekking through dense jungles and open fields, with towering limestone formations providing a scenic route for explorers. This area contributed to the film's depiction of an ancient, isolated world.
Da Deo Pass
Also located within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Da Deo Pass was chosen for its natural contours. This mountain pass winds through high ranges and is frequently enveloped in clouds, creating an ethereal atmosphere. From the pass, observers can view a deep valley covered in dense rainforest. The surrounding mountains are also home to numerous unexplored caves, adding to the region's mystique. For those who appreciate the thrill of navigating high-altitude roads, Vietnam offers several formidable routes.
Tan Hoa Valley
Tan Hoa Valley, situated on the Quy Dat plateau amidst limestone mountains, features 23 identified caves. The director selected this valley for its distinctive appearance. Although many caves are present, only eight are open for tourism. Among these is Hang Chuot, a location reportedly used as a shelter for the giant apes in the film.
Yen Phu Lake
Yen Phu Lake, another site in Quang Binh Province, was utilized for a combat sequence between Kong and other creatures in the movie. The lake's setting, with large stones positioned along its banks, provided a dramatic backdrop for the cinematic confrontation.
Ha Long Bay: Iconic Limestone Towers
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in Quang Ninh Province, is internationally recognized for its thousands of towering karst pillars and numerous islands covered in lush vegetation, emerging from the waters of the Tonkin Gulf. Its unique geology made it a natural choice for the film's otherworldly setting. Visitors often find that exploring Ha Long Bay's natural splendor is best done by boat, allowing for close-up views of the limestone formations and islands. A variety of cruises are available, offering different itineraries to suit diverse preferences. For example, a 2-day, 1-night cruise aboard the Amanda Cruise provides an opportunity to experience the bay's natural beauty firsthand.
Ninh Binh Province: Ancient Landscapes and Waterways
Ninh Binh Province, located south of the Red River Delta, contributed significantly to the film's visual appeal with its ancient landscapes and intricate waterways. This region is often referred to as 'Ha Long Bay on land' due to its similar karst topography.
Trang An Grottoes
The Trang An Grottoes complex, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a series of caves and waterways. This area holds historical significance as one of the oldest known sites of human presence in Vietnam. Furthermore, Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, was once located here, playing a central role in the nation's governance during past eras.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc is characterized by its impressive cliffs and winding river valleys, while Bich Dong features three caves integrated into a pagoda complex. The scenery along the river, which leads to these caves, is often described as serene. Inside the caves, visitors can observe remarkable rock formations and stalactites. The combination of river journeys and cave exploration makes this a popular destination.
Van Long Lagoon
Van Long Lagoon is a wetland ecosystem site within the Red River Delta, recognized for its natural beauty. Its distinctive landscapes led to its selection as a filming location for Kong: Skull Island, offering a unique environment for the movie's scenes.
Planning Your Visit to Vietnam's Movie Locations
For travelers keen to explore the regions featured in Kong: Skull Island, Vietnam offers a range of experiences. Quang Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh are accessible from Hanoi, making it feasible to combine several locations into one itinerary. Transportation options include domestic flights to Dong Hoi (for Quang Binh), buses, trains, and private car services. The best time to visit these areas generally aligns with Vietnam's dry seasons, typically from November to April for northern and central regions, though specific local weather patterns can vary.
When planning a trip, consider the diverse offerings of each province. Quang Binh is ideal for cave exploration and adventure activities, while Ha Long Bay is best experienced through a cruise. Ninh Binh provides a blend of cultural history and tranquil river tours. For a comprehensive exploration of Vietnam's natural and cultural highlights, including many of these cinematic locations, a grand tour from northern karsts to southern deltas can offer an extensive itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which specific areas in Vietnam were used for filming Kong: Skull Island?
The movie Kong: Skull Island was filmed across three primary regions in Vietnam: Quang Binh Province (including Phong Nha Cave, Tu Lan Cave, Da Deo Pass, Tan Hoa Valley, and Yen Phu Lake), Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, and Ninh Binh Province (featuring Trang An Grottoes, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, and Van Long Lagoon).
Is it possible for tourists to visit these filming locations?
Yes, all the mentioned locations are open to tourists. They are popular destinations in Vietnam, offering various activities such as cave tours, boat trips, trekking, and scenic drives. Specific access details and tour availability should be verified with local operators.
What kind of scenery can I expect at these sites?
Visitors can expect dramatic limestone karst landscapes, extensive cave systems with stalactites and underground rivers, serene waterways, lush jungles, and mountainous passes. Ha Long Bay is particularly known for its iconic emerald waters dotted with thousands of limestone islands.
What is the best way to travel between these movie locations?
Travel between these locations can be done via domestic flights (e.g., to Dong Hoi for Quang Binh), trains, buses, or private car hires. Many tour operators offer packages that cover multiple provinces, providing convenient transportation and guided experiences. Considering the geographical spread, combining air travel with ground transport is often efficient.