Films and TV Series Shot in Bangkok: Filming Locations to Visit

Bangkok has served as the backdrop for action films, comedies and series for decades, from Hollywood productions to Thai films. The alleys of Chinatown, the rooftops of Silom and the night markets often appear on screen. This guide lists some well-known films, points out the places in Bangkok they made famous and suggests a route to see them in real life. One important caveat: for many films the city is only part of the shoot, and exact addresses are not always published. We cite only what is well established, without promising that a place is "the" scene; businesses can also change or close.

The Hangover Part II (2011) and the Silom rooftop

Yaowarat at night, a typical setting for films shot in Bangkok

The Hangover Part II is set largely in Bangkok, and the scene of the dinner at the top of a tower has remained associated with the rooftop bar of the Lebua at State Tower hotel in Silom. You can go up for the view: see our guide to rooftop bars and the Silom and Sathorn area. A dress code applies in this kind of venue; check the rules in advance.

Only God Forgives (2013) and Bangkok Dangerous (2008)

These two action films take place in a nocturnal Bangkok of neon and alleys. Only God Forgives (Nicolas Winding Refn, with Ryan Gosling) was shot in Bangkok. Bangkok Dangerous (with Nicolas Cage) also uses the city as its main setting. To feel this atmosphere, a night in Yaowarat and Talat Noi is more useful than hunting for a precise address.

Thai action films: Ong-Bak and Tom Yum Goong

Ong-Bak (2003) and Tom Yum Goong (2005), starring Tony Jaa, brought Thai martial arts to the world and show streets, markets and canals of the city. To go deeper, see our page on Thai boxing; you can watch it for real.

Thai arthouse films and romances

Last Life in the Universe (2003) is a contemplative Thai film set in Bangkok. The Love of Siam (2007) follows teenagers in the Siam district. Bad Genius (2017) is a thriller about exam cheating among the capital's high-school students. These films show everyday city life rather than its monuments.

Series and platforms

Streaming platforms offer several Thai series or series set in Bangkok. Catalogues often change by country: search "Thailand" or "Bangkok" on your usual service. The Thai Netflix series Bangkok Breaking (2021) is an example of local action.

A "cinema" route in one day

Stop	Why
Morning in Chinatown (Yaowarat)	Alleys, signs, market
Afternoon in Silom and Sathorn	Towers, rooftops
Early evening at the Mahanakhon SkyWalk	City skyline
Evening at Patpong or on the river	Night lights

Practical tips

Don't try to verify everything: most shoots use sets, studios or other cities.
Respect the rules: filming at the Grand Palace and in temples is strictly controlled, and drones are regulated; for local customs, see etiquette in Bangkok.
Go and see a Thai film in a cinema: see cinema in Bangkok.