Are you a movie fanatic? With its exotics natural diversity and vivid cultures, Asia offers spectacular settings for Hollywood movies! From the pristine sandy shores of The Beach (2000) to the energetic capital of Japan in Lost in Translation (2003), we bring you a list of some of the all-time popular flicks that were set in your favourite Asian destinations. So read on, and seek a little cinematic inspiration for your next trip!

 

1. Phi Phi Island, Thailand - The Beach (2000)

Danny Boyle's film adaptation of the Alex Garland novel was filmed on Hat Maya, the main beach of Phi Phi Island, near Phuket. The flick featured Leonardo DiCaprio as a young traveller who finds himself in possession of a strange map that lead him to a solitary beach paradise! With its steamy love story, stunning scenery and that spine-chilling shark scene, this movie fueled an increase of tourists from all around the world to this heavenly island. Unsurprisingly though, it’s a pretty spectacular place and worth visiting! Discover the island's surroundings which include the Monkey Beach, the Viking Cave and Ton Sai Bay.  You'll have plenty of opportunity for kayaking next to the lime stone formations, snorkelling at the coral gardens and relaxing on the divine beaches.

Fun Fact: Imported palm trees were planted to make the ‘perfect’ beach even more perfect!

2. Siem Reap, Cambodia - Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

Video game adventuress and cyber babe Lara Croft comes to life in this movie where she races against time and villains to recover powerful ancient artifacts. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) is the first film to be shot in Cambodia since Peter O'Toole played Lord Jim in The Shadow of Angkor Wat in 1964. Much like the effect of Leonardo DiCaprio starring in The Beach (2000), the release of Tomb Raider also triggered a mini-invasion of tourists to Angkor. Locations for the movie include the many faced Bayon Temple and other Buddhist temples within the bounds of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Plan a trip to Siem Reap and discover the alluring ancient ruins at this renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Tokyo, Japan - Lost in Translation (2003)

Nominated for four Oscars and awarded with three Golden Globes, this great movie directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson was shot entirely in Japan. This intriguing love story was mainly set in Tokyo's most colourful and lively districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya, where the two enjoyed a fun karaoke session near the Shibuya station. The film also showcases the luxurious Grand Hyatt Hotel Tokyo, where the protagonists first encounter! Other locations in this critically acclaimed movie include the Tokyo Tower, the Rainbow Bridge, Kyoto and even a golf course in front of Mt. Fuji. Make sure to watch this movie for an awesome portrayal of the city and for an insight on exciting things to experience!

4. Beijing, China - The Karate Kid (2010)

Travel bucket list inspiration: Embark on a personal retreat to practice Kung Fu and meditation at one of the world's greatest wonders! Explore the impressive locations in Beijing that Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith visited while shooting the Karate Kid film. Among the numerous scenes, location settings include the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China and the Wudang Mountains. Plan a trip to these locations and enjoy a place where you can immerse yourself in the quiet tranquility of China's mountain range.

 

 

5. Bali, Indonesia - Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

Ever since the Hollywood star Julia Roberts came to Bali to shoot the very renowned book-turned-film movie, people from all over the globe have flocked to the beautiful Island of the Gods to savor their own piece of romance, tranquility and enlightenment. The gorgeous backdrop locations include the Four Season Resort Sayan (just outside Ubud) overlooking the tropical tree tops, various Hindu temples and Uluwatu. EAT: Make sure to try local specialties including nasi goreng and the oh-so-mouthwatering babi guling. PRAY: Just like Julia Roberts, visit the spiritual and marvelous Hindu temples throughout the island and observe the preparation of offerings and rituals of the locals. LOVE: Finding the love of your life in Bali is not guaranteed, but finding the most romantic backdrops and scenery is! Catch the sunset at Uluwatu, and discover the temple perched precariously atop a sheer cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean for a relaxing and romantic experience.

6. Bangkok, Thailand - The Hangover II (2011)

Yes you got that right, the Wolfpack's second crazy adventures on the night before Stu's wedding takes place in arguably Asia's most vibrant (and crazy) city - Bangkok!  The wedding scene was filmed on the beautiful island of Krabi, while the gang's debauched escapade was set in the heart of Bangkok's nightlife and entertainment district, Soi Cowboy and Sukhumvit Soi 12 . Other scenes were shot amidst Bangkok's jam-packed China Town and at the luxurious  Sirocco sky bar at Lebua State Tower with the panoramic views of Bangkok's astounding skyline.

 

7. Hong Kong - Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

The Transformers movies are set in various locations around the world with the most recent one (Age of Extinction) set in the exciting city of Hong Kong! Although there is no more Shia Labeouf in this movie (sadly), the locations in Hong Kong is exceptionally impressive and are perfect for the adrenaline-pumping action scenes. To refresh your memory, it was in Hong Kong where Galvatron and the Decepticons speed along the Tsing Sha Highway, across the Stonecutters Bridge, which spans the Rambler Channel between Tsing Yi and Stonecutters Island, northwest of Hong Kong. The astounding lush countryside in the movie are the slopes of Mount Parker. The green gorge where OptiPri  starts up the legendary warriors (Dinobots) is set at a spectacular geological wonder Wulong Karst (about 1000 kilometers from Hong Kong). This action-packed movie exhibits both the authentic city-vibes of Hong Kong as well as the beautiful (and probably less known) natural sites around the Island.

We hope you have enjoyed this list of great movies set in Asia, and feel film-spired to visit some of these amazing destinations!