Quick answer: Northern Vietnam offers some of the most iconic filming locations from *Kong: Skull Island*. The movie crew chose dramatic limestone mountains, hidden caves, and pristine valleys to represent the wild and mysterious Skull Island. These locations are easy to visit today, and each one delivers striking scenery that feels straight out of the film.
At a glance:
- 📍 Ninh Binh: Trang An, Tam Coc and Van Long – scenic river landscapes with limestone cliffs and rice fields
- ⛰️ Ha Long Bay: iconic karst islands used for wide aerial shots and dramatic scenery
- 🕳️ Quang Binh: Tu Lan cave system and jungle valleys with rugged natural terrain
- 🎥 Why these locations? untouched nature, cliffs and formations matching the “lost world” feel
- 🚐 Access: all places reachable by day trips or short tours from major northern cities
Last updated in May 2026
🎬 Kong: Skull Island Filming Locations – Quick Guide
- 📍 Ha Long Bay → limestone islands + boat cruises
- 📍 Ninh Binh → Trang An, Tam Coc, Van Long
- 📍 Quang Binh → caves, jungle valleys, Phong Nha
- 🚆 Best access from Hanoi by train, bus or private car
- 📅 Best time to visit: October–April
Kong: Skull Island (2017) Filming Locations in Vietnam
Kong: Skull Island (2017) was filmed in Vietnam, Australia, and Hawaii—but some of the most iconic scenes come from northern and central Vietnam. The film showcases dramatic landscapes such as limestone karsts, jungle valleys, and vast cave systems that perfectly match the mysterious “Skull Island” setting.
Key filming locations in Vietnam include Ninh Binh (Trang An and Tam Coc), Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh, and Ha Long Bay. These destinations are now among the most visited places in Vietnam, attracting both movie fans and travelers looking for unique natural scenery.
- 📍 Ninh Binh → river landscapes and limestone cliffs
- ⛰️ Ha Long Bay → iconic karst islands and sea views
- 🕳️ Phong Nha-Ke Bang → caves, jungle and remote terrain
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
Why Vietnam Was Chosen as a Filming Location for Kong: Skull Island
Vietnam offers a rare combination of untouched nature, dramatic scenery, and diverse landscapes within a relatively small area. From jungle-covered mountains to hidden caves and coastal bays, these locations provide a cinematic “lost world” atmosphere that filmmakers seek.
The production involved large international and local teams, working closely with local authorities to protect the environment. Today, these filming locations are easily accessible and have become popular travel destinations, making Vietnam a top choice for both filmmakers and visitors.
📍 Map of the filming locations in Vietnam – Kong: Skull Island:
Kong: Skull Island was filmed in these provinces > Quang Ninh (Ha Long Bay), Ninh Binh, Quang Binh.
1. Quang Ninh Province – Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is one of the most famous natural attractions in Vietnam and a key filming location of Kong: Skull Island. This UNESCO site is known for its emerald waters, limestone islands, caves, and dramatic karst scenery.
Located in Quang Ninh Province, Ha Long Bay features nearly 2,000 limestone formations rising from the sea, creating one of the most unique landscapes in Southeast Asia.
Today, visitors can explore the bay by cruise boat, kayak, or day tour and visit caves, beaches, and filming locations featured in the movie.
🎥 Kong: Skull Island Filming Locations in Ha Long Bay
- Ba Hang → limestone karsts and panoramic viewpoints in Ha Long Bay
- Thiên Cung Cave → famous cave on Đầu Gỗ Island near Tuần Châu
- Sung Sot Cave → one of the largest caves in Ha Long Bay near Cat Ba Island
- Ngoc Vung Island → remote island area with natural scenery used in the movie
🚆 Travel to Ha Long Bay
Search transport options from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by train, tourist bus, limousine or private car.
🏨 Hotels & Cruises in Ha Long
Find hotels, resorts, cruises and beachfront accommodation in Ha Long Bay online.
2. Ninh Binh Province:
Ninh Binh is another major filming location of Kong: Skull Island in northern Vietnam. The region is known for limestone mountains, rivers, rice fields, and peaceful countryside landscapes.
Often called the “Inland Ha Long Bay,” Ninh Binh offers scenic boat trips through caves and karst valleys in places like Trang An and Tam Coc.
Besides its natural scenery, Ninh Binh is also famous for historical sites such as Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bai Dinh Temple, and the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex.
🎥 Kong: Skull Island Filming Locations in Ninh Binh
- Van Long Nature Reserve → peaceful karst scenery, boat trips, and less touristy landscapes
- Trang An Landscape Complex → UNESCO site with caves, rivers, temples, and famous filming scenery
- Tam Coc – Bich Dong → popular boat tours, limestone cliffs, caves, and countryside landscapes
Note: The Kong: Skull Island movie set in Trang An was removed in 2019 as part of UNESCO conservation efforts.
🚆 Travel to Ninh Binh
Search trains, buses, limousines or private transfers from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
🏨 Hotels in Ninh Binh
Find hotels, resorts, homestays and accommodation in Trang An, Tam Coc or Ninh Binh town.
3. Quang Binh Province:
Quang Binh is famous for Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, one of Vietnam’s top natural attractions and a filming location of Kong: Skull Island. The area is known for jungle mountains, underground rivers, and some of the world’s largest caves.
The province is home to famous sites such as Son Doong Cave, Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave, and Hang En Cave, attracting travelers looking for adventure and unique landscapes.
Visitors can enjoy cave tours, jungle trekking, boat trips, kayaking, zip-lining, and eco-tourism activities around Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
🎥 Kong: Skull Island Filming Locations in Quang Binh
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park → jungle scenery, limestone mountains, caves, trekking, and adventure tourism
- Da Deo Pass + Cha Noi Valley → remote mountain landscapes and winding roads near the national park
- Yen Phu Lake → quiet natural area west of Phong Nha-Ke Bang with untouched scenery
- Tu Lan Cave Complex (“Rat Cave”) → cave system with rivers, jungle terrain, and expedition-style landscapes
🚆 Travel to Dong Hoi / Phong Nha
Search trains, buses, flights or private transfers from Hanoi to Dong Hoi and Phong Nha.
🏨 Hotels in Phong Nha
Find hotels, eco-lodges, guesthouses and accommodation near Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
How Kong: Skull Island Boosted Tourism in Vietnam
Kong: Skull Island helped introduce Vietnam’s dramatic landscapes to millions of viewers around the world. After the movie’s release in 2017, destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Phong Nha became even more popular with international travelers.
The film showcased Vietnam’s limestone mountains, caves and jungle scenery, helping promote the country as a unique travel destination in Southeast Asia. Some filming locations even became popular tourist attractions visited by movie fans.
The movie was also commercially successful, earning more than $500 million worldwide. It received positive ratings on platforms like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, increasing global interest in the filming locations featured in Vietnam.
Kong: Skull Island (2017) – Movie Overview
Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Music: Henry Jackman
Production: Warner Bros., Legendary Pictures, Tencent Pictures
Duration: 120 minutes
Key Facts
- 🎬 Filmed in Vietnam, Australia, and Hawaii
- 🌏 Features iconic landscapes like Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh
- 🦍 Advanced CGI brings Kong and creatures to life
- 🎼 Soundtrack by Henry Jackman enhances the atmosphere
- ⭐ Cast includes Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson
- ⚡ Fast-paced action adventure with a 120-minute runtime
Movie trailer: Kong: Skull Island (locations in Vietnam):
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Kong: Skull Island in Vietnam
Where was Kong: Skull Island filmed in Vietnam?
Kong: Skull Island was filmed in several locations in Vietnam, mainly in Ninh Binh, Phong Nha-Ke Bang (Quang Binh), and Ha Long Bay. These areas feature limestone mountains, caves, rivers, and jungle landscapes that created the “Skull Island” setting.
Is Skull Island a real place?
No, Skull Island is a fictional location from the King Kong universe. However, the landscapes in Vietnam used in the film are real and can be visited.
When was Kong: Skull Island filmed?
The movie was filmed between October 2015 and March 2016 in Vietnam, Australia, and Hawaii. It was released in March 2017.
How tall is Kong in Skull Island?
In the film, Kong is approximately 31.7 meters (104 feet) tall, making him one of the largest versions of the character.
How to explore Ha Long Bay?
The best way to explore Ha Long Bay is to book a cruise. You can choose from day trips or overnight cruises, including activities like kayaking, cave visits, swimming, and sightseeing.
How to travel to Ha Long, Ninh Binh or Dong Hoi?
Did filming impact the environment in Vietnam?
Filming was carried out with cooperation from local authorities and efforts to minimize environmental impact. As with most large productions, precautions were taken to protect natural sites and local communities.
Were Vietnamese actors or crew involved?
Yes, local Vietnamese actors and crew members participated in the production, supporting logistics, filming operations, and local coordination.
What challenges did the film crew face?
Challenges included remote filming locations, transport logistics, weather conditions, and working in protected natural areas. Despite this, Vietnam’s landscapes made the effort worthwhile.
Did Kong: Skull Island boost tourism in Vietnam?
Yes, the film increased global awareness of Vietnam’s landscapes, especially Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, attracting more travelers interested in visiting filming locations.
| ⭐ The Best Rated Cruises in Ha Long Bay:⭐ | |
|---|---|
| ➡️ Signature Halong Cruise | ➡️ Alise Cruise Halong |
| ➡️ Victory Star Cruise | ➡️ Halong Athena Cruise |
| ➡️ La Regina Legend Cruise | ➡️ Era Cruises Halong |
| ➡️ Paradise Luxury Sails Cruise | ➡️ Victory Cruise |
| ➡️ Halong Sapphire Cruise | ➡️ Santa Maria Cruise |
| ➡️ Royal Palace Cruise | ➡️ Peony Cruise |
🎬 Kong: Skull Island Filming Locations in Vietnam
Vietnam’s dramatic landscapes played a major role in the filming of Kong: Skull Island. From limestone karsts and jungle valleys to caves and rivers, the movie showcased some of the country’s most spectacular natural attractions.
| Filming Location / Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Ha Long Bay | The famous limestone islands of Ha Long Bay created the mysterious atmosphere of Skull Island and became one of the film’s most iconic backdrops. |
| Trang An Landscape | Trang An in Ninh Binh offered dramatic karst scenery, rivers and jungle landscapes used in several adventure scenes. |
| Phong Nha-Ke Bang | The national park provided wild jungle terrain, caves and untouched nature perfect for expedition sequences. |
| UNESCO Locations | Several filming areas in Vietnam are protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for exceptional natural beauty. |
| Vietnamese Landscapes | The filmmakers selected Vietnam because of its exotic scenery, towering mountains, rivers and tropical wilderness. |
| Tourism Impact | After the movie’s release, many filming locations became popular tourist attractions visited by international travelers. |
| Action Scenes | Vietnam’s landscapes were used for helicopter flights, jungle expeditions and dramatic action sequences throughout the film. |
| Environmental Protection | The production team cooperated with local authorities to help minimize environmental impact during filming. |
| Cultural Elements | Some scenes also included local traditions and cultural inspiration connected with rural Vietnam. |
| Global Promotion | Kong: Skull Island helped introduce Vietnam’s natural beauty to millions of viewers around the world. |
Tip: Many filming locations from Kong: Skull Island can still be visited today, especially in Ha Long Bay, Trang An and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
🎬 Planning to Visit the Kong: Skull Island Locations?
The most popular filming locations are Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. All destinations can be reached from Hanoi by train, tourist bus, flight or private transfer.
- 🚆 Easy transport connections from Hanoi
- 🛶 Boat tours in Trang An and Ha Long Bay
- 🕳️ Cave trekking in Phong Nha
- 📅 Best travel season: October to April
How to Visit Kong: Skull Island Filming Locations in Vietnam
🚢 Ha Long Bay
Travel from Hanoi by tourist bus, limousine, private car or cruise shuttle bus.
Best known for limestone islands, cruises, caves, and kayaking tours featured in Kong: Skull Island.
🛶 Ninh Binh
Accessible from Hanoi by train, tourist bus, limousine or private transfer.
Famous for Trang An, Tam Coc, boat trips, rice fields, and dramatic karst scenery used in the movie.
🕳️ Phong Nha
Reachable by overnight train, sleeper bus, domestic flight or private transfer from Hanoi.
Popular for cave expeditions, jungle trekking, eco-tourism, and adventure tours in Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
