Vietnam: An emerging destination for the global film industry

As globalization deepens and countries seek innovative channels to promote their image, Vietnam is fast emerging as a promising destination for the international film industry.

Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, shared his insights at the seminar “Vietnam – Asia’s Dynamic Market and a New Destination for International Filmmakers”.

At the recent seminar “Vietnam – Asia’s Dynamic Market and a New Destination for International Filmmakers”, organized by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) in Europe, VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh shared strategic insights on bridging tourism and cinema. His remarks expressed a strong ambition to position Vietnam as a leading choice for global filmmakers.

From untouched landscapes to cultural riches

In his address, Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh emphasized that “Vietnam offers an incredibly diverse ‘location library’ that caters to the creative demands of the global film industry.” From the majestic mountains of the Northwest and mystical seascapes to vibrant urban areas and timeless rural villages, Vietnam is a treasure trove for action, adventure, fantasy, and art-house productions.

More than just its landscapes, Vietnam is a cultural mosaic, home to 54 ethnic groups with distinctive customs, festivals, cuisine, costumes, and architecture. “The Vietnamese people—with their hospitality, optimism, and depth of spirit—are at the heart of deeply human stories,” Khanh noted.

Beyond scenery, Vietnam’s growing appeal as a filming destination lies in its expanding production infrastructure. The country boasts a modernizing transportation system and increasingly professional support services—from filming equipment and lighting to post-production, accommodation, and catering.

Vietnam is also home to a young, dynamic workforce trained in essential areas such as cinematography, art direction, assistant directing, and on-set interpretation. Collaborating with local crews helps reduce production costs while enhancing cultural understanding and workflow efficiency.

Khanh also pointed out that production expenses in Vietnam remain highly competitive compared to many regional countries—an important advantage for filmmakers looking to optimize budgets without sacrificing quality.

Advancing the synergy between tourism and film

According to Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh, cinema is not only a creative industry but also one of the most powerful tools for promoting national image. Vietnam views film as a strategic vehicle to elevate its tourism sector, attract high-value international visitors, and enhance the country’s global brand.

To that end, VNAT is implementing a strategy that links tourism and cinema through four key initiatives: establishing favorable legal and policy frameworks; developing the ecosystem supporting film production; promoting public-private and international collaboration; and strengthening integrated marketing for both tourism and cinema.

Trang An: A Heritage Destination

Looking ahead, Vietnam will launch specialized promotional campaigns such as the Vietnam Tourism and Cinema Week in the United States, and increase its presence at prestigious global festivals including Cannes, Busan, and Venice. The country will also incorporate iconic film locations into national tourism marketing as signature content.

VNAT is also working to develop a comprehensive, user-friendly database that includes filming locations, logistics capabilities, permitting procedures, and incentive policies—offering practical tools for international producers considering Vietnam.

Support from the central government and local authorities is a key part of the strategy. Khanh emphasized that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and local administrations are actively reforming administrative processes to create a smoother, faster permitting system for film crews.

Vietnam is also committed to supporting location scouting, connecting crews with domestic service providers, and coordinating security and safety measures throughout the production process. “We are finalizing a series of specific incentive policies to attract more international film projects,” Khanh added.

Source: VEN