Location Inspiration: Vietnam

Why This Southeast Asian Gem Is a Rising Star in Commercial Production

Vietnam has been making waves in the world of commercial film production—and for good reason. Over the past few years, it has firmly established itself as one of the most reliable and cost-efficient production hubs in Southeast Asia, particularly for high-quality TV commercials.

Whether you're a production company seeking fresh, visually diverse locations or an agency scouting international options for your next campaign, Vietnam offers a compelling case. Here's why.

Why Shoot Here?

Despite a booming demand—especially from Japanese and Korean brands—Vietnam currently lacks a large pool of local commercial film directors. To meet the need, international directors, DOPs, and production designers are frequently flown in. The upside? A fast-growing generation of local talent has emerged, learning firsthand from some of the industry's best.

English-speaking, hard-working, and highly adaptable crews are now the norm. And thanks to years of international collaboration, the production process has become streamlined and professional—without the premium price tag. Add to this a deep inventory of production equipment and a standout culinary culture, and the appeal becomes undeniable.

What Makes Vietnam Unique?

Year-Round Shooting Potential: The country's diverse climate zones allow shooting at almost any time of year.
Professional Crews: Crews are fluent in English and used to optimizing 15-hour shoot days.
Cultural Charm: Expect vibrant street life, flavorful cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Top Filming Locations in Vietnam

Vietnam’s topography is a director’s dream:

Cities: From traditional Asian towns to sleek, modern metropolises (with some areas resembling European cityscapes).
Coastlines: With over 3,200 km of coastline, think beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tropical islands.
Natural Landscapes: Lush rainforests, sprawling rice fields, cascading waterfalls, winding rivers, caves, sand dunes, hills, and low mountains.
Infrastructure: An array of coastal roads, scenic bridges (both historic and modern), and forest paths that look straight out of a car commercial.

Climate & Best Times to Shoot

Vietnam spans multiple climate zones. With careful planning, high-quality shoots are possible year-round.

North: Four distinct seasons.
South: Tropical, with defined dry and rainy periods.

Permits, Visas & Production Services

Productions involving foreign crew or clients require a specific shooting license and business visa. Don’t worry—local production companies have been handling this seamlessly for over two decades, ensuring compliance without delays.

Vietnam's production infrastructure is solid:

Equipment: Full access to high-end cameras, lighting, drones, motion control, Qtake, and automotive rigs.
Crew: Skilled and experienced, especially with international shoots.
Casting: Diverse and reliable.
Studios: While there’s a gap in very large-scale soundstages, motion control and studio work are absolutely feasible.

Showcase Productions

The ONE+ Global Campaign is a perfect example of what’s achievable in Vietnam: Shot in a single day, it involved intensive rehearsals with dancers, stunt performers, and motion control teams.

🎬 Watch the case study

Give consent to third party video embeds to view this video.

The Yamaha Lexi Project highlights Vietnam’s diverse locations, from urban landscapes to scenic coastal roads.

🎬 Watch the location showcase

Give consent to third party video embeds to view this video.

DOs & DON'Ts When Shooting in Vietnam

DO work with well-established local production houses.
DO expect straightforward communication—Vietnamese crews are known for being direct and efficient.
DON’T underestimate local traditions; respect for cultural sites and norms is important.

Always rely on experienced local fixers and producers. They’ll navigate everything from permits to logistics, ensuring your shoot stays smooth and stress-free.

Insider Tips: Stay, Eat & Explore

Where to Stay

From international hotel chains to high-standard local options, accommodations vary by shoot location and production needs. Recommendations are available upon request.

Where to Eat & Drink

Ho Chi Minh City: A vibrant food and drinks capital—safe street food, hidden speakeasies, and entire neighborhoods dedicated to Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine.
Hanoi: Focuses more on traditional northern Vietnamese food. The Old Quarter is a must-visit.
Pro Tip: Coffee is an all-day affair—Vietnam takes its brew seriously.

What to Explore

Ha Long Bay
Son Doong Cave (one of the world’s largest)
SaPa
DaLat
Tropical beaches across the country

Production Advantages

Vietnam’s strengths go beyond scenery:

Highly cost-efficient
Quick permitting—even for drones
Legal and administrative processes managed efficiently by local producers
Eager, enthusiastic crews who love what they do

Studios & Sets

While mega soundstages are limited, Vietnam offers fully equipped studios and even motion control facilities – ideal for high-end commercial work and specialized needs.