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Bangkok’s iconic streets are showcased in beloved movies, leaving you eager to explore
From thrilling action scenes to touching stories, the bustling metropolis of Bangkok has been a prominent backdrop in many cherished films. As the camera pans through the city’s iconic streets, it leaves us eager to explore the very spots where our favourite characters once stood. Koktail takes you on a journey through the cinematic famous streets of Bangkok, the location that continues to inspire filmmakers and travellers alike.
Charoen Krung Road – Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Following the success of James Bond’s The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), which contributed to the fame of Koh Tapu through its filming in Thailand, the 007 movie Tomorrow Never Dies decided to film in Thailand once more. This time, they chose the Charoen Krung and Bang Rak districts as their filming locations. The action-packed scenes took place at Charoen Krung 37, where thrilling chase sequences unfolded along Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem and Khlong Maha Nak, eventually leading to a meeting in Din Daeng where notably, the heroine Michelle Yeoh also featured in the scene.
Photo: Courtesy of Serendipity3864
Surawong Road – In the Mood for Love (2000)
The end of Surawong as it cuts into Charoen Krung, is one of the locations that Wong Kar-wai used in the movie “In the Mood for Love” where Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung) and Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung) shared a frustrating story on their way back to their accommodation amid lonely and painful dim lights. The lights of Surawong Road added to the bittersweet atmosphere of love at the wrong time between the two characters, making it the perfect setting for this scene.
Photo: Courtesy of Bangrak District Office
Patpong Road – Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)
Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant headed to Thailand to film Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, the sequel to the popular Bridget Jones’s Diary. Filming several scenes in Thailand, including one where Hugh Grant shot a documentary on Patpong Road, that well-known entertainment district infamous in the day for its nightlife and street market.
Plaeng Nam Road – The Hangover Part II (2011)
The film is a sequel to the successful 2009 comedy “The Hangover,” and it follows a similar premise where a group of friends experience wild adventures and unexpected situations. The Hangover crew heads to Thailand for Stu’s wedding. In the movie, Plaeng Nam Road is where Phil, Stu, and Alan wake up after one very drunk evening. Plaeng Nam Road is a lively and bustling street in Bangkok, which adds to the humour and excitement of this scene, making the characters stand out in the vibrant and busy setting.
Photo: Courtesy of Boston Herald
Yaowarat Road – Only God Forgives (2013)
A neo-noir film, “Only God Forgives” (2013) centers around Bangkok’s criminal underworld with Ryan Gosling as the main character. In the beginning, the movie showcases Chinatown and the traditional residential buildings of that district. The architecture, with its labyrinthine layout, echoes the complexities of the characters’ lives and the blurred boundaries between right and wrong.
Each location showcased Bangkok’s unique character, cultural richness, and incredible capacity to inspire creativity. So, whether you’re a film enthusiast or a traveller looking for a destination that encapsulates a world of experiences, Thailand stands out as a timeless muse. Its iconic film locations have solidified their place in cinematic history, inviting all to explore their own unforgettable journey through Bangkok’s sois in the Land of Smiles.
