When Kong: Skull Island hit the big screens, audiences were captivated by the stunning real-world locations featured in the film. The crew opted for one of the world’s most underrated frontiers, Vietnam, to bring Kong’s mythical lair to life. Vietnam’s northern landscape perfectly captures the visual tone of an otherworldly land dominated by primeval creatures. If you feel the call of adventure, here’s a map to help you plan your own monster-sized expedition.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay, meaning “where the dragon descends into the sea,” is a mystical destination steeped in folklore. Legend has it that ages ago, the Jade Emperor summoned a family of dragons from the heavens to repel an impending invasion. As the dragons soared through the sky, they showered the bay with thousands of emerald gemstones. These gemstones gave birth to the now iconic 1,900 majestic limestone outcrops that rise dramatically from the serene waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
What to do in Halong Bay
Embark on a traditional boat and navigate through the towering monoliths to discover hidden coves and lagoons. Spending a night in Halong Bay allows you to soak in its mysticism and explore numerous enchanting caves, grottoes, and coves nestled within the archipelago. When the mist rolls in, the jungle-covered crags and bluffs become even more mesmerizing.
Kong-spotting in Halong Bay
You’ll instantly recognize the famous karsts of Ha Long Bay in the movie’s official poster. As the helicopter armada carrying the Monarch expedition team descends on Skull Island, it is within the jagged rock formations of Ha Long Bay that King Kong first greets his ill-fated guests.
Phong Nha National Park
One way to convince an audience that a fictional destination exists is to film in a place that has never been seen on the big screen before. Phong Nha Ke Bang, a national park in Central Vietnam, sits on the border with Laos to the west and the East Sea to the east. It went unnoticed for years until the accidental discovery of Han Son Doong Cave in 1991. Since then, Phong Nha has become increasingly popular among adventurers looking to experience this hidden gem for themselves.
What to do in Phong Nha
While Han Son Doong Cave may have brought Phong Nha into the limelight, this UNESCO World Heritage site also offers other equally astonishing caves open for exploration. Join an eco-tour, sign up for a two-day caving expedition, and roam the area to discover Phong Nha’s hidden treasures. You can also take a boat ride from the central pier to Phong Nha Cave.
Kong-spotting in Phong Nha
After a hostile encounter with the Monarch gang, Kong goes on a rampage against the crew. The plane eventually crashes to the ground, and Larson and Hiddeston’s characters are seen escaping from the wreckage, trampling through the surroundings of Yen Phu Lake. The movie also showcases the enchanting interiors of Mouse Cave.
Ninh Binh
The jagged landscape of Ninh Binh is a character in itself. Often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land,” this picturesque countryside is home to countless limestone formations that rise from the earth like a divine fortress. The rolling hills and mountains harmoniously blend with the graceful bends of the Ngo Dong River, which shimmer a brilliant ochre hue under the sunlight.
What to do in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is best experienced by exploring Tam Coc, a flooded cave karst system that is part of the wider Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Appreciate the beauty of Ngo Dong River as you embark on a serene bamboo sampan tour, gliding through the shadows of towering limestone formations. Afterward, climb the steps to Mua Cave for a breathtaking view of the entire landscape.
Kong-spotting in Ninh Binh
Following the chaos of the initial Kong encounter, the surviving team members make their way to find refuge. During their trek, they stumble upon one of Ninh Binh’s towering limestone karsts, marked by a monstrous, bloody paw print, foreshadowing the terror yet to come.
Embark on your own adventure to these underrated Kong Skull Island locations and immerse yourself in the magical landscapes that served as the backdrop for this epic film. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the real-world settings that transported viewers to the mythical world of Kong. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Vietnam firsthand.