Skull Island Vietnam - An Itinerary to cover King Kong movie spots

From film shoots to trips, the land of Vietnam has left everyone in awe of its landscapes. Speaking about films, one of the latest blockbuster hits is the 2017 film Kong: Skull Island, which featured some of the country's most beautiful natural scenes. Therefore, to tourists who want to visit the real "Skull Island" areas of Ninh Binh, here is a look at the places one should not miss, along with some practical travel tips.

Looking for Kong Collapse tour instead? Then check this Phong Nha cave of epic proportions!

1. Ninh Binh Province: The Heart of Skull Island

Marketed as "Ha Long Bay on land," Ninh Bình shows a breathtaking landscape, verdant rice paddies, and sinuous rivers. Some of the most important filming locations include:

• Tam Coc (Bích Động):
  It is famous for its poetic boat trips along the Ngo Dong River, where visitors can sail through three natural caves amidst towering limestone mountains. In the movie, this is the perfect scene of serenity.

• Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex:
  Not many people know that it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features boat tours through the network of waterways, caves, and temples. The virgin beauty was the backdrop to several crucial moments within the movie.
  I mean if you are going on Skull island shooting locations hunt then Trang An boat tour is a must do thing in Ninh binh, we can vouch for it.
  

• Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve:
  Well documented in the movie, this serene reserve of standing waters reflects the surrounding karst peaks and nurtures fauna spotting, with houses for the extremely rare Delacour's langur.
  Don’t like crowded places when visiting Ninh Binh, then this is a place to go as still most tourists just know about Tam coc and Trang an.

2. Quang Bình Province: Caves and Beyond

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The insane landscape of Quang Binh and its giant cave systems brought a slice of mystery into Kong: Skull Island. Places of interest:

• Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park:
  Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the landscapes of Phong Nha bear recognition for their uniqueness and the size of their cave systems. Of course, caves are there-and this region has the largest in the world, the Sơn Đoòng-but the national park's differing ecosystems and jungles are used in the movie too.
  

• Yen Phu Lake:
  This peaceful lake, surrounded by limestone mountains, is another filming location where Kong comes ashore. The tranquility of the environment will let visitors unwind and picture in their mind's eye what unfolded here on screen.

3. Ha Long Bay: The most famous destination of Vietnam which everyone knows

The emerald waters and high limestone islands of Halong Bay leave no doubt that this is Halong Bay. The climactic Hạ Long Bay played the role of the gateway of Skull Island in the movie. Halong Bay will present travelers with the opportunity to see this out-of-this-world topography up close while on a cruise.
Yes, it's quite commercialised now and yes it's too crowded most of the time except off seasons but we would still recommend it if you are covering Vietnam from North to South.

But if you are really wary of ‘super touristic’ places then check out Lan Ha Bay which is better than Halong bay in most aspects.

Travel Tips for the Skull Island Explorer

• Best Time to Go:
  The best time of the year for touring these areas is from November through April. The weather conditions are great at that time, and it is more comfortable to spend time outdoors during the dry season.
  Always and we can’t say it enough, start early in the morning and beat the crowd rush which starts around 10 am onwards, you will have a much better time! 

• How to Get There:

• Hanoi is a good starting point. It takes 2 hours to drive from Hanoi to get to Ninh Bình, while one can take a domestic flight to Quang Binh's Dong Hoi Airport. Ha Long Bay is 4 hours away from the capital.
  There are buses and limousines(mini vans) which run from Hanoi to Ninh Binh which you can easily book with the Vexere app (book now pay later to driver).

• Accommodation:
  
  Choices of accommodations range from the luxury of resorts down to backpackers' hostels. Staying in a riverside bungalow may add to the excitement in Ninh Bình, and Hạ Long Bay has overnight cruises to make the adventure more thrilling.

• Guided Tours:
  Many tour operators offer package tours covering these locations for filming, adding historical context and behind-the-scenes stories from the movie. Going on a guided tour can be very enriching and will ensure that one travels in comfort among the sites. 

• Self-guided Tours: If you want to save money (but not time!) then just plot these locations on google maps and visit them one by one. Best would be to rent a motorbike for around 150k VND. 
  Ensure to get a proper fitting and certified safe helmet since most renting places skimp on helmet quality with a clean visor. And double check when renting a motorbike having both rearview mirrors, working lights, horns and brakes.
  Oh and save the phone number of the place from where you rent it, you might need it in case of issues on the bike trip (we made the mistake of not getting the phone number and had so much trouble when our bike stopped working in the middle of nowhere).

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Respect Culture

• Respect the customs:
  Vietnamese culture speaks of respect and modesty. Dress appropriately, especially when entering temples or rural areas, and don't take pictures unless asked by the locals.

• Environmental Responsibility:
  These are protected areas; please learn how not to litter, not to stray from the paths, and never disturb the wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it possible to visit all filming locations in a single trip?
  Yes, it is, with careful planning. A number of travel agencies offer multi-day tours across all these regions. We would suggest you to not rush it though else it would be just a touch and go tour and you might regret it in the end!

• Do I need any special permissions to visit these places?
  Most of the sites are freely accessible and require no special permits. Some caves in Phong Nha may require permits and guided tours.

• What should I bring with me on the tour?
  Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a good camera are a must. If you plan to explore caves, you may want to bring a flashlight along with proper gear.

• Are vaccinations or any other health precautions necessary?
  Ensure that you are up to date with all routine shots. It is advisable that you drink bottled water and be very cautious with street food, as your stomach may be sensitive.
  Just be careful with mosquito bites by using repellent sprays as there have been few occurrences of Malaria.

• Can I visit these sites on my own without a tour?
  Yes, most of these sites can be visited without a guided tour; however, a guided tour will be far more enriching in terms of information about the sites that were used in filming and about the local culture in general.

• Are the spots family-friendly?
  Of course, they are, because they have activities that include boat rides, nature strolls, and visiting other cultures. Just be careful when taking a boat ride to have appropriate size life vests for children (if you are travelling with kids).