The central province of Quang Binh has planned to organise tours to the set of the film “Kong: Skull Island”, which is expected to bring huge revenue for US filmmakers and great benefits to tourism in countries where the film was shot. 

The Yen Phu lake in the central province of Quang Binh

“Kong: Skull Island”  the story of a group of explorers who go in search of the birthplace of the lord of giant apes, officially hits cinemas in Vietnam and worldwide on March 10.

Vietnam is one of the three filming destinations, in addition to Hawaii and Australia, thanks to its wild natural scenery. 

Scenes were shot in Trang An, Van Long and Tam Coc in the northern province of Ninh Binh; the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Rao Nan River and Yen Phu Lake in the central province of Quang Binh; and Ha Long Bay in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh.

The 195-million-USD film project provides an opportunity to promote Vietnamese localities, as well as the country in general, to the world.

Quang Binh authorities negotiated with the film crew to build Kong’s arm-shaped statues in Yen Phu lake, Cha Noi valley and Chuot cave, aiming to attract tourists to the locations, said the provincial Department of Tourism. 

It also signed a contract with the website TripAdvisor to promote the locality’s tourism destinations, aiming to draw more foreign visitors to Quang Binh. 

Channel NewsAsia quoted the film’s director Jordan Vogt-Roberts on its website www.channelnewsasia.com as saying that Vietnam provided the “perfect aesthetic” for the film. 

“The look of Vietnam is gorgeous and otherworldly at the same time,” he said, adding that “There’s such a raw, powerful and unspoiled beauty that general audiences hadn't experienced on screen before.”

Vogt-Roberts is hopeful that the film will encourage more people to visit Vietnam, although he said he is mindful of both the advantages and pitfalls.

Vogt-Roberts was chosen as Vietnam’s new tourism ambassador in the 2017-2020 tenure. He will work to promote Vietnam’s tourism through activities in communication, art and photography, among others.

VNA