Vietnam has quietly become one of the most sought-after filming destinations in Southeast Asia. From the terraced rice fields of Sapa to the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, the country’s visual diversity is almost unmatched. But Vietnam’s appeal goes beyond scenery. A skilled local crew base, competitive production costs, and a government increasingly open to foreign productions have made it a serious contender for film, TV, and commercial projects of all scales.
Still, producing in Vietnam comes with its own set of challenges. Permit processes can be complex, logistical hurdles are real, and navigating local customs without the right partners can slow a project down fast. This guide is designed to give you a clear picture of what to expect—covering permits, crew, locations, logistics, and the key questions to ask before you book a flight.
Why Vietnam Is Attracting More Productions
The numbers speak for themselves. Production costs in Vietnam are significantly lower than in Western markets. A skilled local crew member typically costs a fraction of what the same role would cost in the US, UK, or Australia—without any compromise in quality. Vietnam has a growing pool of experienced directors of photography, gaffers, production managers, and fixers who have worked on international productions and understand what foreign clients need.
Beyond cost, the sheer variety of locations is a major draw. Vietnam spans over 1,600 kilometers from north to south, offering dense jungle, dramatic coastline, colonial architecture, and bustling urban streetscapes—often within a short drive of each other. That range gives productions serious creative flexibility.
The country’s film industry is also maturing. Vietnamese productions have gained international recognition in recent years, which means infrastructure and talent have developed alongside that growth. International productions—including major Hollywood features—have shot here successfully, which has built a reliable support ecosystem for incoming crews.
Understanding the Permit Process
This is where many productions hit their first wall. Vietnam requires permits for almost all professional filming, and the process varies depending on location, subject matter, and whether your production involves foreign nationals.
National-Level Permits
For feature films and large-scale TV productions, the primary government body involved is the Vietnam Cinema Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Foreign productions generally need to submit scripts for review and obtain approval before filming can begin. This process can take several weeks, so building lead time into your schedule is essential.
For commercials and branded content, the process is somewhat more streamlined, but still requires official documentation—particularly if you’re filming in public spaces or at government-managed landmarks.
Location-Specific Permits
On top of national permits, individual provinces and municipalities often have their own requirements. Filming in Ha Long Bay, for instance, is managed by the Quang Ninh Province authorities. Filming in Hoi An’s Ancient Town requires coordination with the local heritage management board. Each adds another layer of approval that needs to be factored into your timeline.
Working with a reputable Vietnam production services company (more on this below) can make this process considerably smoother. They’ll have established relationships with permit offices and know what documentation is required for each specific location.
Drone Filming
Aerial footage is subject to particularly strict regulations in Vietnam. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) oversees drone permits, and certain areas—particularly near airports, military zones, and major urban centers—are restricted or completely off-limits. Processing times for drone permits can run from two to four weeks, sometimes longer. Factor this in early.
Building Your Local Crew
Vietnam’s crew base has expanded considerably over the past decade. Major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have production communities with experienced professionals who regularly work on international projects.
Key Roles to Source Locally
For most productions, the following roles can reliably be filled by local talent:
- Production Coordinator / Line Producer: Critical for managing the day-to-day logistics and liaising with permit offices, vendors, and location owners.
- Fixer: An experienced fixer is invaluable, especially for documentary or news productions. A good fixer understands not just logistics, but cultural nuance and how to navigate sensitive situations.
- Camera and Grip/Electric: Vietnam has skilled crews in both departments, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City where the commercial production industry is well established.
- Art Department: Local set designers and prop masters are creative and resourceful, often delivering high production value on tighter budgets.
When to Bring Your Own Key Crew
Many international productions choose to bring their Director, DoP, and Sound Recordist from their home market, then fill out the rest of the crew locally. This is a practical approach that balances creative consistency with cost savings. That said, local DoPs with international experience are increasingly available and worth considering.
Choosing a Production Service Company
For most international productions, partnering with a local production service company is not optional—it’s essential. They serve as your operational backbone, handling everything from permits and crew to logistics and accounting.
Here’s what to look for:
A verifiable track record. Ask for a reel and a client list. A reputable service company should be able to point to recent international productions they’ve supported, and those clients should be reachable for references.
In-house permit expertise. Permit management should be handled in-house, not outsourced. If a service company is vague about their permit process or timelines, that’s a red flag.
Location knowledge across regions. Vietnam’s regions are quite different from one another operationally. A company based only in Ho Chi Minh City may not have the same on-the-ground capability in Hoi An or Ha Giang. Make sure their experience matches your shooting locations.
Clear financial processes. Understanding how budgets are managed, how costs are reported, and what the markup structure looks like will save friction later. Ask for a sample budget breakdown early in the conversation.
Top Filming Locations in Vietnam
Vietnam’s landscape variety is one of its greatest production assets. Here’s a quick snapshot of the regions that draw the most international projects:
Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh
The limestone karst formations of Ha Long Bay are iconic for a reason. The surrounding region, including the inland karst landscapes of Ninh Binh, offers dramatic scenery that has featured in major Hollywood productions. Logistics here require boat access and advance planning, but the visual payoff is significant.
Hoi An & Da Nang
The UNESCO-listed Ancient Town of Hoi An is one of the most photogenic locations in Southeast Asia. Its lantern-lit streets, riverside architecture, and preserved merchant houses create a distinctive visual palette. Da Nang, just 30 kilometers north, provides more modern infrastructure and easier crew logistics.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam’s largest city is a production hub in its own right. Its chaotic energy, French colonial architecture, and dense streetscapes make it a compelling location for contemporary stories. It’s also where the majority of Vietnam’s commercial production infrastructure is based, making it the easiest city to crew up quickly.
Ha Giang & The Northern Highlands
For productions seeking dramatic mountain landscapes, the northern highlands—particularly Ha Giang Province—offer some of the most stunning scenery in all of Southeast Asia. The Dong Van Karst Plateau is a UNESCO Global Geopark. The trade-off is accessibility; reaching these locations requires significant travel time and logistical planning.
Hue
Vietnam’s former imperial capital offers a rich historical backdrop. The Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and Perfume River provide excellent period and cultural settings. The city is less commercially developed than Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, which can mean more accessible locations—but also fewer crew resources locally.
Logistics: What to Know Before You Arrive
Equipment Import
Bringing professional camera equipment into Vietnam requires a carnet or advance customs coordination. Working without one can result in delays at the border or airport, or in some cases, equipment being held. Your production service company should manage this process, but confirm early that they have direct experience with equipment importation.
Transportation
Getting between locations in Vietnam can be more time-consuming than a map suggests. Mountain roads are winding, traffic in cities like Ho Chi Minh City is notoriously dense, and some locations are only accessible by boat or off-road vehicle. Realistic travel times need to be built into the schedule—not just driving distances.
Weather & Seasonality
Vietnam’s climate varies significantly by region and season. The country experiences a monsoon season that rolls through different regions at different times of year. The south tends to see heavy rain between May and October; the north and central regions have their own weather patterns. Scouting with local producers who understand seasonal conditions is important for avoiding costly weather delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get filming permits in Vietnam?
For commercials and short-form content, a realistic timeline is two to four weeks for standard permits, assuming all documentation is in order. For feature films requiring script approval, allow six to eight weeks minimum.
Can I film guerrilla-style without permits?
Technically, small crews shooting discreetly in public spaces do sometimes operate without permits, but this carries real risk. Equipment can be confiscated, crew can be detained, and the production can be shut down entirely. For professional productions, permitted filming is strongly recommended.
Is Vietnam suitable for large-scale productions?
Yes, with the right planning. Vietnam has hosted major international feature films and large commercial productions. The key is working with a production service company that has the infrastructure and experience to support a large crew.
What currency is used on set?
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. Most production costs are quoted and paid in VND, though some international vendors may work in USD. Your service company should provide a clear budget in both currencies with transparent exchange rate handling.
Make Your Vietnam Production Count
Vietnam rewards thorough preparation. Productions that come in with realistic timelines, the right local partners, and a clear understanding of the permit landscape consistently have strong experiences. Those that underestimate the complexity tend to pay for it in delays and stress.
The country’s combination of visual richness, competitive costs, and growing professional infrastructure makes it a compelling choice for productions across genres and formats. Whether you’re planning a feature, a commercial, or a documentary series, the foundations for a successful shoot are there—you just need to build on them carefully.
Start by identifying a production service company with a proven track record in your target regions, get your permit timeline locked in early, and give your team the lead time they need to do the job properly. The rest tends to follow.