If you’re a big movie fan, chances are you’ve come across the stunning locations that make Phuket one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world. Here’s more about it.
An Overview of Phuket
Located off the west coast of Thailand, Phuket is the largest island in the country. Surrounding the island are the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Take a second and picture a tropical island with soft white beaches, green hills behind, and the ocean in front. Beaches are dotted with chairs where tourists relax and enjoy the tropical serenity – this is Phuket for you.
Frankly, words cannot do justice to the beauty of Phuket. Clearly, filmmakers are of the same mind, which is why they frequent Phuket looking for scenic locations – and, of course, they find what they are looking for. The island has been featured in several high-profile movies, including The Beach and The Man with the Golden Gun from the James Bond franchise.
What makes Phuket so appealing to filmmakers is its diversity, both in terms of geography, culture, and architecture, creating beautiful backdrops for films. Hollywood has been showering Phuket with its star-studded attention, and now it’s a top choice for travellers around the world.
Natural Beauty and Diverse Landscapes
One of the main reasons why filmmakers keep coming back to Phuket is the island’s sheer variety of landscapes. It boasts a range of beautiful beaches fringed by the ocean and backed by lush mountains. There are dense forests if you want to capture a jungle scene and dramatic cliffs if you want to film a romantic moment where a couple holds hands and looks out over stunning scenery. In other words, Phuket has it all.
On your typical tropical island, you don’t usually find thick forests and mountainous terrain with hiking trails. And there’s wildlife here too. It’s difficult to put Phuket into a single category because there’s so much variety. Have you ever been to Phang Nga Bay? If you haven’t, you might have at least seen it in James Bond movies. It’s a stunning place that doesn’t look real. You almost feel like you’ve stepped into a world where magic exists – you’d almost expect Moana to paddle her way to you.
Luxury Resorts
This is another indisputable reason why Phuket is loved by film producers. This is where luxury meets serenity. You’ll find a range of luxury resorts with Hollywood-level comforts and amenities – exactly what a film crew would want, right?
After a day of filming, they want to return to a luxurious Phuket resort and unwind. Better yet, they could lounge by a pool that seamlessly blends with the green landscapes of Phuket. During breaks from filming, they can enjoy a bike tour around the island, play a round of golf, get a spa treatment, or learn to cook a Thai dish!
To sum it up, five-star resorts like Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas are part of Phuket’s allure for residents of Hollywood Hills.
Culture, History, and Architecture
Yes, there’s another layer to Phuket’s allure as a film location: its rich culture, history, and architecture.
The Old Town, for instance, is where you can see a collection of old buildings with Sino-Portuguese architecture; it’s a fascinating place with marketplaces and antique shops. Phuket’s temples, on the other hand, champion the island’s rich culture. All these temples are visually striking and offer breathtaking views as well. With intricate carvings, gold detailing, and a peaceful atmosphere, Phuket’s temples provide a spiritual backdrop for movies – say you want to film a scene where the protagonist takes a trip to a tropical island with cultural and religious finesse; Phuket is where you would want to be.
There’s more: vibrant festivals full of colour and energy. Phuket celebrates a range of festivals throughout the year. The island celebrates Songkran, the Thai New Year, in the most fascinating manner – with parties, water splashing, and temples joining in with religious ceremonies as well.
Balmy Weather
Phuket has a year-round tropical climate, which is another reason why filmmakers absolutely love it. For most of the year, the weather remains calm and sunny, making it easy to set up a shoot. You can even film during the rainy season, which typically runs from May to October. The rain doesn’t hold for long, so you can easily find a window in between to set up a shoot.
Accessibility and Connectivity
Last but not least, Phuket is incredibly easy to get to, and once you’re here, you can stay connected with your loved ones abroad. Phuket International Airport connects the island to the rest of the world, so you can easily come and go with minimal hassle. Plus, getting around is easy, and most resorts provide Wi-Fi, so you won’t be cut off from the outside world.