Vietnam's natural wonders to be featured in Bollywood movie

THE HANOI TIMES — With Vietnam emerging as a top destination for Indian travelers, choosing it as a cinematic backdrop offers a unique opportunity to display the country's stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Vietnamese landscapes on Bollywood’s film

Innovations India, a major Bollywood film studio, announced on July 14 a major film project set in the stunning natural landscapes of Vietnam. The legendary Son Doong Cave will feature prominently in the film.

Titled SILAA and boasting a $4 million budget, the highly anticipated film is expected to be an Indian blockbuster and will mark a historic milestone for both Vietnam’s tourism and the Indian film industry.

It is a collaboration between a renowned Indian production team and Vietnam’s Oxalis Co. Ltd., with strong backing from former Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau. A crew of over 100 professionals is expected to spend three weeks capturing the surreal beauty of the cave, where otherworldly rock formations, subterranean rivers, and lush jungles create a natural wonder that rivals any film set.

While primarily set in Son Doong, the film will also journey through Vietnam’s diverse and picturesque landscapes. Scenes will be filmed in Cao Bang, Quang Ninh , and parts of Quang Tri Province. Each location will showcase the country’s exceptional natural and cultural richness.

SILAA tells a moving, emotionally rich story with a universal message of humanity and connection. By choosing Vietnam as its setting, the production embraces the country’s visual grandeur and strengthens the growing cultural and tourism ties between India and Vietnam.

As more Indian travelers seek meaningful, immersive experiences, Vietnam - home to magnificent caves, lush forests , and vibrant traditions - is quickly becoming a destination of choice.

Selecting Son Doong Cave as the primary location signals a momentous opportunity to showcase Vietnam’s untouched beauty to an Indian audience.

This cinematic endeavor is expected to spark a surge in tourism to Vietnam’s central region, particularly Quang Tri Province, where pristine nature, historical depth, and cinematic storytelling converge.

Once overlooked, this region is now poised to attract travelers with unique tourism products blending adventure, indigenous culture, and the growing appeal of film tourism.

Scheduled for a 2026 global release, SILAA is expected to significantly enhance Vietnam’s reputation as a premier travel destination.

Scenic spots such as Thien Duong Cave, the Chay River, the Dark Cave, the Mooc Stream, Cua Tung Beach, Cua Viet Beach, and Con Co Island will benefit from the film’s success. They will invite global travelers to experience the cinematic beauty they will witness on screen firsthand.

Opportunity to promote tourism

SILAA is not the first Indian film to be shot in Vietnam. Previously, the $4 million film Love in Vietnam was shot in September 2024 across Vietnam’s central and southern regions.

Director Rahul Bali shared that, after filming in Vietnam for the first time, his team was deeply impressed by the country’s spectacular natural beauty and the warmth of its people. "Our second project, SILAA, will begin production this August. We are confident that audiences will be captivated by its heartfelt story and the breathtaking visuals of Son Doong Cave,” Bali said.

According to Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam has all the resources necessary to become a world-class destination for international film production. In recent years, an increasing number of foreign directors have chosen Vietnam for its scenic backdrops and rich cultural texture.

Vietnam offers a unique blend of pristine natural landscapes, lush tropical forests, expansive coastlines, abundant sunshine, and a vibrant, time-honored culture.

This foundation positions us to become one of the region’s leading tourist destinations.

He added: "Through cinema, we hope to showcase Vietnam as a beautiful, welcoming country. We believe this will pave the way for the growing trend of 'cinema tourism' in the years to come."

India is a significant source market for Vietnam’s tourism sector. Currently, it ranks as Vietnam’s 7th largest and is among the top 10 countries with the highest volume of international searches for travel to Vietnam since early 2022. In 2024, Vietnam welcomed 501,000 Indian tourists, nearly triple the number recorded in 2019. In the first six months of 2025, Vietnam received 337,500 Indian visitors, reflecting a 41% increase compared to the same period last year. To build on this momentum, Vietnam will hold a tourism promotion roadshow in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, two major film hubs in southern India, from September 4 to 11. The roadshow will spotlight Vietnamese tourism offerings and foster direct connections with Bollywood producers, travel agencies, airlines, and MICE businesses. The event will strengthen the cultural and cinematic bridge between the two nations.