Discover the destination in Vietnam that will soon appear in a Hollywood movie

Now, however, a new name is stepping into the limelight, full of promise and surprise: Cat Ba (Hai Phong) - an untapped gem of the sea, ready to become the next cinematic phenomenon on the global stage.

On Bored Panda , author Chloe Arcy asks, so what makes Cat Ba - still a rather quiet name on the international tourism map - become such a promising destination?

Cat Ba surpasses many names

Many people think that blockbusters only choose widely known locations, but Riot Studios - the creator of "League of Legends", with more than 650 million players - has just made waves when announcing Cat Ba as the main setting for the upcoming 9-episode TV series, scheduled to premiere in late 2025. And this is no random decision - Cat Ba beat out strong competitors such as Japan, South Korea and Thailand to win this coveted location.

Cat Ba attracts international attention. PHOTO: BORED PANDA

More than just a beautiful island, Cat Ba is like an unexplored natural treasure chest. Huge limestone cliffs rise from the water, curving like natural walls, creating a world that seems to have come straight out of a mythical movie set. Pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters reflecting the golden sunlight - all beckon talented directors to turn their cinematic dreams into reality. Deep caves act as portals to another world, dense primeval forests with leaves rustling in the wind, and light filtering through the foliage create an enchanting atmosphere like a high-budget fantasy film. This is exactly what filmmakers are looking for: a location that can truly bring their scenes to life.

If you have ever been fascinated by the surreal landscapes in "Avatar", "Star Wars" or "Lord of the Rings", imagine a place that can bring a similar visual experience, but completely real. When entering the caves in Cat Ba, you will discover a strange new world opening up before your eyes - where natural light penetrates through stalactites to create spectacular color effects, like a visual feast. Not to mention the primeval forests embracing the limestone mountains, home to the rare Cat Ba langur, making the entire island like a hidden paradise.

The most exciting experiences of summer

In Cat Ba, in addition to the breathtaking natural scenery that captivates people, there is also a "huge" Jetski and fireworks show coming soon that will amaze the world. "Symphony of Green Island" will turn the sea surface into a 50,000m² stage, where Jetskis and Flyboards soar through giant water columns, lasers tear through the night sky and fireworks explode like waves of fire shooting high into the sky. It is said that this program is aiming to set a Guinness World Record for "The world's largest Jetski and fireworks show".

Light show in Cat Ba. PHOTO: BORED PANDA

But wait, the night isn't over yet! The VUI-Fest Bazaar will bring a vibrant atmosphere with hundreds of eco-friendly stalls, and if you want to experience something more "relaxing" amidst the hustle and bustle, enjoy a glass of authentic German craft beer - Sun KraftBeer at Sun Bavaria Cat Ba Gastro Pub. Sip your beer while watching the spectacular fireworks - an experience you can't miss!

Furthermore, tourism infrastructure has also been heavily invested, making Cat Ba increasingly accessible. One of the notable highlights is the three-wire cable car system across the sea, which helps shorten the travel time from the mainland to only 15 minutes and is more convenient for tourists.

The power of cinema in promoting tourism

If you still doubt the power of cinema to transform a destination, just look at New Zealand after “Lord of the Rings,” Croatia after “Game of Thrones,” or South Korea after “Squid Game.” These blockbusters have not only brought these locations to life on screen, they have turned them into “tourist meccas” where millions of people flock to relive the cinematic moments.

The magical beauty of Cat Ba. PHOTO: BORED PANDA

Vietnam is on the same journey. Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh made waves after "Kong: Skull Island" and now Cat Ba could be the next name to step onto the global stage.

Riot Games choosing Cat Ba is not only an opportunity for cinema, but also a turning point for Vietnam's tourism to expand further. Who knows, in a few years when you set foot on Cat Ba, you will not only see a beautiful island, but a real movie setting - where magical stories are being written every day!

Last March, during a meeting with leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Director of Riot Studios - Rose Lam - informed that the company is planning a new film project. After surveying in Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, the team found that Cat Ba archipelago (Hai Phong) is the most ideal and feasible location to make the film. Ms. Rose Lam hopes that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and local authorities will actively support and create favorable conditions for the film crew to come and film and make the film in the best way. The film project is also expected to contribute to spreading the image of Vietnamese tourism to international friends, according to information from the National Tourism Administration.