Where was Brokedown Palace filmed?

Alice Marano and Darlene Davis, two inseparable best friends who have just graduated from high school, decide to embark on a thrilling adventure to Thailand. Despite Darlene's initial reservations, they successfully persuade their parents that their destination is Hawaii instead.

Their excitement is somewhat dampened upon arriving at the Royal Garden Guesthouse, which doesn't quite meet their expectations. A particularly amusing moment unfolds when they encounter a massive cockroach, a quintessential tropic surprise, further highlighting the stark contrast between their sanitized lives back home and the gritty reality of southeast Asia

The Royal Garden Guesthouse scenes were filmed at RendezVous in Manila. Although the site has undergone some changes since the filming, the surrounding area still retains the atmosphere conveyed in the movie. The building is now reportedly a villa, adding a touch of luxury to its rustic charm.

If you're planning a visit, the best way to get there would be to fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. From there, you can take a taxi or use local public transportation to reach Makati, which is approximately 5 miles away.

One scene that stands out for its visual richness and cultural immersion sees best friends Alice and Darlene exploring Thailand. The girls are shown riding around Bangkok, their faces lighting up with joy and excitement as they take in the city's bustling energy. They visit a temple and marvel at the grandeur of the golden Buddha statues and the serene spirituality that pervades the place.

This iconic scene was filmed at Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, located within the precincts of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Regarded as Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, the complex houses the venerated statue of the Emerald Buddha, which is considered the country's palladium. Visiting Wat Phra Kaew can be a spiritual and cultural experience for film fans and other tourists alike.

You can fly to Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok to get there. From either airport, take a taxi or use local public transportation to reach the historical center of Bangkok, where the Grand Palace is located. The temple is open to the public, but remember to dress respectfully as it is a place of worship.

One memorable scene in the film occurs when Alice, feeling bored with their routine, convinces Darlene to venture into a luxury hotel. Pretending to be guests, they indulge in the hotel's amenities, lounging by the pool and ordering a lavish spread of cocktails and food. Their ruse is nearly exposed by a hotel employee, but they are saved by a charming Australian man who claims they are with him.

This scene was shot at The Manila Hotel in the Philippines. Known for its rich history, elegance, and top-tier service, The Manila Hotel has long been famous among distinguished guests. In 2008, The Manila Hotel underwent significant renovations, including changes to the pool area featured in the film. Despite this, the location maintains its allure and is worth a visit for fans of the movie.

To get to The Manila Hotel, you would need to fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. From there, you can either hail a taxi or utilize the local public transportation system to reach the hotel, situated in the vibrant heart of Manila and approximately a 30-minute journey away.

One of the most intense scenes in the film occurs at Don Mueang International Airport. As the girls prepare to board their flight to Hong Kong with Nick, they are detained by Thai police. Much to their shock, they find that one of their bags contains heroin. They vehemently insist that Nick, the Australian man they met during their trip, must have planted it.

This scene was filmed at Terminal 1 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which represents Don Mueang International Airport. Located between Pasay and Parañaque, south of Manila and southwest of Makati, it serves as the primary gateway for travelers visiting the Philippines. The airport was named in honor of former Philippine Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., who was tragically assassinated in 1983.

If you plan to visit this location, you can fly directly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport from various international destinations. As the airport is still operational, it should be easy for film fans to visit the site.

After being accused of smuggling heroin during their trip to Thailand, the friends are sentenced to 33 years in prison. The prison scenes are some of the most impactful in the film. The harsh realities of their confinement are vividly depicted, from their struggles with the brutal treatment by fellow inmates to the squalid conditions they endure. The tension between the friends escalates when Darlene accuses Alice of ruining her life by agreeing to help smuggle the drugs. As time goes on, Darlene struggles to cope with the violence and filth of prison life, becoming ill after a cockroach gets into her ear.

The prison scenes were captured at the Sanctuary Center, a facility for women's mental health under the administration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Mandaluyong, Manila.

A makeshift wall was erected down the site's grounds, dividing it in half for the shoot. Real inmates were kept in one half of the area during filming while the crew worked on the other. Actress Amanda de Cadenet, who played a prisoner in the film, recounted how upset patients would occasionally throw feces over the dividing wall in protest.

While the site might not be open to visitors due to its nature as a functioning facility, interested fans can still view the exterior of the building. To reach your destination, you have two options: taking a taxi or renting a car. If you're coming from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, it's a 45-minute drive.