Where was Good Morning, Vietnam filmed?
1987
City Locations
Bangkok, Phuket (Thailand)
Location Types
Hotel, Riverside
Location Styles
Beachfront, Federal Building, Tropical, Dilapidated, Rustic
About Good Morning, Vietnam
Humor can serve as a healing balm for the feelings of anger, frustration, and loss that often follow war, particularly in situations as contentious as the Vietnam conflict. Good Morning, Vietnam, a 1987 American comedy-drama war film directed by Barry Levinson, illustrates this point effectively.
The film stars Robin Williams as Adrian Cronauer, with Bruno Kirby, Forest Whitaker, JT Walsh, and Robert Wuhl in supporting roles. Set in Saigon during the Vietnam War, it centers on the story of a radio DJ who brings laughter to U.S. troops through his wacky yet insightful humor while attempting to remain true to himself and challenge the authority of his superiors.
Cronauer juggles being an entertaining radio DJ under tight government restrictions while trying to show his fellow soldiers the truth beyond military appearances and propaganda. His signature opening line of “Goooooood morning, Vietnaaaaam” captures his love for broadcasting and makes him an instant celebrity among the troops.
As he becomes more popular, Lt. Hauk (Bruno Kirby), his immediate superior with far less humorous sensibilities, grows jealous and vies for control of Cronauer’s airwaves. Inevitably, their clash escalates to a point where Hauk replaces Cronauer only after having one final broadcast that speaks for him and his heart rather than from any sense of duty or patriotism.
Good Morning, Vietnam received positive reviews upon its release and has since become a classic comedy-drama about life during wartime. It received Academy Award nominations for Williams’ performance under the Best Actor category.
Good Morning, Vietnam Locations
Two of the most vibrant and beautiful Thailand regions served as the backdrops for the Good Morning Vietnam production. Bangkok provided the backdrop for most scenes, where local citizens had screen debuts. To recreate a Vietnamese village, the crew relocated to Phuket, a lush tropical island at the southern end of Thailand, for the last week of filming.
Both locations offer breathtaking scenery; in Bangkok, viewers can spot the Thai Parliament Houses in the distance during initial shots taken along significant streets. Meanwhile, Thalang in Phuket substituted “Saigon,” where the crew constructed the radio station studio from which DJ Adrian Cronauer operates within a second-floor suite of the Malaysia Hotel.
The Good Morning, Vietnam filming locations would provide a worthwhile vacation to fans. Visitors can immerse themselves in breathtaking sceneries and explore fascinating filming sites such as Malaysia Hotel. Moreover, they can also get an insight into how different cultures came together to produce Good Morning, Vietnam.
Sgt. Edward Garlick escorts Cronauer to the radio studio scene in Good Morning, Vietnam
The Parliament Complex, 1111 Samsen Rd, Thanon Nakhon Chai Si, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
In 1965, when the Vietnam War intensified, Airman Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams) landed in Saigon. He arrives to take up a role as a radio host for the US Army. Sgt Edward Garlick (Forest Whitaker) meets him at the airbase and escorts him to the radio station.
An establishing shot shows Sgt Edward Garlick and Cronauer driving through the main road, with the Thai Parliament Houses prominently visible on the horizon. While fans can visit this location, it's worth noting that the road and surrounding area no longer resemble their depiction in the film. The Sappaya-Sapasathan, in specific, underwent reconstruction in 2013.
The Sappaya-Sapasathan is a grand ceremonial hall built during the reign of King Rama V in 1883. Initially used as a venue for royal events such as coronations, parades, and processions, it was also the site for many diplomatic engagements between nations. It still stands after renovations in 2013 and houses museums, a convention center, a seminar room, and a banquet hall, among other facilities available to visitors.
10300 Bangkok is easily accessible by public transport or taxi/tuk-tuk from various points within the city center.
The radio station studio scene in Good Morning, Vietnam
Malaysia Hotel, 54 Ngam Duphli Alley, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
The most memorable scenes in Good Morning, Vietnam are set in DJ Adrian Cronauer’s radio station studio. The room is full of energy and excitement as he launches into his first broadcast with his legendary catchphrase of “GOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNG VIETNAAAAAAAAAAAM!!!”
It is an instant hit with the young soldiers, as Cronauer spouts humor, creates characters, and offers mild criticism of the war effort and American elected officials. After his first broadcast, colleagues praise Cronauer, but Hauk criticizes him for being too intense.
Adrian Cronauer broadcasts from a radio station studio set on the second floor of the Malaysia Hotel at 54 Soi Ngam Duphli, Thung Maha Mek. Mayuree, who was part of the hotel management during the filming of the Hollywood movie in the 1980s, recalled one of the rooms getting remodeled to mimic a radio studio.
Although the set decorations or the studio no longer exist, fans can visit the hotel and even book a stay for a few days. A cab or public transportation from Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang International Airport to Ramkhamhaeng Station (BTS) can get you to the Malaysia Hotel.
Garlick and Cronauer travel to An Loc scenes in Good Morning, Vietnam
Thalang, Phuket Province, Thailand
Cronauer desires to visit a village called An Loc to interview the troops. Dickerson (J. T. Walsh) contacts the Army intelligence office to inquire about the accessibility of An Loc, only to be informed that the Viet Cong controls the route and it is dangerous. Despite this, Dickerson grants Cronauer's request to travel to An Loc with Garlick (Forest Whitaker).
A news report about the perilous state of the road gets censored, so Cronauer and Garlick remain unaware of it while listening to their jeep radio. Their jeep strikes a mine, forcing them off the road. They escape from the wreckage without injuries but get lost in the jungle. A small Viet Cong unit discovers their abandoned jeep and starts tracking them.
Thailand, Phuket Province provided the setting for the Saigon, Vietnam, jungles, and the road to An Loc scenes. Thalang has become a popular destination due to its picturesque beaches with aqua-blue marine life visible through snorkeling and its lush jungles surrounded by limestone caves. Visitors can also enjoy arrays of local cuisine while admiring breathtaking views of Phuket Bay from beachside restaurants.
Thalang is accessible by plane or car from major cities, such as Bangkok or Phuket. Most international flights arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, which provides direct bus services to Phuket. Alternatively, visitors can rent cars or take taxis or tours directly to Thalang.
Conclusion
Good Morning Vietnam premiered to great acclaim and has gone down in cinematic history as one of the finest examples of comedic drama. Robin Williams gives an exemplary and career-defining performance as Adrian Cronauer, the irreverent radio DJ stationed in Vietnam during the war.
Fans of the comedy-war film have a good enough excuse to use the Good Morning, Vietnam filming locations as inspiration for a visit to Thailand. Overall, Good Morning Vietnam is a well-made film that provides a commentary on war while making it enjoyable for viewers through its mix of humor and emotion.
It showcases excellent performances and has since become a classic within movie circles worldwide – rightly so! It's worth watching for any cinema fan.