Where was Platoon filmed?

The opening scene is set in September 1967 at Da Nang, South Vietnam. Recruit Chris Taylor arrives and is immediately confronted with the harsh reality of war—dead American soldiers being loaded into body bags onto his plane. As Taylor and his fellow recruits pass by departing soldiers, they're met with mocking laughter from the veterans. But what truly shakes Taylor is the sight of a soldier bearing the infamous "thousand-yard stare," a clear indication of the mental torment endured on the battlefield.

Although the scene is set in Da Nang, it was filmed at Villamor Airbase in Manila, Philippines. Named after Filipino World War II pilot Jesús A. Villamor, this airbase has a rich history itself. Today, visitors can explore the base, which is now home to the Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum.

Getting to Villamor Air Base is relatively easy, as it’s just a short drive away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Several public buses run regularly from select points throughout Manila to nearby points around Villamor Air Base, making it accessible for anyone visiting this historic place.

The platoon stumbles upon a Vietnamese village, discovering a cache of food and weapons. As they explore, Taylor enters a house and finds a mentally challenged teenager and his mother hiding. Initially, Taylor taunts the boy, threatening him with his rifle, but he stops short of killing him. Tragically, Bunny (Kevin Dillon) takes over and brutally beats the boy to death, ignoring Sgt. O'Neil's orders to leave.

This shocking scene was filmed in Cavite, Philippines, specifically around the area of Puerto Azul. The locale's cliffside, river, and village scenery were prominently featured throughout the film. The province of Cavite, known for its stunning beaches and natural wonders, provided an ideal backdrop for these scenes. Tagaytay City offers breathtaking views of Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano. Other attractions include parks and museums that highlight the province's rich culture and cuisine.

You can plan a trip to Cavite if you want to visit the filming location. It's accessible by road from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. You could take a bus or hire a car to reach the province.

One of the most gripping scenes in the film occurs when Barnes commands Taylor to return to the landing zone. As their helicopter takes off, they witness the harrowing sight of a severely wounded Elias emerging from the jungle, pursued by many North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Despite the desperate efforts of the American helicopters to provide cover from above, Elias is shot several more times by the enemy and tragically succumbs to his injuries. As they depart the area, Chris gazes at Barnes' hardened face, a poignant moment that perfectly encapsulates the brutal realities of war.

The death of Sgt. Elias and other impactful jungle scenes were filmed throughout Luzon, the Philippines' largest and most populous island. Known for its majestic mountains, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, Luzon also houses Manila, the national capital. Luzon's lush and dense jungles served as an ideal stand-in for the Vietnam War's infamous battlegrounds.

Traveling to Luzon is relatively easy from major airports worldwide, with direct flights available from cities like Tokyo, Singapore, London, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and more. You can even take tours through its jungles for a firsthand experience of Platoon's atmosphere or stay in one of its many beach resorts for some relaxation after your journey.

A large-scale attack unfolds as hundreds of North Vietnamese troops overrun the American defensive perimeter. Taylor and Francis (Corey Glover) valiantly engage the enemy, cutting down several attackers. However, they pause when they hear signal whistles from unseen North Vietnamese Army sergeants ordering a ceasefire.

This dramatic scene was filmed on Mount Makiling, near Los Banos in the Philippines. Known for its forested landscapes, Mount Makiling provided the perfect backdrop for scenes involving the forest, including the artillery attack from the woods. Mount Makiling is a picturesque stratovolcano situated between the provinces of Laguna and Batangas. It is home to over 2000 species and subspecies of flowering plants and ferns, adding to its natural allure. Please note that specific filming locations may not be marked and have likely changed since 1986.

For those looking to visit Mount Makiling, plenty of tour packages are available, including transportation, guides, meals, camping gear, rafting trips on Laguna Lake, and accommodation in hotels close by. There are also organized guided hikes offered for all skill levels, so even first-time hikers can easily make their way up Mount Makiling.