Giggster logo
Rambo movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Rambo filmed?

2008

City Locations

Chiang Mai (Thailand), Palmdale (USA), Arizona (USA)

Location Types

Farm, Unusual, Unique

Location Styles

Asian, Beachfront, Muscle, Foreign, Modern Car

About Rambo

The 2008 film Rambo is an action-packed movie directed and co-written by Sylvester Stallone. It is based on the character John Rambo, who was originally created by author David Morrell. Being the fourth installment in the Rambo franchise, the plot follows Rambo as he uses his military expertise to lead a team of mercenaries in rescuing Christian missionaries who were abducted by a Burmese infantry unit. With his exceptional combat skills and a range of weapons, Rambo sets out on a perilous mission to save the hostages from their captors and lead them back to safety. Throughout the movie's 92-minute runtime, we watch as Rambo undertakes this treacherous mission with courage and determination to save those held captive. Despite facing overwhelming odds, including enemy forces equipped with heavy firepower, he uses all his experience acquired during his military service to defeat their enemies and rescue innocent people from Burma’s amoral leaders. In order to succeed in his mission against all odds he calls upon allies from throughout the region for help who join him in his quest for justice. The movie stars Paul Schulze, Julie Benz, Matthew Marsden, Rey Gallegos, Graham McTavish, Tim Kang, Maung Maung Khin, Jake La Botz, and Ken Howard. It is dedicated to the memory of Richard Crenna who portrayed Colonel Sam Trautman in the previous films until his death in 2003. Rambo premiered in an impressive 2,751 theaters across North America and earned a staggering $6,490,000 on its first day, followed by $18,200,000 throughout its opening weekend. Although it became the second highest-grossing film in the US and Canada that same weekend, Meet the Spartans surpassed it in sales. The film's overall box office gross amounted to $113,344,290, with $42,754,105 earned from Canada and the United States. Despite the movie's success, Odeon, Europe's largest cinema chain, and third largest in the world, refused to showcase the film on any of its British screens due to a rental terms dispute with Sony Pictures, its British distributor. Nevertheless, other UK theater chains such as Empire Cinemas, Vue, Cineworld, and Ward Anderson screened the movie. Unfortunately, the French-speaking part of Switzerland was unable to show the film due to legal and commercial complications with the distributor, even though it was available on screens in France and the Swiss German-speaking part.

Rambo Locations

Rambo IV was a thrilling cinematic experience, with its production taking place across four different countries. From the hustle and bustle of America to the lush jungles of Thailand, Myanmar, and Mexico, the cross-country adventure created an exciting backdrop for the movie. The majority of scenes were filmed in Thailand, most notably in Phuket and Kanchanaburi, which gave viewers a glimpse into the country's rich culture, dense jungles, and beautiful beaches. Notable landmarks, including Phra Nang Beach, Erawan National Park, Khao Sok National Park, Toi Market, and Huai Mae Khamin Falls, were all featured as part of the film’s setting. In Myanmar, there were several scenes shot in Monywa which is home to awe-inspiring monasteries such as Thambuddhe Pagoda and Bodhi Tataung Pagoda. Mexico also served as the backdrop for some Rambo scenes, lending impressive locations like San Carlos Sija to some of the movie’s scenes. For any movie fan looking for an action-packed vacation experience, consider visiting the Rambo filming locations. The journey provides an insider look at some of the spectacular locations responsible for bringing the action film to our screens, and you can also go on a Rambo-themed tour!

Fun Facts:

Stallone did most of his own stunts without a body double! He injured both his shoulder and neck during filming due to some of these stunts but was determined to finish the film without any breaks or delays.

Rambo working on the snake farm scene in Rambo

Mae Sa Snake Farm, 804/1 หมู่ที่ 1 Rim Tai, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

Rambo (Sylvester Stalone), a veteran of the Vietnam War, has been residing in Thailand for two decades, where he ekes out a living as a snake catcher and also provides boat rides. A missionary doctor named Michael Burnett (Paul Schulze) enlists his services for a humanitarian mission to assist the Karen people, who reside in a village situated in Burma, to navigate their way up the Salween River. This request is made twenty years after the incidents that transpired in Afghanistan. Mae Sa Snake Farm is a popular tourist attraction located near Chiang Mai, Thailand. The farm is known for its collection of venomous snakes and other reptiles, as well as its educational exhibits and live shows. One of the main draws of the Mae Sa Snake Farm is the opportunity to see snakes up close and learn about their behavior and characteristics. The farm has a large collection of snakes from all over Thailand, including cobras, pythons, vipers, and more. Visitors can watch handlers perform daring stunts with the serpents, including milking their venom or putting them through an obstacle course. The farm currently is temporarily closed. To navigate your way to the Mae Sa Snake Farm, take a tuk-tuk from Chiang Mai city center or the airport, but be aware that they may not be able to travel as far as the location of 804/1 หมู่ที่ 1 Rim Tai, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai.

Explore Filming Locations

Rambo leading rescue mission scene in Rambo

Chiang Mai, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Rambo leads a group of mercenaries deep into the dense jungle on a mission to rescue a group of Christian aid workers who have been kidnapped by a ruthless Burmese military group. Along the way, they encounter dangerous wildlife, including snakes and spiders, adding to the sense of danger and urgency. Several sequences were set up in the dense and lush jungles near the town after a detailed exploration. Chiang Mai, which is situated in Northern Thailand, is widely renowned for its dense jungles that are teeming with a diverse variety of flora and fauna, including exotic plants and animals that can't be found anywhere else in the world. The jungles are characterized by towering trees, thick underbrush, and winding rivers and streams, and the atmosphere is humid with the pleasant background noise of birds and insects. Additionally, there are several small and distinct villages and communities spread throughout the jungles, each with its own unique culture and customs. Chiang Mai International Airport is located just a few kilometers from the city center, and there are direct flights to Chiang Mai from many cities throughout Asia. Check for flights and book your ticket online or through a travel agent.

Search Video Shoot Locations

Rescuing team floating through the river scene in Rambo

Salween River, Myanmar

Rambo navigates a small motorboat down the raging river. As the boat moves along, he notices a group of armed men on the riverbank, who start firing at him and his companions. The camera shifts to show the intense action, with bullets whizzing past Rambo's head and hitting the boat. Despite the danger, Rambo remains calm and concentrates on trying to steer the boat to safety. Flowing through China, Myanmar, and Thailand, the Salween River is amongst the lengthiest and most crucial watercourses in Southeast Asia. Its paramount role in the economy and culture of the surrounding regions cannot be overstated. The Salween River is the longest free-flowing river in Southeast Asia, and its headwaters are located in Myanmar, which was formerly known as Burma. For the country, it's an indispensable source of water that supports the irrigation of crops and fishing activities by the local communities. Moreover, the river serves as an important transportation route, connecting remote villages and towns situated alongside its banks. One of the options is to travel by boat along the Salween River to explore different parts of the river. Some tour operators offer boat trips along the Salween River, allowing you to experience its natural beauty and explore local villages along the way.

Uncover Film Shoot Locations

Rembo returns to the U.S. scene in Rambo

Bowie, Arizona 85605, USA

Following their conversation, Sarah's (Julie Benz) words leave a profound impact on Rambo, prompting him to make his way back to the United States. His destination is his father's home in Bowie, Arizona, where the family ranch is located in the desert. As he nears the property, the camera captures the forlorn and neglected state of the ranch, with empty structures and corroded machinery strewed about. It's evident that the once-vibrant land has seen better days, and it appears that Rambo is now the sole caretaker. Located in the southeastern part of Arizona, USA, Bowie is a small town covering 1.4 square miles with a population of approximately 300 people. It was established in the late 1800s and named after James Bowie, who was a legendary figure from the Texas Revolution. Bowie is situated on the Old Spanish Trail, an ancient trade route between New Mexico, Santa Fe, and Los Angeles, California. In its early days, the town served as a hub for ranchers, miners, and traders who relied on the trail to move goods across the Southwest region. Bowie is found near Interstate 10, a highway that stretches across the southern part of Arizona. If you're coming from Tucson, take the eastbound I-10 toward Las Cruces, New Mexico. Once you reach exit 362, follow the signs leading to Bowie's town center.

View Tucson Filming Locations

Walking toward the horizon scene in Rambo

12140 Elizabeth Lake Rd, Palmdale, CA 93551, USA

Rambo walks towards the horizon, to his family ranch in Bowie, Arizona. The camera shows him walking through the desert landscape, with rocky cliffs and rugged terrain in the background. The scene was shot in Palmdale, a Californian community. One of the highlights of Palmdale is Elizabeth Lake Road, a picturesque route that extends for approximately 10 miles. The road begins at Palmdale Boulevard and concludes at the crossroads of Godde Hill Road and Lake Hughes Road. This stretch is widely known as one of the most scenic routes in the Antelope Valley region, boasting captivating views of the nearby mountains and valleys. To get to 12140 Elizabeth Lake Rd, Palmdale from Antelope Valley Freeway (CA-14), take the Palmdale Boulevard exit and head east for around six miles until you reach 155th St. E. Turn right onto 155th St. E and continue driving south for about two miles. At the junction, turn left onto Elizabeth Lake Road and keep an eye out for the sign leading to the Lake Elizabeth Golf & Ranch Club. Drive along Elizabeth Lake Road for approximately half a mile, and you will spot 12140 Elizabeth Lake Rd situated on your right-hand side.

Check Palmdale Filming Locations

Conclusion

Rambo IV is a thrilling action movie filmed in an incredible range of locations, spanning from the war-torn jungles of Burma to the sunny streets of Mexico. The story follows Rambo as he joins a group of mercenaries on a daring mission to save kidnapped Christian aid workers from an oppressive local infantry unit. Along the way, viewers are taken on a journey across Thailand, Myanmar, the US, and Mexico. The vast array of settings helps bring this exciting story to life, creating an engaging and intense experience for viewers. From the breathtaking forests of Thailand to the gritty Mexican cityscapes, each location adds a unique flavor to this remarkable movie. Ultimately, Rambo IV is a captivating tale that spans multiple countries and continents, proving that no matter how great the distance may be, justice can be served in any corner of the world.