Where was Rambo III filmed?

The action-packed opening scene of Rambo III takes place in the heart of Thailand's vibrant capital, Bangkok. Colonel Sam Trautman (Richard Crenna), goes back to recruit John J. Rambo for his mission. The film introduces us to Rambo through the Stick Fight sequence, in which he emerges triumphant in front of a fascinated crowd in a decaying structure.

This breathtaking scene was shot close to the Buddhist temple of Wat Sangkrachai Worawihan in Bangkok Yai's Wat Tha Phra neighborhood. The Thai capital of Bangkok is a lively metropolis with a plethora of temples, a vibrant street culture, and a vast system of canals fed by the Chao Phraya River, which is populated with boats.

The majestic Rattanakosin area, with its grand palace and revered Wat Phra Kaew Temple, is carved out as the river meanders past it. Nearby lies the world-famous Wat Pho Temple, known for its enormous reclining Buddha. Across the river, the breathtaking Wat Arun Temple captivates with its steep stairs and distinctive Khmer-style peak.

The biggest international airport in Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi, is the perfect landing spot for a flight to this destination. You can get to Wat Sangkrachai Worawihan Temple by taking a cab or using the city's public transit system. The region is served by multiple bus lines, including the 19, 57, and 123. The other option is to travel the BTS Skytrain to the Wongwian Yai station, where you may hail a cab to the temple.

Following Rambo's stick fight victory, Colonel Trautman visits the construction site of the Buddhist temple that Rambo is assisting in building. Here, Trautman presents a new mission to Rambo—delivering weapons, including FIM-92 Stinger missiles, to the Mujahideen rebels in Afghanistan who are battling the Soviets in the Soviet-Afghan War.

This pivotal scene was filmed at Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha, a Buddhist monastery in Lamphun, Thailand. The monastery is about 30 miles from Chiang Mai and takes just over an hour to reach downtown Chiang Mai. Nestled in the Pasang district of the Lamphun province, this fascinating temple is often included in tours due to its cultural significance and intriguing features.

The name "Phutthabat" translates to "footprint of the Buddha," while "Tak Pha" signifies the Buddha placing his robe to dry on a cliff during his visit to the location. Known for its impressive Naga staircase, considered the most striking in north Thailand, the Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha is divided into two parts: the main complex housing the vihara with the Buddha footprint and the hilltop temple.

To get to this location from Chiang Mai, you can hire a private car or taxi or join a guided tour. There are also local buses that run from Chiang Mai to Lamphun. Once in Lamphun, a short taxi ride will take you directly to the temple. From Bangkok, it's a nine-hour drive via AH2 and Route 1.

Robert Griggs (Kurtwood Smith) informs Rambo of an incident that prompts Rambo to request Griggs to assist him in an unofficial operation. Despite being warned that if he is caught or killed, the U.S. government will deny any involvement, Rambo presses on.

A pivotal scene involving the U.S. Embassy was filmed at the historic East Asiatic Company Thailand Building in Bangkok. This grand structure, built circa 1900, is a fine example of Renaissance Revival architecture designed by Annibale Rigotti. It functioned as the headquarters of the East Asiatic Company Thailand until 1995. Although typically closed to the general public, the building was briefly opened in November 2018 as one of the venues for the Bangkok Art Biennale.

Getting to this location is straightforward as it is in the heart of Bangkok's Bang Rak District. You can use the city's well-connected public transportation system, such as the BTS Skytrain or the MRT Metro, to reach the district. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or use a ride-sharing service for direct travel to the building.

The thrilling sequence takes place in a cave, where Rambo and Trautman face off against a group of Soviet Spetsnaz commandos, including Kourov (Randy Raney). Despite the odds, they manage to defeat their opponents. However, their triumph is fleeting, for they are soon confronted by a Soviet tank force under the command of Zaysen (Marc de Jonge). Zaysen warns them that they will not be able to escape and that he plans to capture them alive, so he instructs them to give up their guns and obey his orders.

This dramatic showdown occurred in Israel's Beit Guvrin National Park, famous for its breathtaking underground scenery. Located in the picturesque Shephelah region, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Beit Guvrin-Maresha provides an unforgettable journey through history.

Visitors can explore ancient, remarkably preserved wine presses, columbariums, olive oil presses, and secret passages. In addition to providing a glimpse into the past, this subterranean metropolis is a fantastic site for discovery and adventure, with hiking paths meandering through the hillsides that offer breathtaking views of the countryside.

To reach this unique location from Tel Aviv, you can drive via Route 1 and Route 6, which takes approximately an hour.

The intense battle culminates in Rambo and Trautman getting injured. Despite this, Rambo manages to kill Zaysen by driving a tank into the Soviet colonel's helicopter, which he initially tried to damage with a Molotov cocktail handed to him by a man on horseback. Remarkably, Rambo survives the ensuing explosion and emerges from the tank. As the battle concludes, Rambo and Trautman bid farewell to their Mujahideen allies and depart Afghanistan to return home.

This climactic sequence was filmed at Fort Yuma, located at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park in Arizona. The movie's production had to shift from Israel to this location towards the end, resulting in the loss of genuine Soviet and Afghan weapons.

The Yuma Territorial Prison was first opened its doors in 1876 and has since found itself immortalized in several works. It was the setting for Three-Ten to Yuma, a 1953 western short story penned by Elmore Leonard, and was also showcased in the subsequent film adaptations of the story. In the present day, this historical site is managed and maintained as a museum by Arizona State Parks.

To visit this historic site, drive southwest from Phoenix along Interstate 8. The 185-mile journey will take approximately three hours.