Recently, many directors and film crews have chosen Binh Thuan as the main filming location, creating movies that have achieved success both artistically and commercially. Through these works, the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and people of the province are introduced to both domestic and foreign friends, thereby opening a new avenue for its tourism development.

The allure of Bau Trang

One notable film that has significantly boosted Binh Thuan's tourism profile is "Lat Mat 8 - Vong Tay Nang" (Flip 8 - Sunny Bracelet), directed by Ly Hai. The film achieved record box office success and showcased the breathtaking scenery of Bau Trang, often referred to as the 'little Sahara desert'. This cinematic representation has sparked renewed interest in the region, inviting viewers to experience its allure first hand. Bau Trang, with its vast white sand dunes and tranquil freshwater lakes, offers a captivating blend of wilderness and beauty, making it a must-visit for travellers.

Situated approximately 60km north of Phan Thiet city centre, Bau Trang is a picturesque landscape shaped by nature over millennia. The area features a unique combination of pristine white sand dunes and expansive lakes, creating a serene yet mysterious environment. The two main lakes, Bau Ong and Bau Ba, stand out amid the arid surroundings, providing a lush oasis where various plant species thrive.

Visitors to Bau Trang are treated to an ever-changing landscape, as the sand dunes shift with the breeze, resembling flowing silk. Recognised as one of Vietnam's top 100 impressive destinations in 2013 and a prominent tourist spot in ASEAN in 2014, it was designated as a national relic site in 2019. The area is now a key part of the Mui Ne National Tourist Area, further solidifying its status as an important destination in Binh Thuan.

Thanks to recent investments in transport infrastructure, Bau Trang has become increasingly accessible, drawing a large number of tourists eager to explore its wonders. Activities abound, from exhilarating sand sliding and ostrich riding, to off-road adventures across the dunes. Visitors can also soak in the surrounding beauty and capture stunning photographs, making it a paradise for both adventure seekers and photographers alike.

Millan Palmer, a visitor from the UK, shared his experience: “I learned about Bau Trang from social media. Coming here was a delightful surprise. The giant white sand dunes are breathtaking. We explored them on thrilling motorbike rides and even decided to extend our trip by a month to fully enjoy this place.”

Hoang Thu Nga, a tourist from Binh Duong province, echoed this sentiment, noting how the film "Lat Mat 8 - Vong Tay Nang" provided a fresh perspective on Bau Trang, prompting her to visit and experience the locations depicted in the movie.

According to the Management Board of Bau Trang Ecotourism Site, the area saw a remarkable 35% increase in visitors during the recent April 30 - May 1 holiday, with over 10,200 arrivals.

Promoting tourism through films

Director of the Binh Thuan provincial Tourism Promotion Centre Nguyen Linh Vu emphasised the importance of harnessing the influence of cinema to boost tourism. The centre has initiated surveys involving travel service providers to enhance tourism experiences and develop new services that capitalise on the cinematic appeal of the locality.

Beyond Bau Trang, other locations such as Phu Quy island, with its stunning cliffs and azure waters, have also caught the eye of filmmakers. The film "Anh Thay Ngoi Sao" (Superstar Teacher) highlighted the island's natural beauty, while scenes shot at Ke Ga Beach, featuring a century-old lighthouse and bustling fishing villages enriched the cinematic landscape of Binh Thuan.

Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Le Thanh noted that the province’s diverse geography - spanning mountains, forests, rivers and beaches - alongside its rich cultural traditions, makes it an appealing canvas for filmmakers.

While cinema plays a vital role in showcasing Binh Thuan’s appeal, there is a need for a more strategic approach to fully realise its tourism potential. Many beautiful landscapes featured in films often serve merely as backdrops, lacking a deeper connection to tourism promotion. To address this, a concerted effort is required to foster collaboration between the film industry and tourism stakeholders.

Moving forward, the department will continue to highlight Binh Thuan’s breathtaking scenery and cultural richness to filmmakers and the public. The province is committed to providing favourable conditions for film crews, facilitating the exploration of local tourism assets while enriching the cultural narrative through cinema, added Thanh.

Binh Thuan eyes more Korean tourists

A business networking event took place in Phan Thiet city on March 19, bringing together nearly 100 representatives of agencies, tourism enterprises, and media organisations from the south-central province of Binh Thuan and the Republic of Korea (RoK).