Tomorrow Never Dies – James Bond in Phuket
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) is the 18th James Bond film, starring Pierce Brosnan as 007. It was the second Bond film to be shot in Thailand (after The Man with the Golden Gun). The opening chase scene – a motorcycle and car chase – was filmed on the streets of Phuket Old Town, especially Soi Romanee and Thalang Road. This page gives you the details of the filming locations and how to visit them today.
Plot Summary
Bond is sent to stop a media mogul (Jonathan Pryce) who is engineering a war between China and the UK to increase his ratings. The film includes a memorable motorcycle chase through a fictional Vietnamese city – actually filmed in Phuket. The chases include stunt jumps over walls and through narrow alleyways.
Filming Locations in Phuket
- Soi Romanee – A beautiful, narrow street with Sino‑Portuguese shophouses. The chase scene weaves through here.
- Thalang Road – The main road of the old town. Many buildings are painted colourful pastels.
- Khao Rang Hill – A viewpoint used for a long shot of the city.
No scenes were shot on James Bond Island itself. However, the film helped renew interest in Thailand as a Bond location. You can walk the same streets for free – they are now part of a heritage trail.
Visiting Phuket Old Town Today
Phuket Old Town is a 10‑minute drive from Patong. The streets are lined with cafes, art galleries, and souvenir shops. Look for the “Bond alley” on Soi Romanee – a small plaque marks where the stunt jump occurred. The area is best visited on a Sunday evening when the weekend night market is open. No entrance fee.
Trivia
- Pierce Brosnan did most of his own motorcycle stunts.
- The local crew in Phuket had to close the streets for five nights.
- A famous scene of Bond opening a laptop in a tuk‑tuk was filmed on Soi Romanee.
- The film’s title song by Sheryl Crow was a minor hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I visit the exact spot where the chase happened?
A: Yes. Soi Romanee and Thalang Road are open to the public. You can take photos at the corner where the bike jumps.
Q: Is there a museum about the film?
A: No. Only the street itself.
Q: How many days after James Bond Island should I set aside for this?
A: Half a day is enough. Combine it with a tour of the old town and a meal at a local restaurant.
Final Word
Tomorrow Never Dies is not the most famous Bond film, but its connection to Phuket is a delight for fans. Walking the streets where Pierce Brosnan sped by feels like stepping into the movie. Combine it with your James Bond Island tour for a complete 007 experience in Thailand.
— VisitJamesBondIsland.com