Inside the Real-Life Resorts and Landmarks of The White Lotus Season Three
April 1, 2025- White Lotus Season 3 Thailand Filming Locations
The White Lotus has done it again. After transporting viewers to the sun-drenched beaches of Hawaii and the historic villas of Sicily, the hit HBO series has taken fans on a new, visually stunning journey—this time through Thailand. Released on February 16, 2025, Season 3 continues the show’s signature mix of biting satire, high-stakes drama, and jaw-dropping locations that feel like characters in their own right.
This season, creator Mike White sets the scene in the Gulf of Thailand, where the pristine beaches of Koh Samui and the bustling streets of Bangkok provide the perfect backdrop for another round of privilege, power struggles, and intrigue. Staying true to the show’s tradition of luxury, much of the season was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, an exclusive retreat perched on a palm-covered hillside overlooking the turquoise waters of the Gulf.
But the Four Seasons isn’t the only star of the show. With scenes shot across Phuket, Koh Samui, and Bangkok, the season highlights some of Thailand’s most coveted travel destinations. Here’s a closer look at the filming locations that are inspiring fans and “set-jetters” to pack their bags for the Land of Smiles.
The White Lotus Thailand: Where It All Happens
The Heart of the Drama: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
The fictional White Lotus Thailand finds its home at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, a haven of private villas, infinity pools, and white-sand beaches. The luxurious guest suites and panoramic ocean views provided the perfect setting for the show’s signature mix of decadence and dysfunction.
Beyond the Four Seasons: Thailand’s Star Locations
To fully capture the essence of Thailand, HBO’s production team incorporated a range of high-end hotels and cultural landmarks:
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort: This Bill Bensley-designed property serves as the show’s security checkpoint, jewelry shop, and main driveway.
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort: The resort’s Singing Bird Lounge is the setting for several bar and restaurant scenes.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas: The stunning open-air spa at this resort plays a key role in the season’s overarching theme of wellness and transformation.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok: The historic hotel’s Bamboo Bar, lobby, and riverfront rooms appear in pivotal scenes set in the Thai capital.
Cultural and Adventure-Filled Excursions
As in previous seasons, the show’s guests leave the resort to explore the surrounding region, giving audiences a taste of Thai culture and adventure:
Wat Phu Khao Thong (Koh Samui) – A colorful Buddhist temple with a dragon staircase serves as a meditation retreat for some of the show’s characters.
Samui Snake Farm: The site of a tense and shocking moment in the series.
Bangla Boxing Stadium (Phuket): A Muay Thai fight scene brings the characters face-to-face with Thailand’s national sport.
Haad Rin Beach (Koh Phangan): The backdrop for a wild Full Moon Party, featuring music, neon body paint, and plenty of drama.
The ‘White Lotus Effect’: Thailand’s Tourism Boom
If history is any indication, these filming locations are about to see a surge in visitors. Season 1’s Four Seasons Maui saw a 386% increase in availability checks, while Season 2’s San Domenico Palace in Sicily experienced a 300% increase in searches. Thailand is already one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, but with The White Lotus spotlighting its luxury resorts and cultural landmarks, tourism numbers are set to skyrocket.
Even before the season’s premiere, Thailand bookings on travel agency Fora surged 312% year over year, with hotels reporting an uptick in interest from international travelers. Recognizing the potential, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a dedicated White Lotus travel guide, offering fans curated experiences inspired by the show.
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