The past few years have seen an increase in films and TV shows being filmed across Thailand’s vibrant and picturesque locations. While 2011’s The Hangover Part II and 2000’s The Beach were probably some one of the most memorable, the highly-anticipated The White Lotus Season 3, which drops February 16 on MAX, is planning to remind the world once again why Thailand is already a traveller’s dream-come-true.
The show’s presence is expected to see a surge in visitors to Thailand, joining the ranks of Hawaii and Sicily as destinations synonymous with the series. The initial season, captured on film at the luxurious Four Seasons in Hawaii, played a significant role in sparking a trend of high-end travel to the islands. The second season, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Sicily’s baroque splendour, catapulted the Italian city to the top of many travellers’ must-visit lists.
“I believe there was more than a 20 percent increase in visitors in Hawaii and Sicily, based on Seasons 1 and 2,” Chompu Marusachot, director of the Thailand Tourism Authority’s (TAT) New York office, told the Bangkok Post. “I can only hope that the momentum will be the same from Thailand.”
The new season of The White Lotus stars Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell, and Thailand’s very own pop sensation Lalisa Manobal, better known as Lisa from the K-pop band Blackpink.
“Her [Lisa] connection to Thailand has heightened interest in the series,” said Marusachot. “The buzz around The White Lotus in Thailand is very real because of Lisa.”
Unlike previous seasons, the new season filmed its scenes across various locations in Thailand, expanding its economic reach by not being confined to a single resort. Fortunately, most of these properties are already well-established in the Kingdom’s burgeoning hospitality scene and are a mere click away from booking yourself. So, if you’re planning your next getaway White Lotus-style, here’s where to start in the Land of Smiles.
Four Seasons Koh Samui
Once again returning to its Four Seasons roots from season one, the location scouts for The White Lotus made a brilliant choice by filming part of the third season at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Nestled in a hillside jungle on Thailand’s northwest coast, this 70-key resort offers a stunning blend of rattan and teak architecture, complete with winding boardwalks and elegant lounges.
The resort, which suffered a slow start when it opened during the pandemic, is also an environmental success story: it preserved 856 coconut trees at the site, which still stand majestically five years after its opening. Rather than cutting the trees down, the design integrates them seamlessly, with some trees growing through the restaurant and villa decks, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere for guests. According to Hotels.com, the booking site already recorded a 40 percent increase in searches for the property ahead of the show’s airing.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, a legendary hotel on the Chao Phraya River, has been welcoming notable guests for nearly 150 years, from Joseph Conrad and Graham Greene to Grace Kelly and Michelle Yeoh. This historic establishment, starting as a mere 12-room inn, has since expanded to offer 393 luxurious rooms and suites across several wings. It boasts multiple acclaimed restaurants, bustling bars, a world-renowned spa, and a riverside terrace known for serving arguably the best breakfast in Bangkok.
Rather than resting on its long-standing glory, the hotel continues to renovate and evolve, making it a timeless destination for luxury travellers and celebrities alike. Instead of getting stale like so many classic properties, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has remained undeniably cool, with its appearance in The White Lotus only set to increase its global appeal.
Anantara’s Mai Khao Phuket
Anantara originated in Thailand and has since expanded its luxurious hotels across the Middle East and Europe, often in historic convents and palaces. In The White Lotus’s season 3 trailer, Anantara’s Mai Khao Phuket resort is clearly visible as the fictional White Lotus spa. Among its Thai properties, the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas stands out for its exclusivity, featuring private villas instead of larger hotel configurations. Situated on Phuket’s northern tip, this spectacular resort boasts a long stretch of golden beach bordered by a lush national park.
The pool villas, designed in Southern Thai village style, provide tranquil retreats, while the contemporary suites ensure roomy comfort. Hotel guests can enjoy early morning yoga or Muay Thai sessions on the beach, venture off on private yacht excursions, unwind with sunset drinks in the treetops or enjoy relaxing treatments at the now-famous spa. The resort offers 83 pool villas, 30 pavilions, and 70 suites, perfect for couples and families wanting a slice of Thai paradise.
Villa Jacinta, Koh Samui
Located in Koh Samui, Villa Jacinta is a private luxury rental listed by Onefinestay that features in the upcoming series. Situated within the upscale Samujana resort in Cheong Mon, this contemporary home is available for $1 995 per night, offering all the amenities of a five-star hotel with added privacy. For those seeking both luxury and exclusivity, the villa comfortably accommodates up to eight guests, featuring four ensuite king bedrooms, each with sliding glass doors showcasing picture-perfect views over the Gulf of Thailand.
Three of the bedrooms also include private balconies, enhancing the luxurious experience by blending comfort with cinematic allure. “Villa Jacinta is a flawless example of sophisticated design. The villa’s sleek beauty and fabulous amenities are complemented by dazzling ocean views everywhere you turn – it’s little wonder Villa Jacinta was used as a setting for White Lotus season three,” the brand says on its website.
