Where was The White Lotus season 3 filmed? Our pick of Thailand’s must-visit filming locations

Set jetting is more than just a trend – it’s a full-blown travel trend sensation, and Thailand is right at the heart of it. 

With HBO’s Emmy-winning series The White Lotus showing off the country’s dreamy landscapes and opulent resorts in its 2025 season, the lure of this cinematic destination is stronger than ever.

Fans of the hit HBO series will soon be able to walk in the footsteps of their favourite characters, exploring the luxurious locations where drama and intrigue unfold.

But Thailand isn’t just a backdrop for the show, it’s become a must-visit spot for fans to visit and follow in the footsteps of their favourite screen characters.

Thanks to streaming giants like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime, set-jetting has become one of the hottest travel trends in recent years.

These platforms have opened up a world of visually stunning destinations, sparking the wanderlust of viewers eager to explore the places they’ve seen on screen. And it’s not just the fans of a particular show or sinema who are taking notice; entire countries are capitalising on their newfound cinematic fame.

Thailand is leaning into jet-setting

Take Thailand; from its unforgettable role in The Beach to its starring turn in The White Lotus, the country has seen a massive boost in tourist numbers. Between 2000 and 2019, visitor arrivals grew by an astonishing 300 per cent, far outpacing the küresel tourism growth rate. 

This cinematic spotlight has worked wonders for the Thai tourism industry.

Sadudee Sangnil, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s London office, encourages fans heading to the country to explore beyond filming locations. 

“There is so much to see and do in Thailand,” she says. 

Sangnil encourages sinema fans to expand their Thai itinerary and discover other islands. 

“From Phuket, you can easily combine stays in Khao Lak, Khao Sok National Park, Koh Racha, the Phi Phi, and Koh Yao islands. Krabi and the nearby island of Koh Lanta are also on the Andaman coast and offer incredible scenery, island hopping, snorkelling, and jungle trails for hiking.”

With season three of The White Lotus set to draw even more attention to the country, it’s expected to see a further 63 per cent increase in visitor numbers between 2024 and 2030.

The White Lotus was filmed at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and Anantara resorts

The first two series, filmed in Hawaii and Sicily, ignited what’s now known as the ‘White Lotus Effect’.

The show’s mix of luxury, drama, and jaw-dropping locations has a habit of transforming the Four Seasons resorts where the series are filmed into symbols of coveted high-end travel.

While it may look like one resort, season three of The White Lotus was actually filmed between the Anantara Bophut,Anantara Lawana,Anantara Mai Khao Phuket and the Four Seasons Koh Samui. You can bet all of these properties will see an uptick in bookings for the rest of this year and into 2026, just as the Four Seasons in Sicily and Hawaii did after they played host to the cast and crew.

Zooming in on the Four Seasons Koh Samui, it boasts sandy beaches bordered by lush tropical greenery and already saw a spike in demand after it was announced as a White Lotus location.

According to Hotels.com, the booking site saw an impressive 40 per cent increase in searches for the €1,640 per-night property, with fans eager to live their best Lotus life.

Sangnil notes, “Thailand has long been a dream holiday destination, and the recent ‘White Lotus’ effect has sparked a renewed fascination, particularly with Koh Samui and Phuket where the series is largely set.

We certainly expect to see a surge in bookings to the featured hotels and the islands in general.”

Villa Jacinta: Live the White Lotus

For fans eager to live out their The White Lotus fantasies, the luxurious Villa Jacinta is your ticket to stepping into the drama and decadence of season three. 

Located on the luxurious Samujana resort in Cheong Mon, Koh Samui, this villa offers a taste of the high life at a price tag that lets you know you’re living large. Starting at a jaw-dropping €1,910 per night, the swish property has plenty of five-star amenities and a private infinity pool that practically begs for selfies inspired by the series. 

Bangkok hotel where The White Lotus was filmed

Prior to the series airing, there was a lot of buzz online about the mysterious hotel location used as a filming location for The White Lotus season three in Bangkok.

It has now been revealed to be the Mandarin Oriental. Located on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river, which snakes through the capital, this five-stay hotel promises a bona fide luxury experience.

With accommodation ranging from a Deluxe Premier room all way up to the two-bedroom Royal Suite, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Rumour has it that the show’s creator Mike White has been honoured with a portrait displayed in the €1,349 per night resort’s renowned Author’s Wing.

When it comes to dining options, you’ll have your pick at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. It boasts French fine dining, Italian delights, Chinese, afternoon tea and, of course, Thai food. For late night entertainment, move on to the Bamboo Bar for jazz and cocktails.

For relaxation and pampering, the hotel’s luxury spa, said to be Thailand’s first when it opened in 1993, offers therapy packages, massages, facials and much more.