From Bangkok to Koh Samui to Phuket, this Thailand travel guide takes you on an epic vacation inspired by The White Lotus.
Can’t wait to jet set to Thailand for an adventure inspired by The White Lotus? You’re not alone. There’s been so much chatter and excitement about the latest season, which was filmed primarily on the beautiful island of Koh Samui. Having lived here for almost a decade, seeing the locals and long-term expats participate as extras in the show was so fun.
Fun fact: Koh Samui’s legendary wildlife rescuer, Philip Brook, aka ‘Phil the Snake,’ was present throughout the filming of The White Lotus to care for local wildlife and ensure that no tropical critters were harmed during the production. (Especially in the scene where Walton Goggins’s character, Rick Hatchett, releases those venomous snakes.)
My tip is to fly from Singapore to bustling Bangkok first, followed by a relaxing stay in Koh Samui. Known fondly by us locals as ‘Coconut Island’, here’s where you’ll find Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, the main filming location that sets the stage for the drama. End your holiday with a charming stay in Phuket!
It’s a wrap on The White Lotus season three
In season three, The White Lotus dramatically develops against the beautiful island backdrop of Koh Samui, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand. This story is as dark and twisted as its predecessors, with the cast deftly navigating the secrets and lies that define the show.
The mystery begins with a deadly shootout, and the narrative rapidly unfolds as viewers meet the complex cast. Each character, from Greg, who seems to harbour secrets from his past, to Mook, played by Blackpink K-pop star Lisa, is obsessed with their mysteries and motivations. Things brew with alliances formed and broken, and the lines between truth and deception blur. Ready to live The White Lotus life?
The White Lotus travel itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Make your way to Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok and enjoy stunning views of the Chao Phraya River at this legendary, extravagant hotel that opened in 1876. You might recognise the lobby, the beautiful guest rooms, and the famous Bamboo Bar from the show. In the afternoon, take a private long-tail boat tour along the Chao Phraya River, passing by iconic landmarks and temples filmed in the series.
Since season three focuses on Eastern spirituality, add Buddhist temples such as Wat Pho and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha to your itinerary. Hey, you might be inspired to stay in a monastery for a year, like our dear Piper Ratliff.
In the evening, return to the Mandarin Oriental for cocktails at Bamboo Bar. End your night with a refined dinner at one of the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants, immersing yourself in The White Lotus’ decadent atmosphere.
Day 2: History, architecture and rooftop drinks
Visit the Grand Palace to discover its intricate architecture and fascinating history. For lunch, explore the trendy Songwat area, known for its chic cafes and innovative food stalls.
Alternatively, start with a peaceful morning at Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s green oasis, before you head to the Jim Thompson House Museum to learn about the heritage of Thai silk. To fuel up, venture to the bustling Asiatique Riverfront Market, where you can sample Thai street food and shop for souvenirs. As evening approaches, check out The White Lotus Bar in Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok for red carpet-inspired cocktails.
Day 3: The famous White Lotus experience in Koh Samui
Make your way to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your domestic flight to Koh Samui. Upon arriving at the world’s prettiest airport, start your adventure on Thailand’s second-largest island, with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and jungle landscapes.
Head straight to the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, where The White Lotus experience starts from $1,625 per night. The show transformed the five-star resort into the fictional White Lotus Hotel, providing the set for the signature scandal, drama, satire, and social commentary, so soak up your time here.
Designed by the legendary Bill Bensley, well-known for his commitment to conserving nature, the resort boasts almost 1,000 coconut trees (don’t worry, no poisonous fruit here), a 50-metre infinity lap pool, and an impressive rum collection in its unique Rum Vault. You can also experience the magic of The White Lotus in Poolside Escape cabanas inspired by the show until 16 May 2025.
Oh, and the Secret Garden Spa provides a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation, with traditional Thai massages and holistic treatments. Come evening, indulge in a dinner at Koh Thai Kitchen and savour Southern Thai cuisine made with fresh local ingredients.
Day 4: Gorgeous nature and beachfront cocktails
There may not be a place to stash your phone in a bag, but the nature tours are so engaging, you’ll forget you even brought one. Enjoy a tour of Ang Thong National Marine Park with 100 Degrees East, Koh Samui’s first plastic-free marine tour operator, which provides exclusive, crowd-free excursions. This archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand is where the characters arrived at their Thai getaway. Ang Thong translates to “bowl of gold,” aptly describing the park’s golden beaches and numerous islets.
Explore the park’s hidden lagoons, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and kayak around the shorelines while imagining yourself as part of The White Lotus’ cast. With a maximum of only 12 adults per tour, its flexible itinerary and experienced guides ensure you can fully appreciate the beauty of nature.
On the way back, stop at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort for a cocktail. You’ll recognise the impressive entrance to the White Lotus Hotel – it’s the beachfront resort’s Thai-style lobby, home to an infinity pond filled with lotus flowers. The security station (still no sign of Gaitok guarding the gate), tree-lined driveway, and jewellery store are also familiar sights. Room rates start at $230 per night.
Day 5: Serene temples and more filming locations
In the morning, visit Wat Phukhao Thong, a Buddhist temple in Maenam known for its colourful architecture and iconic dragon staircase, which depicts a temple and meditation centre. Next, head to Wat Kiri Wongkaram in the Taling Ngam district for quiet moments of reflection in the pretty gardens. The striking temple houses the mummified body of Luang Por Ruam, a Buddhist monk, displayed in a glass enclosure.
Afterwards, relax on one of Koh Samui’s beautiful beaches and stop by Fisherman’s Village, a beautiful beachside neighbourhood in Bophut on the northern coast. Once a thriving fishing community, it now houses boutique shops, trendy restaurants, and comfy guesthouses.
Recognise the place? The HBO production team transformed Fisherman’s Village to recreate the buzzy atmosphere of Thailand’s famous Songkran Festival, where our favourite trio, Jaclyn, Laurie, and Kate, get into a water fight.
Can’t get enough of The White Lotus? Other notable film locations include Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, where the Singing Bird Lounge was the backdrop for several roguish bar and restaurant scenes. You’ll recognise this chic venue as the setting for an encounter between Chelsea and Chloe. Room rates start at $300 per night.
Samujana Villas’ Villa Twenty-Seven was also featured in the series, showcasing the high-end real estate options available in Koh Samui. P.S. it has sparked a massive interest in private villa rentals among travellers seeking their own White Lotus getaway! The six-bedroom Villa Twenty-Seven goes from $3,335 per night.
Day 6: Phuket’s wellness sanctuary
On to the final part of your trip: Phuket. I recommend you catch the 6am Seatran Ferry to Don Sak on the mainland – it’s a scenic 1.5-hour journey. The breathtaking 3.5-hour drive to Phuket weaves through the countryside and limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay (James Bond’s The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed here in the 70s).
You’ll arrive at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas around 11am with plenty of time to explore the resort. Featured as The Wellness Sanctuary in the show, one of its 183 pool villas served as Belinda’s room. After checking in, have an early lunch at La Sala restaurant overlooking the lagoon, then pamper yourself with a spa treatment at Anantara Spa. Watch the sunset over Mai Khao Beach as the day winds down and enjoy a beachside dinner at Sea.Fire.Salt.
Day 7: Charm and culture
Begin with an invigorating yoga session or Muay Thai class at the resort, channelling the wellness themes explored in The White Lotus. Later, embark on a tour of Phuket’s cultural highlights, including the iconic Big Buddha statue and Wat Chalong temple.
In the afternoon, stroll through Old Phuket Town, a charming neighbourhood steeped in history and known for its well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture and busy street markets. It provides a backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the luxurious resort settings of the show.
Return to the resort for a sunset cocktail at the Infinity Bar and cap off your White Lotus experience with a private Dining by Design experience curated by a personal chef in a unique location.
Day 8: The best of Phuket, White Lotus style
Want a peaceful respite from your White Lotus-inspired journey? Connect with Thailand’s gentle giants at the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve, an ethical sanctuary that provides a safe haven for eight rescued elephants. Begin your three-hour tour with a complimentary pickup from your hotel and learn about the sanctuary’s mission and the elephants’ backgrounds (P.S. you’ll need tissues after this).
Observe the elephants as they roam freely, play in ponds, and graze naturally. You can also feed the elephants and learn about their behaviour from the passionate, knowledgeable team. The experience concludes with a delicious vegetarian Thai buffet overlooking the elephant pond, so you can dine while watching these magnificent creatures splish splash in their natural habitat.
Oh, and if you’re squeezing in as many sights as you can, here are more filming hotspots in Phuket. Rosewood Phuket, a luxury resort on the shores of Emerald Bay in Patong, pops up in the show with sweeping shots of its manicured landscapes and impressive architecture.
Meanwhile, Bangla Boxing Stadium, the iconic Muay Thai stadium in the heart of Patong, was used for scenes showcasing Thailand’s national sport with its cheering crowds and intense matches. Cafe Del Mar, one of Phuket’s popular beach clubs, also made an appearance to show off its infinity pool and elegant cabanas set against the backdrop of the Andaman Sea.
Save this itinerary for your upcoming White Lotus-inspired travels in Thailand!
