The first two seasons of HBO’s Emmy-winning hit The White Lotus had us literally glued to our TVs eating up all the spicy scandals like it was a Michelin star meal. And the finale of each season had us then packing our bags to jet set off to each filming location for our own drama-filled vacation, and apparently we weren’t the only ones.
Travel company Expedia found that searches for hotels in Hawaii and Sicily, where season one and two were set, spiked by more than 300% in the three months after the series premiered. And after the season three premiere on Sunday, February 16th, we’re now all looking towards the Thai island of Koh Samui.
Beyond the series’ simmering tensions and drama, the hotel chain’s luxurious backdrops are just as intriguing. Season three features the palm-dotted sands and turquoise waters of Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island. Though the backdrop isn’t exactly as it appears on screen.
Executive producer David Bernad explained that though season three was mostly filmed in the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, other resorts make an appearance as well. Dinner eating scenes were filmed at Rosewood Hotel Phuket, for example, while Anantara Bophut Koh Samui served as the backdrop for scenes featuring the reception area, and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket was featured as the wellness sanctuary/spa.
Beyond the resorts, other White Lotus filming locations, spread throughout Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh Phagnan, and Bangkok, are as follows:
- The cultural center Dusit Dhewa (the Buddhist Monastery Garden)
- Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
- The Puket Yacht Haven Marina
- Beaches such as Haad Rin and Choeng Mon
The Tourism Authority of Thailand was honored by the country’s role in The White Lotus and looked forward to welcoming visitors. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated:
The kingdom’s exotic natural beauty, rich historical sites and diverse landscapes are the perfect settings to share our fascinating culture, fantastic cuisine, top-notch wellness and luxury offerings, and most importantly our people and Thai hospitality. Thailand has long been considered one of the world’s favourited filming locations.
If this lush Thai island with its breathtaking beaches, serene spiritual sites, and bustling nightlife wasn’t already calling our name it certainly is now! Thankfully, the U.S. passport is one of the most powerful in the world, and those with one can travel visa-free to Thailand for 60 days.
The White Lotus season three trailer can be seen below: