The White Lotus Season 3: Filming Locations in Thailand You Can Visit

The hit HBO show The White Lotus has resulted in a global phenomenon whereby people are anxiously awaiting the announcement of which country will be hosting the next season’s The White Lotus filming locations. Excitingly, it was announced in January of 2024 that Thailand would be the setting for Season 3. After transporting us to the breathtaking shores of Hawaii and the historic charm of Sicily, HBO’s popular series is setting its sights on Southeast Asia and its unrivaled scenery.

If you’ve ever dreamed of lounging in luxury resorts, exploring hidden beaches, and indulging in authentic Thai culture, you’re in for a treat. Season 3 of The White Lotus was filmed across Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok, showcasing Thailand’s stunning diversity—from tropical escapes to hectic city life—premiered on February 16th of this year.

Here’s everything you need to know about the real-life filming locations and how you can experience them for yourself! If you are inspired by the locations and would like to see Phuket from the complete comfort of the open seas then make sure to contact the team at Simba in order to join us on a private boat tour of Phuket. 

White Lotus’ Most Attractive Filming Locations

1. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

It’s no surprise The White Lotus team chose this five-star resort located on a mountain hillside and featuring private infinity pools, white-sand beaches and magnificent ocean views. It’s luxury at its finest. Expect scenes featuring opulent beachfront villas, stunning sunset dinners and plenty of scandal unfolding by the pool.
Must-Do: Take a longtail boat tour to nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park—a dreamy location of hidden lagoons and limestone cliffs.
Where to Unwind: The resort’s Coconut Grove Beach Bar—sip on a Mai Tai while watching the waves roll in.

2. Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort

Anantara Lawana, is a secluded resort best known for its hybrid atmosphere that blends the close proximity to the lush jungle to the openness of the white sandy beaches. Its most recognisable feature is the world famous Tree Tops Sky Dining & Bar. Which offers guests an elevated dining experience with panoramic sea views. Expect to see this stunning location featured in intimate dining scenes—you know, the ones where secrets get spilled over candlelit dinners.
Must-Do: Snorkel in Crystal Bay—one of Samui’s most beautiful and untouched snorkeling spots. 
Where to Unwind: Grab a beachfront sunbed at Anantara’s infinity pool, cocktail in hand.

Phuket – The Island of Drama and Beauty

3. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas 

Phuket’s northern coastline is home to some of the most exclusive resorts in Thailand, and The White Lotus crew set up camp at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas.
Hidden within a tropical jungle, these sprawling private pool villas offer the kind of privacy that’s perfect for secret rendezvous and tense confrontations—two things The White Lotus does best.
Must-Do: Try stand-up paddleboarding at Mai Khao Beach—one of the longest and most serene beaches on the island. For a guided coastal adventure, check out our wide selection of Phuket join-in boat tours. 

Where to Unwind: Visit the Turtle Sanctuary near the resort, where you can learn about sea turtle conservation.

4. The Surin Phuket 

If you’re a fan of relaxing holidays nestled on the beach front then The Surin Phuket is your ultimate destination. Nestled on Pansea Beach, this resort boasts quaint cottages, turquoise waters, and golden sand.
It’s a quintessential Thai paradise, perfect for those classic White Lotus beach club scenes—cocktail in one hand, drama in the other.
Must-Do: Take a private boat to Phang Nga Bay, where you can explore James Bond Island and hidden sea caves. Let Simba Sea trips take you on the most luxurious James Bond Island tour.
Where to Unwind: Enjoy a sunset cocktail at The Beach Bar, with live acoustic music playing in the background.

Bangkok – The Vibrant Heart of Thailand

5. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

While a vast majority of The White Lotus unfolds by the beach—the producers were keen to ensure Bangkok’s glitzy skyline, bustling streets and ancient temples were featured. 

Many of Bangkok’s colonial architecture buildings, and high quality dining venues were considered as they offer the perfect backdrop for high drama scenes. 

Must-Do: Take a private sunset cruise on the Chao Phraya River—pass by Wat Arun, The Grand Palace and hidden canals.

Where to Unwind: You name it. Bangkok is filled with hundreds of places to unwind and put your feet up. It is renowned for its excellent massage salons and spas and you can’t go wrong starting here. 

Why Thailand? The Show’s Cultural Connection

While to the ill-informed, Thailand may appear to be an island reliant on its picture-perfect beaches and beautiful resorts; in reality, there is much more to it than that. Thailand is a country that is supremely rich in spirituality and tradition. 

Series creator Mike White had previously outlined that this season would explore complex themes of Eastern religion and death, which makes Thailand’s buddhist temples, spiritual retreats and vibrant nightlife the perfect location to explore these themes. 

Want to Experience The White Lotus in Real Life?
If watching The White Lotus has you dreaming of Thailand’s luxury escapes, why not experience it yourself? Whether it’s a five-star resort stay, a private island boat tour, or an unforgettable cultural experience, Thailand offers something for every traveler.

How to Plan Your Own White Lotus-Inspired Trip:

• Stay in one of the featured resorts (or a more budget-friendly alternative closeby).
• Book a private boat tour with SimbaSeaTrips.com to explore idyllic beaches in ultimate luxury.
• Dine with a view to saviour at one of Thailand’s best rooftop or beachfront restaurants.
• Immerse yourself in Thai culture—visit temples, or join a meditation retreat. 

FAQs

Where is White Lotus filmed in Thailand?

Season 3 of the White Lotus was filmed in Thailand, with the main filming locations being the Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui. However, many additional locations were used for filming in both Phuket and Bangkok. 

Which resort is White Lotus filmed in?

There have been three seasons of the hit HBO miniseries The White Lotus. The main resorts that have hosted cast and crew during filming are Four Seasons Resort Maui, the San Domenico in Sicily and the Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand. 

Where were the beach scenes in White Lotus filmed?

The beach scenes in White Lotus were largely filmed in Cefalu, Noto, Palermo, Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan. 

Is The White Lotus a real resort?

No, instead the White Lotus hit TV show has used several real-life resorts in filming for the show. These resorts were the Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii and Thailand, in addition to the Domenico in Sicily for season 2.