White Lotus season 3 was filmed primarily at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Thailand, continuing the show’s tradition of showcasing luxury resorts. But that’s just the beginning of where this HBO phenomenon brought its cameras.

The third season takes viewers to multiple stunning locations across Thailand, from pristine beaches to bustling Bangkok streets. If you’re planning your own White Lotus inspired vacation, this guide reveals every resort, beach, and landmark that appeared on screen.

Where Was White Lotus Season 3 Filmed Main Resort Location?

The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui served as the primary filming location, a five-star paradise on the island’s northeastern coast known for its private villas, pristine beaches, and scenic views of the Gulf of Thailand. This isn’t surprising considering seasons 1 and 2 also featured Four Seasons properties in Hawaii and Sicily.

The resort became the face of the fictional White Lotus Resort & Spa throughout most episodes. Many scenes take place in the resort’s luxurious pool villas, main swimming pool, common areas, paths and fitness areas, including the gorgeous Ratliff family villa where matriarch Victoria delivers her most iconic lines.

Do you know that the Four Seasons Koh Samui features 71 rooms total? These include 60 hillside pool villas and 11 private residence rentals, all outfitted with rosewood furnishings and custom art, plus private infinity pools overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Booking this property comes with a premium price tag. According to Hotels.com, the best rates at the Four Seasons Koh Samui fall between May and early June, starting at $1,056 per night. Peak season rates climb significantly higher.

Which Hotels and Resorts Were Used for White Lotus Season 3?

Season three was actually filmed between multiple properties: Anantara Bophut, Anantara Lawana, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket, and the Four Seasons Koh Samui. The production team seamlessly blended these locations to create what appears as one cohesive resort on screen.

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

That beautiful spa pavilion set in a lagoon where pivotal opening and concluding events took place was filmed at the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket resort, which is also home to the gorgeous private pool villa employee Belinda stayed in, specifically Villa 42.

Located on the northern tip of Phuket island, this hotel features 83 pool villas clustered around a lagoon with lotus-filled waters. The wellness and spa scenes showcasing the show’s Eastern spirituality themes were captured here, making it essential for the season’s narrative.

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

The Anantara Bophut sits directly in Fisherman’s Village on Koh Samui. Many of the store owners at Fisherman’s Village and Night Market at Bophut appeared as background extras during filming. The production team used the resort’s pool areas and beachfront extensively.

Rates at Anantara Bophut start around £182 per night during low season (May through August), making it more accessible than the Four Seasons for travelers seeking White Lotus filming locations Thailand experiences.

Samujana Villas Where Characters Lived

Two characters, Greg and Chloe, live in a house in the hills near The White Lotus, with the real-life location being Samujana Villas, specifically Villa Jacinta, in Choeng Mon.

Villa Jacinta offers a taste of high life starting at €1,910 per night, with five-star amenities and a private infinity pool. This luxury property sits within the exclusive Samujana resort overlooking the ocean.

Koh Samui Beaches and Natural Locations Featured

Beyond the resorts, Koh Samui’s natural beauty provided stunning backdrops throughout the season.

Arrival scenes were filmed at the stunning Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, a popular day trip for Samui visitors. The spectacular Ang Thong National Marine Park was featured in the background of arrival scenes, and several of Samui’s beaches also made appearances.

Choeng Mon Beach appeared in multiple scenes, particularly party sequences. The production team transformed this beautiful beach to capture the celebratory atmosphere essential to several plot points.

Fisherman’s Village and Night Market at Bophut were extensively featured, with many store owners appearing as background extras. Walking these streets today, you can recognize storefronts and restaurants that appeared on screen.

How Koh Phangan Full Moon Party Was Featured?

The nearby island of Koh Phangan’s Haad Rin Beach makes an appearance on the show, with several characters heading to the island to experience the famous monthly Full Moon Party.

The island of Ko Pha Ngan near Ko Samui makes a brief appearance in the Full Moon Party episode, with the beach at Haad Rin being the real-life setting for the monthly party. However, filming 30,000 party attendees proved challenging.

The production team recreated Full Moon Party scenes in multiple locations. Other party scenes were filmed on Ko Samui at Fisherman’s Village and Choeng Mon Beach, as well as in Phuket at Café del Mar. They closed streets, erected fake shopfronts, and decorated areas with colorful lanterns to replicate the authentic Koh Phangan atmosphere.

Phuket Filming Locations and Activities Shown

While most of the action was filmed on Ko Samui, Phuket also features prominently as Thailand’s largest island. The production showcased Phuket’s diverse offerings from beaches to entertainment venues.

Ya Nui Beach and Coastal Scenes

Various characters are shown relaxing at attractive Ya Nui Beach. Arrival scenes were shot at Ya Nui Beach in Phuket. This small, picturesque beach on Phuket’s southern tip offers crystal-clear waters and dramatic headlands.

Rosewood Phuket Restaurants

Some scenes were shot at Café Del Mar and Ta Khai Restaurant at Rosewood Phuket. Rosewood Phuket sits along Emerald Bay in Patong, offering ultra-luxury villas, infinity pools, and panoramic sea views that provided perfect backdrops for the show’s opulent dining scenes.

Bangla Boxing Stadium and Marina

Phuket was the location for the Muay Thai boxing match filmed at Bangla Boxing Stadium, and the island was where Gary’s yacht was moored at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina. These locations added authentic Thai culture and luxury yacht lifestyle elements to the narrative.

Bangkok White Lotus Filming Locations Revealed

Bangkok gets The White Lotus treatment with several scenes filmed in the Thai capital. The bustling metropolis provided stark contrast to the serene island resorts.

When Rick visits Bangkok, his taxi drives along Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, with other scenes showing Wat Pho Pier with the Chao Phraya River and Wat Arun in the background. These iconic landmarks are instantly recognizable to anyone who’s visited Thailand’s capital.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel Appearance

One of Thailand’s longest-established and most famous hotels makes a guest appearance, with scenes shot at the lobby and bar of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. This legendary riverside hotel has hosted celebrities and dignitaries for over 140 years.

The hotel’s colonial architecture and elegant interiors added historical depth to Bangkok sequences. Views of the Chao Phraya River from the property showcase Bangkok’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Temples and Spiritual Locations

The giant Buddha at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen is featured along with the canals of Thonburi. These Buddhist temples tie into the season’s exploration of Eastern spirituality White Lotus themes.

Inspiration for the images seen in the opening credits comes from the beautiful murals at Wat Suthat and Wat Suwannaram. These ancient temple murals provided visual richness and cultural authenticity to the show’s aesthetic.

Scenes were filmed at Wat Pu Khao Thong in Koh Samui, as well as Cape Fahn/Pi Samui, and the monastery’s gardens were captured at Dusit Dhewa, a cultural park in Koh Samui.

Luxury Private Residences in Bangkok

The Royal Osha restaurant was used for scenes where Rick met with Sritala, while the luxurious Siri Sala Private Villas was used as the home of Sritala and Jim Hollinger. These exclusive locations showcased Bangkok’s ultra-luxury residential scene.

Tourism Impact How White Lotus Changed Thailand Travel

The show’s impact on Thailand tourism has been extraordinary. Between July and October 2024, Thailand bookings on travel agency Fora grew 34 percent month over month, and in January 2025, Thailand bookings were up 312 percent year over year.

According to Hotels.com, the booking site saw an impressive 40 percent increase in searches for the Four Seasons Koh Samui after it was announced as a White Lotus location. All featured properties have experienced similar booking surges.

Do you know that Sicily’s San Domenico Palace experienced a 300 percent increase in searches after season 2 aired? When season 2 aired, its filming location experienced a 300-percent increase in searches according to Expedia.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand unveiled a special White Lotus landing page helping interested travelers understand where to visit and what to experience to mimic scenes from the series.

Tips for Visiting White Lotus Thailand Locations

Planning your own White Lotus season 3 locations tour requires strategic timing and booking.

Best Time to Visit for Lower Rates: May through early June offers the most affordable rates at luxury properties. You’ll avoid peak tourist season while still enjoying excellent weather. The Four Seasons and Anantara properties offer rates 30-40% lower during this shoulder season.

Book Well in Advance: Popular villas and suites at featured resorts book months ahead, especially those specifically shown in episodes. Villa Jacinta at Samujana and Villa 42 at Anantara Mai Khao require booking six months in advance for high season.

Combine Multiple Islands: Don’t limit yourself to one location. From Phuket, you can easily combine stays in Khao Lak, Khao Sok National Park, Koh Racha, the Phi Phi, and Koh Yao islands, while Krabi and nearby Koh Lanta offer incredible scenery, island hopping, snorkeling, and jungle trails for hiking.

Experience Local Culture: Visit Fisherman’s Village Night Market on Koh Samui every Friday evening. The market transforms into a vibrant street food paradise where you can sample authentic Thai cuisine while browsing handicrafts.

Plan Day Trips: Ang Thong National Marine Park requires advance booking for boat tours. Most resorts can arrange day trips including snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking to viewpoints overlooking the 42 island archipelago.

Detailed Resort Comparison and Booking Information

Each property offers distinct experiences beyond their screen appearances. The Four Seasons focuses on wellness with yoga pavilions and meditation gardens. Anantara properties emphasize Thai hospitality and local cultural experiences. Samujana caters to ultra-wealthy travelers seeking complete privacy.

How Season 3 Differs from Previous White Lotus Locations?

Creator Mike White revealed the season explores “a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality”. This thematic shift influenced location choices significantly.

According to Mike White, Thailand was originally a backup plan because he wanted to shoot in Japan, but after getting to Thailand, the country and its people charmed the production team, making it a life-changing decision.

The White Lotus Thailand resort setting emphasizes healing, wellness, and spiritual exploration more than previous seasons. Scenes at Buddhist temples, meditation gardens, and spa pavilions reflect this evolution.

Hawaii’s season 1 explored colonialism and privilege against tropical paradise. Sicily’s season 2 examined sex, relationships, and ancestral connections. Thailand’s season 3 delves into mortality, spirituality, and self-discovery through Eastern philosophy.

Other Notable Filming Locations Worth Visiting

Café del Mar Phuket

This famous beach club in Kamala appeared in party scenes. Located about 15 minutes from Patong, Café del Mar offers sunset views, Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, and DJ performances. Reservations are highly recommended through their website.

Phang Nga Bay Day Trips

Ko Lawa Yai near Phang Nga Bay was used for arrival scenes. The bay’s dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald waters create otherworldly landscapes. Day tours from Phuket typically include kayaking through caves and visiting James Bond Island.

Wat Arun and Chao Phraya River

Bangkok’s Temple of Dawn provides one of Thailand’s most iconic views, especially at sunset when golden light illuminates its prangs. River ferries make accessing Wat Arun easy from the Mandarin Oriental and other riverside hotels.

What to Know Before Booking Your White Lotus Vacation

Property Access and Restrictions: Not all areas shown on screen are accessible to regular guests. Some scenes were filmed in private villas or areas typically restricted. Contact resorts directly about accessing specific filming locations.

Photography Policies: Luxury resorts have varying photography policies. Some restrict professional equipment in public areas to protect guest privacy. Always ask permission before photographing staff or other guests.

Seasonal Considerations: November through February offers the best weather with minimal rain and comfortable temperatures. March through May brings extreme heat. June through October is monsoon season with afternoon showers, though mornings are often sunny.

Cultural Sensitivity: When visiting temples featured in the show, dress modestly covering shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. Show respect for religious practices and avoid loud behavior.

Common Questions About White Lotus Season 3 Locations

Can I stay in the exact villa shown in White Lotus?

Yes, but expect to pay premium rates and book far in advance. The Ratliff family villa at Four Seasons Koh Samui and Villa Jacinta at Samujana are both available for booking. Request specific villas by name when making reservations.

How long should I spend visiting filming locations?

A minimum one week allows visiting both Koh Samui and Phuket locations comfortably. Three days on each island provides time for day trips, beach relaxation, and exploring local areas. Add extra days for Bangkok.

Are the resorts worth the high prices?

If experiencing authentic luxury resort Thailand accommodations matters to you, absolutely. The Four Seasons and Anantara properties offer exceptional service, amenities, and locations. However, nearby hotels provide similar beach access at half the cost.

What’s the best way to travel between islands?

Bangkok Airways operates direct flights between Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Phuket. Ferries connect Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Most resorts arrange airport transfers. Budget 1-2 hours for inter-island travel.

Do locals appreciate White Lotus tourism?

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said Thailand is honored to have been featured as the filming location, noting the country’s exotic natural beauty, rich historical sites, and diverse landscapes are perfect settings to share Thai culture, cuisine, and luxury offerings. Local businesses welcome the increased tourism.

Is it possible to visit all locations in one trip?

Visiting every single filming location requires 10-14 days minimum. Most travelers prioritize either Koh Samui or Phuket, adding 2-3 days in Bangkok. Focus on locations most meaningful to you rather than checking every box.

Beyond White Lotus Exploring Thailand Further

Tourism Authority of Thailand’s London office director encourages fans to explore beyond filming locations, noting there is so much to see and do in Thailand. Don’t limit your Thai adventure to just White Lotus spots.

Thailand offers incredible diversity beyond glamorous resorts. Northern regions like Chiang Mai provide mountain landscapes, elephant sanctuaries, and hill tribe cultures. The Isaan region showcases authentic rural Thai life largely untouched by tourism.

Southern Thailand extends beyond Phuket and Koh Samui. The Trang islands offer pristine beaches without crowds. Koh Lipe provides world-class diving. The Andaman coast harbors hidden gems like Khao Lak and Railay Beach.

Bangkok itself deserves more time than quick temple visits shown in the series. The city’s street food scene, contemporary art galleries, rooftop bars, and neighborhoods like Thonglor and Ari reveal modern Thai culture beyond tourist stereotypes.

Planning Your White Lotus Inspired Journey

Start planning early for the best experience. Research each location’s unique character to determine which resonate with your travel style. The Four Seasons delivers polished luxury, while Anantara properties feel more connected to Thai culture.

Consider hiring local photographers to capture your White Lotus moments professionally. Several companies offer photoshoot experiences at featured locations, creating lasting memories of your journey.

Book activities and restaurants in advance, especially at resort properties. Popular experiences like private yacht charters, couples spa treatments, and chef’s table dinners fill quickly during high season.

Connect with travel agents specializing in Thailand luxury travel. They often have relationships with featured properties, securing room upgrades, early check-in, and special amenities. Their expertise proves invaluable navigating Thailand’s tourism landscape.

Final Thoughts on Visiting White Lotus Season 3 Locations

Between 2000 and 2019, Thailand visitor arrivals grew by an astonishing 300 percent, far outpacing the global tourism growth rate, partly due to cinematic exposure. White Lotus season 3 will undoubtedly accelerate this trend.

The featured Thailand filming locations offer genuine luxury and natural beauty beyond their television fame. These aren’t just pretty backgrounds but world-class destinations that deliver unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re booking the Four Seasons for the full White Lotus experience or staying at nearby hotels while day-tripping to filming locations, Thailand rewards visitors with warmth, beauty, and cultural richness that transcends any TV show.

The real magic isn’t recreating specific scenes but experiencing Thailand’s essence that attracted filmmakers in the first place. The smiling hospitality, stunning landscapes, ancient spirituality, and modern luxury combine creating a destination that genuinely transforms travelers, just like the characters in the show.