If you are like me and you loved season 3 of HBO’s The White Lotus, which took place in Thailand, then a White Lotus-inspired Thailand trip should be at the top of your bucket list!

I had the opportunity to spend 10 days in Thailand with the Tourism Authority of Thailand this past May on a White Lotus-inspired trip. Not only did we stay at several hotels that were featured in the show, but we visited an abundance of filming locations, chatted with general hotel managers who worked with the cast and crew, and filled our itinerary with plenty of White Lotus-inspired activities.

In this White Lotus-inspired itinerary to Thailand, I’m going to share with you the ultimate list of filming locations, White Lotus-worthy places to stay, and other things to do for the ultimate White Lotus experience in Thailand. If you’re looking to explore Thailand in luxury, this is hands down THE way to do it!

Phuket

While the show technically took place at the fictional White Lotus resort in Koh Samui, many locations featured in the show were actually filmed in Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, which is famous for its stunning beaches, glamorous resorts, and vibrant nightlife. I suggest flying into Phuket and spending the first few days of your White Lotus Thailand trip exploring this beautiful island!

How Many Days to Spend in Phuket

I recommend spending at least 3 days in Phuket to visit all of the filming locations, but honestly, you could easily spend a week or more here. There’s so much to see and do, from hidden beaches to bustling night markets and fun nightlife, so it all depends on how much time you have and how slow you want to travel.

White Lotus-Worthy Hotels to Stay at in Phuket

Phuket is packed with luxury resorts that feel straight out of the White Lotus. These are my top picks for a White Lotus-inspired stay in Phuket:

InterContinental Phuket Resort: Tucked between a lush green hillside and a stunning beachfront, the InterContinental Phuket feels like something straight out of the series! I personally stayed here and absolutely loved exploring the expansive property, dining at the delicious on-site restaurants, and relaxing at the beautiful beachfront. It’s also right next to Café del Mar, where one of the show’s most unforgettable party scenes was filmed.

Rosewood Phuket: This ultra-luxury resort is where the cast filmed the intimate restaurant scenes at Ta Khai, the resort’s authentic Thai restaurant on the beach. It has a charming rustic-meets-luxury vibe with top-tier five-star service.

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas: This is where some of the spa scenes from the show were shot, and once you step into the lush, tranquil property, you’ll understand why. Their wellness offerings are world-class (their spa WAS featured as the White Lotus spa after all!) and the setting is incredibly serene and peaceful.

White Lotus Filming Locations to Visit in Phuket

Phang Nga Bay

You’ll recognize this bay’s iconic limestone cliffs and emerald waters from several boat scenes in season 3 of The White Lotus. Whether you join a guided boat tour or charter a private longtail boat, it’s an absolute must for fans of the show and nature lovers alike. Here you can also take a kayaking tour of Khao Pring Kan (also known as James Bond Island due to its appearance in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun), famous for its towering limestone cliffs and sea caves that you can kayak through.

This was my personal highlight during my time in Phuket, and exploring in a traditional Thai long-tail boat made it even more unforgettable! We opted for a private long-tail boat tour of the bay, and it made the experience all the more peaceful and a whole lot more luxurious. It was definitely a “pinch me” moment and the perfect way to spend our first morning in Thailand.

Ta Khai Restaurant at Rosewood

This gorgeous beachfront restaurant is where we see the hotel owner perform in the series. We enjoyed an amazing dinner here on our first night in Phuket – the service was fantastic and the elegant take on classic Thai cuisine was delicious! The atmosphere of the restaurant is tranquil, surrounded by beautiful teak wood furnishings, gardens, and, of course, the peaceful beachfront. I can absolutely see why this was used as a filming location for one of the most iconic scenes in the White Lotus – it’s absolutely stunning!

Café del Mar Phuket

Featured in the party scene with Jaclyn, Laurie, Kate, and Valentin’s friend group, Café del Mar is located right on the beach and is the perfect place to enjoy a White Lotus-style night out. If you’re not into the party scene, you can enjoy a more relaxed setting during the day, rent a sunbed by the pool, and enjoy a meal at the restaurant.

Bangla Boxing Stadium

This is where they filmed the Muay Thai match that took place in the show, and it’s just as intense in person! Bangla Boxing Stadium is located in the heart of Patong, which is a popular party town in Phuket. The vibes here are vibrant and exciting, and I promise you’ll be on the edge of your seat as you watch the match go down!! I suggest booking tickets in advance, especially during high season.

Other White Lotus-Inspired Things to Do in Phuket

Explore Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is far too overlooked by tourists, in my opinion. The old town is lined with colorful colonial architecture, charming cafés, traditional Thai restaurants, indie boutiques, and vibrant street art that gives this part of the island so much character. It’s the perfect place for a laid-back afternoon stroll and such a great way to see Phuket’s more cultural side.

While we were in the old town, we had the opportunity to dress in traditional Thai attire as we toured stunning house museums, and even took a mini cooking class! We got to choose the fabrics we wanted to wear, which were custom-tailored to fit us perfectly. It definitely made the experience of wandering through the old town all the more exciting, and made for great photo opportunities!

Indulge in a World-Class Spa Treatment

Thailand is renowned for its massages and top-tier spa treatments. I had a heavenly experience at Sati Spa at the InterContinental Phuket, but you’ll also find incredible spa offerings all across the island. A Thai massage is the perfect way to combat jet lag after a long travel day, and since you’ll be flying into Phuket for this White Lotus itinerary, it’s the perfect place to indulge in a 5-star spa treatment!

Relax on Phuket’s Stunning Beaches

One of the beaches shown in the series is Yanui Beach, a smaller, quieter stretch of coast on the southern tip of Phuket that’s perfect for a chill afternoon. Other top beaches to check out include:

• Surin Beach: Chic and trendy, with upscale beach clubs.
• Freedom Beach: Tucked away and only accessible by boat or via hike.
• Kata Noi Beach: Quiet, scenic, and ideal for swimming.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint & Bay View Café

Located just over the bridge from Phuket on the mainland, Samet Nangshe offers one of the most stunning viewpoints in southern Thailand, especially at sunrise, and is absolutely worth the drive from Phuket island. Grab a coffee or cocktail at Bay View Café, perched right at the top with panoramic vistas over Phang Nga Bay. This guided small group tour will take you from Phuket to Samet Nangshe viewpoint at sunrise, and afterwards will take you on an early access boat tour of Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island – an itinerary I highly recommend!

Koh Samui

After spending your first few days in Thailand exploring Phuket, take a short flight via Bangkok Airways over to Koh Samui, which is the actual island where Season 3 of The White Lotus took place. From luxury resorts to jaw-dropping coastal views, this island truly brings that White Lotus energy to life.

How Many Days to Spend in Koh Samui

I recommend spending at least 4 days in Koh Samui to fully soak in the White Lotus-inspired spots and experiences, but honestly, just like Phuket, you could easily spend a full week or more exploring this beautiful island. Koh Samui is surprisingly large (it’s Thailand’s second-largest island, next to Phuket!), and having a motorbike or rental car gives you the freedom to beach-hop, hit up all the filming locations, and experience all of the incredible things that this island has to offer. Next time I visit Koh Samui, I plan to spend a week to ten days exploring the island alone, as it has so much to offer and has been repeatedly ranked as one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand.

White Lotus-Worthy Hotels to Stay At in Koh Samui

The White Lotus took place on Koh Samui and actually featured multiple hotels around the island. If you’re going for an authentic White Lotus vibe, these are the top places to stay that were featured in the show:

Four Seasons Koh Samui: Stay at the Four Seasons in Koh Samui for the ultimate White Lotus experience. This was the main resort featured in the show, and production shut down the entire property for four months while filming because the cast and crew stayed here throughout the filming process. The Four Seasons is nestled on a private hillside with stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand and is one of the most exclusive resorts you can stay at in Koh Samui!

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort: Another five-star property featured in the show, Anantara Bophut, offers elegant beachfront vibes, lush tropical gardens, and luxe touches around every corner. Several scenes were filmed across the hotel grounds, including the hotel lobby, hotel gift shop (where the famous robbery scene takes place), hotel security, massage room, and “old lady” beach club (which is obviously not the case in real life)! So, if you’re looking for a White Lotus-inspired stay at a slightly more accessible price point, this is a great option.

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort: This is where I personally stayed in Koh Samui, and I had a fantastic experience! The scene where Chelsea meets Chloe takes place at the “Singing Bird Lounge” on this property. I stayed in one of their pool suites, and let me tell you: lounging by my private pool with a fresh coconut felt like a moment straight out of the show!

White Lotus Filming Locations to Visit in Koh Samui

Aside from staying at the resorts themselves, there are several filming locations you can visit around the island that were featured in The White Lotus:

The Singing Bird Lounge (Anantara Lawana)

This bar is located at the Anantara Lawana hotel in Koh Samui, and was featured in the show during the scene when Chelsea meets Chloe and the big “Greg” reveal happens. Head here for a cocktail from their White Lotus-inspired cocktail list – I ordered the “Gaitok” cocktail (one of my favorite characters from the season) and it was delicious!

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

This absolutely stunning archipelago of 42 islands was used for the arrival scenes in the show, and it’s even more beautiful in real life! You can take a guided day trip by boat to snorkel, kayak, or hike up to panoramic viewpoints. It’s a can’t-miss adventure and one of the best ways to experience the raw beauty of the Gulf of Thailand. For the ultimate White Lotus experience, hire a private charter boat for a tour around Ang Thong National Park. You’ll get the chance to go island hopping, snorkeling, and enjoying incredible surrounding views from the comfort of your private boat.

Wat Phu Khao Thong

This peaceful Buddhist monastery is where Piper’s spiritual scenes take place in the show. It’s a beautiful, serene stop for those wanting to see the quieter, more local side of Koh Samui island.

Fisherman’s Village

The water fight scene between Kate, Laurie, and Jaclyn was filmed in Koh Samui’s Fisherman’s Village, a charming stretch of seaside road in Bophut, which is lined with boutiques, beachfront restaurants, and bars. Be sure to check out the Friday night market, it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and try local street food!

Choeng Mon Beach

Several of the party scenes in The White Lotus were filmed on this beautiful beach, which is known for its soft sand, gentle waves, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great spot to unwind and take in the beautiful surrounding views!

Dusit Dheva Cultural Centre

Used to represent the lush gardens of the monastery in the series, this spot on the eastern side of the island offers gorgeous traditional Thai architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Other White Lotus-Inspired Things to Do in Koh Samui

Even beyond the show’s filming locations, Koh Samui has major White Lotus energy. Here are some extra experiences that will truly elevate your stay:

Experience a Full Moon Party on Koh Pha Ngan

The Full Moon Party that took place in season 3 is something you can experience in real life if you happen to be in Koh Samui during a full moon. Just a short ferry ride away, Koh Pha Ngan is home to the legendary Full Moon Parties. Be prepared for massive crowds, especially during peak season – around 10,000-30,000 people on average attend these monthly festivities!

Watch a Fire Show

Located right on the beach in Fisherman’s Village, Coco Tams puts on a nightly fire show that you can enjoy with drinks and a tasty dinner. Unfortunately, it was raining when we went, so the fire show was cancelled, but we still really enjoyed our meal here. The pizza here was surprisingly delicious (considering it’s Thailand, not Italy), and their menu offers a fun mix of international and Thai dishes.

Go Beach Hopping Around the Island

Koh Samui is renowned for its beaches, and beach hopping is an absolute must around the island! Here are a few I suggest visiting during your time in Koh Samui:

• Silver Beach: Small, scenic, and great for swimming.
• Lamai Beach: A bit livelier with cafes and beach bars.
• Lipa Noi: Quiet and perfect for sunsets.

Take an Excursion to Pig Island (Koh Madsum)

Yes, there’s an island near Koh Samui with friendly pigs that swim out to greet visitors! A half-day tour here is quirky, fun, and makes for amazing photos. I could totally see the White Lotus characters visiting for a comical scene as they interact with the pigs that make this island famous. There are plenty of small group tours available, but for a more relaxed and “White Lotus Worthy”  experience, you can hire a private long-tail boat that leaves from Koh Samui.

Visit Wat Plai Laem & Wat Phra Yai

These two temples are some of the most beautiful and photogenic on the island, featuring massive Buddha statues, colorful artwork, and serene surroundings. They are definitely worth visiting during your time in Koh Samui!

Bangkok

End your White Lotus-inspired Thailand trip with a few unforgettable days in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling, vibrant capital. The city made several appearances in the series when Rick escapes to Bangkok for a few days. From ultra-luxurious suites to glittering temples and rooftop bars, Bangkok serves as the perfect finale to your White Lotus-inspired getaway.

How Many Days to Spend in Bangkok

I suggest spending at least 3 days in Bangkok to cover all the White Lotus filming locations and enjoy some indulgent experiences worthy of the show’s most extravagant characters. That said, Bangkok is massive, and you could easily spend a week (or more!) exploring this bustling, culturally rich city.

White Lotus-Worthy Hotels to Stay at in Bangkok

If you’re going to end your trip in Bangkok, you might as well go out with a bang, preferably enjoying your last nights from the balcony of a sky-high suite with sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok: One of the best luxury hotels in the world, the Mandarin Oriental is where Rick stayed during his time in the city, specifically in the stunning Oriental Suite, a top-floor penthouse with panoramic views. Located in a prime location along the river, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is one of the most renowned hotels in the world, and is definitely a “bucket list” hotel to experience in the city.

Siri Sala Private Villas: Used in the show to depict the hotel owner’s Bangkok residence, Siri Sala is a serene collection of riverside villas that blend Thai heritage with modern luxury. If you’re traveling with a group (or just want a super private, ultra-exclusive escape in the city), this is the spot for you!

Capella Bangkok: While this hotel wasn’t featured in The White Lotus, it exudes luxury and is another hotel worthy of a White Lotus stay. Named as one of the 50 best hotels in the world in 2024 by Forbes, it’s easy to see why with its ultra-luxurious suites and amenities.

White Lotus Filming Locations to Visit in Bangkok

Bangkok provided the backdrop for some of the show’s most important (and viral) scenes, and you can visit nearly all of them yourself!

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

The Mandarin Oriental was where Rick stayed during his time in Bangkok, and many scenes were filmed in this iconic hotel. Even if you’re not staying overnight, stop in for afternoon tea at the Author’s lounge or enjoy a drink at one of the hotel’s bars to soak in the glamor. We had the opportunity to tour the exclusive Oriental Suite, which is the $10,000/night suite where Rick stayed, and some of the party scenes were filmed. Celebrities like Michael Jackson and Kurt Russel have stayed in this exact suite, and many royal family members have stayed there when visiting the city.

Bamboo Bar

Located inside the Mandarin Oriental, The Bamboo Bar is a cozy, timeless jazz bar where one of the most famous scenes took place during season 3 of The White Lotus (when Rick and Frank have that infamous discussion about Frank’s escapades). It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink, listen to music, and have good conversations. It’s also ranked as one of Asia’s best bars, and for good reason – its cozy atmosphere, live music, and expertly crafted drinks all make this a must-visit for any cocktail lovers or White Lotus fans when in Bangkok.

Wat Pho Pier

This riverside pier appears during Rick’s scenes in Bangkok and is just steps away from some of the city’s most iconic temples. It’s also a great jumping-off point for a Chao Phraya River cruise or water taxi ride. Wat Pho Pier also offers a stunning view of Wat Arun, which glitters like gold at night.

Yaowarat Road (Chinatown)

Yaowarat Road was briefly featured in The White Lotus when Rick is in the taxi, so it’s another filming location worth experiencing in person. It’s bustling and can get super busy, especially later at night, but that’s part of the charm.

Bangkok’s Chinatown is a must-visit, especially at night when the neon signs are lit up and the atmosphere is most lively. Chinatown is also one of the best places in the city to sample local street food – we enjoyed fried crab wontons, pad thai, and coconut ice cream served out of a coconut shell! I also got the chance to sample durian here for the first time (I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it!), which is a must when visiting Thailand. 

Siri Sala Private Villas

Aside from being a dreamy place to stay, these villas were used in the show as the Bangkok home of the hotel owner. Even if you’re not staying here, private dinners and events can be arranged on-site. We passed by the villas during one of our long-tail boat rides along the canal, and it looked just as gorgeous as it did in the show!

Wat Suthat & Wat Suwannaram

These two Buddhist temples are home to murals that were featured in the intro of season 3, and are worth visiting not just for their White Lotus connections but for their peaceful, spiritual energy in the midst of the city. Wat Suthat is especially stunning at golden hour, just before sunset!

Other White Lotus-Inspired Things to Do in Bangkok

Even beyond the filming locations, Bangkok has plenty of experiences that feel straight out of a White Lotus episode (minus the betrayal and existential crises, of course)! Here are some of the best White Lotus-inspired things to do in Bangkok:

Go on a Luxury Dinner Cruise

A dinner cruise is one of the best ways to experience the magic of Bangkok at night. We enjoyed a fantastic evening with Apsara Cruise by Banyan Tree, which offers a luxurious four-course fine dining experience aboard a beautifully restored antique rice barge. As we cruised down the Chao Phraya River, we enjoyed our meal and passed by some of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and the glittering temples of the Old City. This would be the perfect romantic date night or celebratory dinner in Bangkok, and absolutely something you would see the characters enjoy in The White Lotus.

Watch a Traditional Khon Dance Performance

“Khon” is a classical Thai masked dance, and is one of the country’s oldest art forms that was beautifully featured in The White Lotus. Many high-end hotels or cultural venues like the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre host these performances. On our last night in Bangkok, we experienced an incredible Khon show at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s Sala Rim Naam restaurant, which is located directly across the river from the hotel. During the performance, we enjoyed a delicious multi-course fine dining experience that was definitely worthy of The White Lotus. It was the perfect way to end our White Lotus-inspired trip, and I feel like it’s an absolute must when in Thailand!

Visit the Jim Thompson House Museum

Jim Thompson is known as the “King of Thai silk”, and many of the show’s characters wore designs from the Jim Thompson brand. The Jim Thompson House Museum is the former home of the late designer, who mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands in 1967. His residence in the heart of Bangkok is like a time capsule into 1960s Thailand, filled with stunning artwork, teak wood carvings, and elegant furnishings. We took a guided tour of the Jim Thompson House, and it was absolutely fascinating to learn about the designer’s life and legacy.

I also strongly suggest enjoying a meal at the on-site Jim Thompson restaurant, which serves an elegant take on Thai cuisine. We enjoyed a fantastic tasting menu here for lunch, and the amount of care and attention that went into each dish was undeniable!

Go Luxury Shopping at ICONSIAM

One of Bangkok’s glitziest malls, ICONSIAM is the perfect place for a shopping spree worthy of the White Lotus. This massive mall is filled with all the brand-name designers you can think of, a park with wonderful riverside views, fantastic restaurants, and even a luxurious floating market inside the mall! You could easily spend an entire day enjoying ICONSIAM and its amenities – it’s truly a mall like no other.

Conclusion

Thailand offers some of the top luxury experiences and accommodations in the world, and it’s no wonder that it was chosen to be the featured destination for season 3 of The White Lotus. From 5-star hotels, world-class dining options, incredible shopping opportunities, and unforgettable excursions, Thailand is truly a country that has it all.

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