SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 18, 2025 – In recent years, no TV series has captivated viewers and sparked wanderlust quite like “The White Lotus.” With its blend of murder, scandal, stunning beaches, and wealthy characters behaving badly, the show has become a cultural phenomenon.1 The highly anticipated third season, premiering February 16th, takes viewers to another breathtaking destination: Thailand.2
Setting the Scene: Thailand's Allure
This season’s cast boasts an impressive lineup, including Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Walton Goggins, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Thailand’s own K-pop sensation, Lalisa ‘Lisa’ Manobal. Adding to the excitement, season one fan favorite Natasha Rothwell returns as spa manager Belinda.3 As Lalisa’s character “Mook” says in the trailer, “I hope you enjoy Thailand.”
Koh Samui: The Heart of the Drama
Much of season three was filmed on the island of Koh Samui, a paradise in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its pristine white sandy shores and luxurious hotels, Koh Samui provides the perfect backdrop for the show's intricate storylines.4 Keeping with tradition, the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui takes center stage, portraying the fictional White Lotus Resort & Spa. HBO has confirmed that viewers can expect to see numerous scenes filmed in the resort’s opulent pool villas, restaurants, outdoor landscapes, and fitness areas.
Beyond the Four Seasons: Exploring Koh Samui's Gems
While the Four Seasons serves as the primary location, other Koh Samui hotspots also make an appearance. The “White Lotus” bar is actually the Singing Bird Lounge at the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort.5 For the hotel's lobby, security station, driveway, and jewelry store, the production utilized the Thai hotel brand’s second resort on the island, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui.6
Other Samui locations featured in the season three trailer include Choeng Mon Beach, Am Samui Resort Taling Ngam, Wat Phu Khao Thong (a temple), the Dusit Dheva Cultural Center, Cape Fahn Hotel, and the Pi Samui Beach Club and Restaurant.7 Haad Rin Beach on the nearby island of Koh Phangan, famous for its Full Moon parties, also makes a cameo.8 Stunning arrival scenes were filmed at the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, a popular day trip destination for Samui visitors.
Phuket and Bangkok: Expanding the Horizon
The series also ventured to Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, located in the Andaman Sea.9 Fans of Belinda will be thrilled to know that many of her scenes were filmed at the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket resort. "White Lotus" dinner scenes were filmed at the Rosewood Phuket’s Ta Khai restaurant.10 Other Phuket attractions featured include Bangla Boxing, Ya Nui Beach, the Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, and Café Del Mar.11 Additional arrival scenes were filmed at Ko Lawa Yai, near Phang Nga Bay.12 Even Bangkok's iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel makes an appearance in the trailer.13
The "White Lotus" Effect: A Tourism Boost
The impact of “The White Lotus” on tourism is undeniable. “We are honored to have amazing Thailand featured as the filming location for the highly anticipated upcoming season of ‘The White Lotus,’” said Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool. “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.”
Multiple tour companies and resorts have already created “White Lotus” themed Thailand packages. A source from Hotels.com told CNN that searches for Koh Samui are up 40% ahead of season three. This trend is expected to continue, mirroring the surge in interest seen after previous seasons. The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported over 35 million international travelers in 2024, generating over 1.8 trillion baht ($53.5 billion) in tourism revenue.14 This year, they aim to attract 39-40 million international visitors and generate 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue.
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