The White Lotus Season 3: Inside the Stunning Thailand Filming Locations

_{[Cover Pictue by HBO]}

Where The White Lotus Season 3 Was Filmed in Thailand – Koh Samui, Phuket & Bangkok

Alright, fellow White Lotus stans, the wait for Season 3 just got a whole lot more exciting. Our favorite show about wealthy, messy people spiraling into chaos is heading to Thailand, and the filming locations alone are giving us major vacation envy. From the serene, luxurious villas of Koh Samui and Phuket to the vibrant streets of Bangkok, Season 3 is about to serve drama in paradise like never before.

Creator Mike White teased that this season will explore themes like “death, spirituality, and ego,” and what better setting for all that existential mess than Thailand? With its lush landscapes, ancient temples, and bougie resorts, the country provides the perfect mix of luxury and meaning. But don’t let the spiritual vibes fool you—this is The White Lotus, after all. That serene beach? Probably hosting a scandal. That infinity pool? Bet someone’s plotting something shady.

Grab your metaphorical passports, folks. It’s time to dive into where all the chaos unfolds this season.

Why Thailand?

When creator Mike White teased that The White Lotus Season 3 would explore themes like “death and Eastern spirituality,” fans immediately speculated that the show would head to Asia. While Japan was initially considered, Thailand ultimately won the race—and for a few compelling reasons.

First, let’s start with the obvious: Thailand’s natural beauty is next-level stunning. From golden Buddhist temples to postcard-perfect beaches, the country offers an irresistible mix of serenity and exotic charm. It’s the kind of backdrop that practically begs to be immortalized on camera, with lush tropical jungles, turquoise waters, and dramatic sunsets adding depth to the show’s visual storytelling.

Second, there’s the money factor. Thailand’s government reportedly sweetened the deal by offering HBO a 30% tax rebate, which saved the production team a massive $4.4 million. That’s Hollywood-level budgeting 101, folks—why not get paradise and a financial break?

But it’s not just about the tax cuts. Thailand is the perfect setting for The White Lotus’ signature mix of extravagance, satire, and dysfunction. Imagine over-the-top wealthy guests grappling with existential questions against the backdrop of ancient temples, tranquil spiritual retreats, and ultra-luxurious resorts. The contrast between Thailand’s serene, spiritual vibe and the ego-driven chaos of the show’s characters? Pure chef’s kiss. It’s going to be messy, indulgent, and completely unforgettable.

The Locations: A Closer Look at Where The White Lotus Season 3 Was Filmed

Season 3 of The White Lotus is bringing its signature mix of high-stakes drama, biting satire, and rich-person shenanigans to Thailand. With its lush landscapes, luxurious resorts, and bustling cities, Thailand is the perfect backdrop for Mike White’s exploration of “death, spirituality, and the Western ego.” Let’s dive into the three key filming locations: Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok. Each spot has its own vibe, and all are bound to bring the chaos to life in true White Lotus fashion.

1. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Let’s start with the big one: the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. If you’ve seen photos of this place, you know it’s a literal paradise. Nestled in the rolling green hills of Koh Samui, this iconic resort offers a level of luxury that feels almost unreal. Imagine waking up in your private villa, stepping outside to your infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, and sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over the ocean. That’s the vibe here—pure indulgence.

But while the Four Seasons Koh Samui is all about peace and serenity for its guests, fans of The White Lotus know better. This is the perfect setting for rich people to spiral into chaos. Whether it’s a private beach argument, a scandal unfolding at the poolside bar, or someone lurking in the lush tropical gardens, this place is peak “rich people drama waiting to happen.”

The resort’s design is a blend of traditional Thai architecture and modern luxury. Think teakwood villas surrounded by greenery, high ceilings, and private terraces. Oh, and every villa comes with its own personal assistant to cater to your every whim. Can you imagine how that’s going to play into the show’s twisted narrative? The wealth, the power, the entitlement—it’s a recipe for disaster.

Plus, Koh Samui itself is a dreamy location. From its pristine beaches to its stunning sunsets, the island provides the perfect backdrop for the kind of breathtaking cinematography The White Lotus is known for. But don’t let the postcard-perfect setting fool you—this paradise is bound to have a dark side once the drama starts unfolding.

2. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Next stop: Phuket, home to the stunning Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. This beachfront resort is the epitome of luxury meets wellness. Picture sprawling villas surrounded by a lagoon, paths shaded by bamboo trees, and restaurants perched in treetops. It’s like stepping into a dream—until The White Lotus characters show up to ruin everything.

Anantara isn’t just any resort; it’s a sanctuary. The kind of place where guests can indulge in everything from reflexology massages to Himalayan sound baths. They even offer omakase dining in a treetop pavilion, which is giving major treat yourself energy. But here’s the thing—when has The White Lotus ever been about relaxation? We all know these serene settings are just a prelude to absolute chaos.

The Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas are designed to resemble a traditional Thai village, complete with private villas that open onto lily-padded lagoons. Guests can stroll through tropical gardens designed by world-renowned architect Bill Bensley, take a dip in pools that flow into their bedrooms, or sip wine from their personal cellars. It’s discreet luxury at its finest—exactly the kind of place where secrets fester, relationships implode, and shocking betrayals come to light.

Phuket itself brings a different energy to the show. Known for its long beaches and turquoise waters, it’s the perfect mix of natural beauty and high-maintenance glamour. The island is famous for its nightlife, wellness retreats, and upscale resorts, making it the ideal backdrop for the indulgence and tension The White Lotus thrives on.

3. Bangkok: The Heart of Chaos

While the resorts bring the opulence, Bangkok brings the energy. As Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok serves as the third key filming location for Season 3. This bustling metropolis is a sharp contrast to the tranquil island settings, and it’s bound to add an entirely new layer of tension to the show.

Bangkok is a sensory overload in the best way possible. From its street food markets to its sky-high rooftop bars, it’s a city that pulses with life. The trailer hints at scenes featuring iconic cityscapes, bustling markets, and possibly even spiritual temples. While the specific hotel used in Bangkok hasn’t been confirmed, it’s easy to imagine the characters navigating both the high-end and gritty sides of this dynamic city.

Expect to see the characters exploring places like the Chatuchak Weekend Market or the Asiatique Riverfront, where the sensory overload of sights, smells, and sounds will be the perfect metaphor for the chaotic mess of their lives. Bangkok isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, bringing its own unique energy to the show.

What makes Bangkok particularly intriguing is how it ties into the season’s themes. Mike White has said Season 3 will explore the tension between Western ego and Eastern spirituality, and Bangkok is the perfect city for that. It’s a place where ancient traditions meet modern excess, and you can bet that the show’s characters will fumble their way through both.

The White Lotus Effect: Will Thailand Blow Up?

If past seasons are any indication, Thailand is about to experience The White Lotus Effect in a big way. When Season 1 of the hit HBO show dropped, the Four Seasons Resort Maui saw an eye-popping 425% increase in web traffic practically overnight. By Season 2, the picturesque San Domenico Palace in Sicily became one of the most in-demand destinations for luxury travelers. Now, as The White Lotus Season 3 sets its sights on Thailand, it’s clear that the country’s stunning resorts and idyllic locations are ready for their moment in the spotlight.

Picture this: your TikTok feed overflowing with “I stayed at The White Lotus Thailand resort” videos. You’ll see bougie beachside cocktails, slow-motion infinity pool shots, and people flexing their lotus flower yoga poses. Thailand’s breathtaking Four Seasons Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas are about to become the new “must-stay” destinations for anyone chasing luxury or clout.

Whether it’s for the show’s jaw-dropping aesthetics, spiritual vibes, or just to live out that rich-person fantasy, Thailand is set to become the destination dominating Gen Z’s travel bucket lists in 2025.

What Makes Thailand the Perfect Fit?

Season 3 of The White Lotus is diving into some deep themes—spirituality, ego, and existential questions—and Thailand couldn’t be a more perfect backdrop. Known for its ancient Buddhist temples, lush tropical landscapes, and a culture deeply rooted in mindfulness and wellness, Thailand offers more than just luxury. It provides the kind of rich, layered setting that The White Lotus thrives on. This season isn’t just about extravagant resorts; it’s about contrasting the serene beauty of Thailand with the chaos of its privileged characters.

Creator Mike White teased that Season 3 would explore “Eastern spirituality versus Western ego,” and honestly, where better to do that than in a country known for its wellness retreats, spiritual awakenings, and the deeply symbolic lotus flower? Thailand brings all the vibes—whether it’s tranquil beaches or sacred temples.

But let’s not get it twisted: this isn’t about to be some peaceful meditation retreat. The White Lotus wouldn’t be The White Lotus without its wealthy, messy characters completely derailing the serenity. Expect every yoga session, temple visit, and poolside cocktail to turn into a battleground of entitlement, passive-aggressive drama, and utter chaos.

In Thailand, where ancient spirituality meets modern indulgence, the stage is set for the perfect storm of opulence and dysfunction. It’s luxury meets lunacy, and we’re absolutely here for it.

Famous TV Shows and Movies Filmed in Thailand

Thailand has long been a favorite destination for filmmakers, offering stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural depth that have brought countless stories to life on screen. Here’s a quick look at some iconic productions that were filmed in the Land of Smiles:

1. The Hangover Part II (2011)
   This comedy sequel follows the chaotic misadventures of the Wolf Pack in Bangkok, showcasing the city's bustling streets, rooftop bars, and nightlife chaos.
2. The Beach (2000)
   Leonardo DiCaprio’s cult classic was filmed on the breathtaking island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, which became world-famous for its turquoise waters and sandy shores.
3. Mortal Kombat (1995)
   The ancient temples and exotic landscapes of Thailand doubled as Outworld and Earthrealm in this iconic video game adaptation.
4. Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
   This Oscar-winning war epic was filmed near the real River Kwai, showcasing Thailand’s historical beauty and lush greenery.
5. Anna and the King (1999)
   Set in 19th-century Siam, this period drama starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat was filmed in several Thai locations, highlighting traditional Thai architecture and culture.
6. The Impossible (2012)
   This heart-wrenching true story about the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was filmed in Phuket and Khao Lak, adding authenticity to the film's dramatic visuals.
7. James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
   Khao Phing Kan, famously dubbed “James Bond Island,” served as the lair of the villain Scaramanga, putting Thailand’s limestone cliffs on the global map.
8. Kickboxer (1989)
   Jean-Claude Van Damme's martial arts classic was filmed in Bangkok and Ayutthaya, showcasing the country’s Muay Thai culture and ancient ruins.
9. Tomb Raider (2001)
   Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft explored the exotic temples of Siem Reap in Cambodia, but many action-packed scenes were filmed in Krabi, Thailand.
10. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
    While primarily set in Singapore, scenes featuring Colin and Araminta’s luxurious wedding were filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai in Thailand.

From action-packed blockbusters to heartwarming dramas, Thailand’s versatility as a filming location proves it’s more than ready to host the chaos of The White Lotus Season 3!

Live Your White Lotus Fantasy

Thailand isn’t just a backdrop for The White Lotus Season 3—it’s a character in its own right. With its lush jungles, serene beaches, and bustling cities, the country sets the perfect stage for exploring the clash between Western entitlement and Eastern spirituality. Whether it’s characters meditating at temples, feuding at private beachside villas, or navigating the chaos of Bangkok’s markets, Thailand’s beauty and complexity will make this season one to remember.

But don’t forget, this is The White Lotus, so those dreamy settings are bound to host plenty of drama, betrayal, and maybe even another “accidental” death. Whether you’re in it for the biting satire or just the vacation vibes, Thailand is about to dominate your travel inspo for 2025.

So, grab your popcorn (or your travel agent) and get ready for a season of chaos, luxury, and jaw-dropping locations. Stay tuned for more White Lotus updates here at Woke Waves Magazine—your ultimate guide to Gen Z vibes and iconic TV moments!