Set-Jetting: Visiting "The White Lotus" Locations

The “White Lotus Effect” is real. After Season 1 spiked tourism to Maui and Season 2 turned Taormina, Sicily, into the summer’s hottest destination, travelers are now turning their eyes toward Thailand. With Season 3 confirmed to be filming across the “Land of Smiles,” bookings are already surging. If you want to experience the ultra-luxury and stunning landscapes of the next season before the episodes air—and before prices skyrocket—you need to plan your trip now.

The Rise of Set-Jetting in Thailand

“Set-jetting” refers to the trend where travelers flock to destinations seen in movies or TV shows. Expedia’s recent travel trends report highlighted this behavior, noting that streamed shows have become more influential than social media for travel inspiration.

For The White Lotus Season 3, the production has moved to Southeast Asia. While the plot details remain under wraps, the specific filming locations have leaked. HBO has partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to support the filming, which took place primarily in Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok.

Historically, hotels featured in the show see a massive increase in demand. The San Domenico Palace in Sicily (Season 2) saw availability vanish almost instantly after the show aired. To beat the rush for Season 3, you should look at the specific properties below.

The Confirmed "White Lotus" Hotels

While the show often rebrands the hotels as a fictional “White Lotus” branch, they film at real, existing luxury resorts. Here are the specific properties you can book right now.

Koh Samui: Four Seasons Resort

Industry insiders and local leaks have identified the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui as a primary filming location. This fits perfectly with the show’s aesthetic: isolated, ultra-expensive, and visually dramatic.

  • ** The Vibe:** The resort is located on the northwestern tip of the island at Laem Yai Bay. It features hillside villas wrapped in tropical jungle, all looking out over the Gulf of Thailand.
  • The Cost: Expect to pay a premium. Rates typically start around $1,400 to $1,800 USD per night depending on the season.
  • What to Expect: Each villa comes with a private infinity pool. The property has a reputation for privacy, which suggests this will be where the high-stakes drama of the main characters takes place.
  • Getting There: You can fly directly into Samui International Airport (USM) from Bangkok.

Phuket: Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Production also moved to Phuket, specifically the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. This property offers a different atmosphere compared to the hillside drama of Samui.

  • The Vibe: Located on the northern tip of Phuket, Mai Khao is one of the island’s longest and quietest beaches. The resort focuses on lagoon-style layouts and pool villas that emphasize wellness and tranquility.
  • The Cost: Rates here are generally lower than the Four Seasons but still luxury, hovering between $600 and $900 USD per night.
  • The Setting: This location borders the Sirinath National Park. It is likely the show will use this location to highlight the “wellness” themes rumored to be central to Season 3, such as Eastern spirituality and death.

Bangkok: The Urban Contrast

While the previous seasons focused almost exclusively on a single resort, Season 3 is expected to include Bangkok to provide urban contrast. While a specific hotel is harder to pin down, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and The Siam are the top contenders regarding style and riverfront location.

Travelers looking to recreate the experience should focus on the Chao Phraya River area. This is where you find the historic temples like Wat Arun alongside luxury hospitality.

How to Visit Before the Crowds

The show is expected to air in 2025. Once the trailer drops, interest will peak. Here is how to navigate your booking.

Timing Your Visit

Thailand has three distinct seasons, and picking the right one is critical for a good experience.

  1. High Season (November to February): This is the cool and dry season. The weather is perfect (70°F to 85°F), but prices are at their highest. If you want to visit before the show airs, booking for late 2024 or early 2025 is your best window.
  2. Shoulder Season (March to May): This is the hot season. Temperatures can hit 100°F. However, crowds are thinner, and hotel rates drop by 20-30%.
  3. Green Season (June to October): This is the monsoon season. While rain is frequent, it usually comes in short bursts. The West Coast (Phuket) sees more rain and rough seas during this time, while the Gulf Coast (Koh Samui) remains relatively drier until October.

Alternative Luxury Options

If the Four Seasons or Anantara are out of budget, you can still experience the same locations for less.

  • In Koh Samui: Try the Kimpton Kitalay Samui or Sala Samui Choengmon Beach. You get the same ocean views and Choeng Mon access for roughly $250 to $400 per night.
  • In Phuket: The Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa is located on the same stretch of Mai Khao beach as the Anantara. You can enjoy the exact same beach and sunset views for closer to $200 to $300 per night.

Exploring the Culture (Respectfully)

A recurring theme in The White Lotus is the oblivious nature of wealthy tourists. To avoid being “that tourist,” keep these cultural notes in mind:

  • Temples: When visiting sites like Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) in Samui, cover your shoulders and knees. It is non-negotiable.
  • The “Wai”: This is the traditional Thai greeting (palms pressed together with a slight bow). Returning a Wai to hotel staff or locals is a sign of respect.
  • Currency: Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB). While credit cards are accepted at hotels, you will need cash for street food, tuk-tuks, and local markets. 1 USD is approximately 36 THB.
  • Transport: Download the Grab app (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) before you arrive. It is safer and more reliable than negotiating with unmetered taxis.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will The White Lotus Season 3 be released? HBO has delayed the release to 2025 due to previous writers’ strikes. This gives you a travel window in late 2024 to visit before the show premieres.

Is it safe to travel to Thailand right now? Yes, Thailand remains one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia for tourists. Standard precautions regarding petty theft apply, but violent crime against tourists is rare.

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand? US citizens and passport holders from many other countries can enter Thailand visa-exempt for up to 30 days. Note that this policy can change, so always check the Royal Thai Embassy website before flying.

Which airport should I fly into? For the full experience, fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. From there, you can take a short 1-hour domestic flight to Samui (USM) or Phuket (HKT).