The highly anticipated and long awaited third season of The White Lotus is back, this time transporting viewers to the tropical paradise of Thailand.
As with the previous two seasons, the series is packed with outrageous characters, high-stakes drama, and breathtaking scenery – only this time, against a backdrop of golden beaches, lush jungles, and opulent resorts.
This season introduces a fresh cast of ultra-wealthy holidaymakers checking into the Thai branch of The White Lotus resort for a week of luxury and, inevitably, chaos.
Filming took place across three stunning locations: the vibrant capital city of Bangkok and the idyllic islands of Koh Samui and Phuket, offering no shortage of jaw-dropping, envy-inducing settings.
For those dreaming of their own White Lotus-inspired adventure, Ed Sharp, at TravelSupermarket, shares a guide to the key filming locations and the best ways to explore them by car:
1. Koh Samui
The main setting for The White Lotus Season 3 is the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, an ultra-luxurious retreat with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand. While the show’s fictional resort may be exclusive to TV, staying at the real Four Seasons comes with a hefty price tag, up to $10,000 per week.
Although the Four Seasons serves as the primary backdrop, showcasing its elegant restaurants, pool villas, and gym, some bar scenes were also filmed at the Singing Bird Lounge in Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort.
Additional filming took place at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui, which provided the setting for key locations such as the hotel lobby, jewellery store, security station, and driveway. Other resorts, including Am Samui Resort Taling Ngam and Cape Fahn Hotel, also doubled as parts of The White Lotus resort throughout the season.
Exploring Koh Samui: Renting a car is the best way to explore Koh Samui efficiently, as public transport options are limited. Having your own vehicle allows access to more remote areas and ensures a seamless travel experience.
Driving between filming locations in Koh Samui:
Four Seasons Koh Samui > Anantara Lawana Koh Samui — 40 minutes (24 km)
Anantara Lawana > Anantara Bophut — 10 minutes (4 km)
Anantara Bophut > Cape Fahn Hotel — 15 minutes + a short boat transfer
Cape Fahn Hotel > Am Samui Resort Taling Ngam — 50 minutes (35 km)
2. Phuket
Phuket serves as the backdrop for several key scenes, particularly those featuring spa manager Belinda Lindsey, a returning character from Season 1. Her scenes were filmed at the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Resort, a five-star beachfront property on the island’s northern tip.
Many of the series’ elegant dinner scenes were shot at Ta Khai, a luxurious seafood restaurant at the Rosewood Phuket. The name translates to “fishing net” in Thai, reflecting the restaurant’s coastal charm and authenticity.
Getting there: If you’re looking to visit all the filming locations in one trip, you can travel to Phuket from Koh Samui via ferry, plane, or public transport.
Exploring Phuket: Hiring a car is an ideal option, as public transport is not as reliable for reaching luxury resorts and remote filming locations. The average daily cost of car hire in Phuket is £20.24, with prices dropping as low as £12.30 per day in August. Booking at least 9 days in advance is recommended for the best rates.
Driving between filming locations in Phuket:
Phuket International Airport > Anantara Mai Khao Phuket — 20 minutes (15 km)
Anantara Mai Khao > Rosewood Phuket (Ta Khai Restaurant) — 1 hour (50 km)
Rosewood Phuket > Old Town Phuket (Additional City Scenes) — 30 minutes (20 km)
3. Bangkok
Thailand’s bustling capital provides the setting for several urban scenes in The White Lotus Season 3. The trailer teases footage of characters exploring lively markets, which are popular tourist spots in Bangkok.
Additionally, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, a five-star luxury hotel on the Chao Phraya River, makes an appearance in the trailer, suggesting it will feature prominently later in the season.
Getting there: The best way to continue your journey through the filming locations is to take a direct flight from Phuket to Bangkok, which takes just over three hours.
Exploring Bangkok: Car rental in Bangkok costs £39.75 per day on average, with most visitors renting for 8 days. However, Bangkok’s infamous traffic can be overwhelming, so some travellers prefer to hire a local driver for added convenience and a stress-free experience.
Driving between filming locations in Bangkok:
Suvarnabhumi Airport > Mandarin Oriental Hotel — 40 minutes (35 km)
Mandarin Oriental > Chatuchak Market (for street scenes) — 25 minutes (15 km)
Mandarin Oriental > Chinatown (for night market shots) — 20 minutes (10 km)
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