The White Lotus Season 3: The Most Beautiful Filming Locations In Thailand And Where To Stay Nearby

From luxury hotels to unspoilt beaches, we share the stunning shooting locations in Koh Samui and Phuket, plus the closest villas to book

There are plenty of interesting characters on The White Lotus, but arguably the most popular one is the destination. In this black comedy drama anthology, the destination isn’t just a setting — it’s a character in itself. 

When the first season aired in 2021, many devoured the “trouble in paradise” plot and the phenomenal shots of Hawaii — a moment of escape as we were still in a pandemic haze. Sicily was in the spotlight in the following season in 2022, and it has since become the example of the set-jetting travel trend.

It’s totally understandable — even the trailer of The White Lotus Season 3, which was mainly filmed in Koh Samui and Phuket, already has us reaching for our Solid & Striped swimsuits and Lorna Murray sun hats. 

The White Lotus Season 3 | Image Credit: HBO

If you’re planning your next trip to these Thai islands and want to do a bit of set-jetting yourself, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful filming locations to explore and the closest villas you could call home.

KOH SAMUI

Four Seasons Koh Samui

Four Seasons Koh Samui | Image Credit: Four Seasons Koh Samui

It’s a tradition for The White Lotus to choose a real-life Four Seasons resort and rebrand it as their own. It’s no different for Season 3 — we’ve all known for a while now that the gorgeous Four Seasons Koh Samui was chosen to be the star of the show.

Four Seasons Koh Samui | Image Credit: Four Seasons Koh Samui

The hotel was used as the location for three villas: the Ratliff family villa, the Ladies’ villa, and Rick and Chelsea’s room. They also used various common areas such as breakfast and lunch restaurants, the clifftop infinity pool, the hotel paths, the beach, the water hammocks, the gym and boxing ring, as well as the spirit house. 

Where to stay: If you’re looking for a villa that replicates the hotel’s magnificent cliffside location, book the sleek Baan View Talay nearby, which is carved into a hillside in Nathon. Those who want to be as close to the hotel as possible would love the 3-bedroom beachfront Villa Neung, just a 3-minute drive away. 

Baan View Talay
Villa Neung

Anantara Bophut

Anantara Bophut | Image Credit: Anantara Bophut

Boasting traditional Thai interiors and a mesmerising garden masterfully designed by Bill Bensley, it’s no surprise why the Anantara Bophut was chosen as a location. From the ancient wooden bridge to the lush driveway, the hotel’s grand entrance played a major part in the show as the security station and employee parking lot.

Anantara Bophut | Image Credit: Anantara Bophut

The pavilion-roofed lobby had the honour of being the lobby of The White Lotus — a perfect choice as it looks onto an infinity pond teeming with lotus flowers. The hotel’s library was also transformed by producers and appears as a jewellery store cum gift shop in the series. 

Where to stay: There’s plenty of choice for those who want to place themselves in vibrant Bophut. From the award-winning Baan Bua Sawan to the lovely Baan Kularb, we have almost 20 villas offering privacy and proximity (10 minutes to be exact) to Fisherman’s Village. 

Baan Bua Sawan
Baan Kularb

Anantara Lawana

Anantara Lawana Beach | Image Credit: Anantara Lawana

Located in Chaweng, this beachfront resort has a Sino-Thai design and its own secluded stretch of shore. Apart from the quintessential beach setting, Anantara Lawana also provides stunning vantage points to get prized views of Samui. 

The Singing Bird Lounge | Image Credit: Anantara Lawana

One not to miss is The Singing Bird Lounge, an al fresco bar located at the foot of a heritage tree with sweeping views of Chaweng Beach and outlying islands, and served as the bar in the show. Live it up like your fave character and sip cocktails under the shade of trees (which look especially enchanting when lit up with lanterns), and take in the fiery Samui sunset. 

Where to stay: Set on a tranquil beach just a three-minute drive away is the impressive Sangsuri Estate, which has three beachfront villas that all have wonderful sea and island views. Look forward to four infinity pools, three oversized outdoor Jacuzzis and so much more in this luxurious estate. 

Sangsuri Estate

Read Now: Where To Live Out Your White Lotus Dreams In Samui

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park

The White Lotus Season 3 | Image Credit: HBO

In every season of The White Lotus, we all look forward to the part when guests arrive at the fictional hotel. And boy, they do know how to make an entrance that sparks immediate wanderlust. 

One of the filming locations of the arrival scene is Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, a pristine archipelago of 42 islands, renowned for its emerald lagoons and dramatic limestone cliffs. Just 35kmoff the coast of Koh Samui, this park has hidden beaches and lush hiking trails, all set within a protected marine environment.

Where to stay: Given this destination is an outlying island, you have your pick of Samui villas. We suggest going really big, and the 24-bedroom Panacea Retreat does not disappoint. It has everything you’d find in a luxury resort and more, including your own tennis court, private Muay Thai boxing ring and a home theatre in case you feel like binging a show.

Panacea Retreat

Wat Phu Khao Thong

Located on the outskirts of the bustling town of Nathon, Wat Phu Khao Thong is a lesser-known temple sitting atop a small hill. This peaceful retreat invites visitors to immerse themselves in its serene atmosphere and its golden Buddha provides an ideal moment of reflection. No wonder it was used as the exterior and interior of the Buddhist Monastery Garden in The White Lotus Season 3.

Where to stay: The centrally located temple offers a bounty of choices, so you can pick from over 20 villas in Bophut or park yourself in the ultra-luxurious Sangsuri Estate (why not?).

Sangsuri Estate

Dusit Dheva Cultural Centre

Dusit Dheva Cultural Centre | Image Credit: Koh Planner

Perched on the scenic hills of Koh Samui’s southern coast, Dusit Dheva is a captivating cultural retreat located just a short drive from Lamai Beach. This charming monument to Thai heritage blends stunning art, verdant gardens, and panoramic views — surroundings that made it to the screen as the Buddhist Monastery Garden.

Where to stay: Lipa Noi is home to some of the most luxurious beachfront villas in Samui. Our picks? The modern 6-bedroom Villa Akatsuki, which has three infinity pools. If you have a bigger group, the 8-bedroom Baan Kilee, with a 30 m white sand beach with a large pool complete with children’s pool and swim-up bar, is a blissful escape.

Villa Akatsuki
Baan Kilee 

Cheong Mon Beach

Tucked away on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui, Cheong Mon Beach is in between the districts of Bophut and Cheong Mon. With its quiet crescent of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, you won’t think that Samui International Airport is nearby (meaning getting here is a breeze!). The beach appears on the juicy trailer of The White Lotus

Where to stay: If you’re looking for a quieter villa to match the vibes on screen, pick the 5-bedroom Villa Maliya, which is a 9-minute drive away. The epitome of indoor-outdoor living, the villa has a 16m saltwater infinity pool as well as private access to Laem Samrong beach.

Villa Maliya

PHUKET

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket | Image Credit: Anantara Mai Khao Phuket

Just 20 minutes from the airport is a resort surrounded by a national park and on its own stretch of beach: Anantara Mai Khao. The hotel is a masterclass in local design — pool villas encircle a lagoon, evoking the feel of a Southern Thai village. The White Lotus team filmed in the incredibly tranquil wellness sanctuary and spa. One of the sumptuous villas was also used to be the room of Belinda Lindsey, a character from Season 1 who goes on an exchange programme and becomes a guest in Season 3. 

Where to stay: Those looking for the same vibe, our villas on Natai Beach would fit the bill. The stylish, 6-bedroom Villa Saanti has elements of local design and a showstopping two infinity pools with Jacuzzi. 

Villa Saanti

Read Now: Why Fans Should Visit Thailand’s Natai Beach

Rosewood Phuket

Rosewood Phuket | Image Credit: Rosewood Phuket

On the pristine shores of Emerald Bay, Rosewood Phuket is one of the island’s most coveted and private retreats. Designed by Bar Studio, the resort melds innovative architecture with subtle Thai influences, creating an effortlessly chic escape. 

A true highlight is Ta Khai, a charming restaurant that serves up simple yet exquisite Southern Thai dishes. The restaurant’s rustic interiors are inspired by a fishing village, and this was clear draw for The White Lotus, who chose this setting to be the restaurant on the show.

The White Lotus Season 3 | Image Credit: HBO

Where to stay: Similarly perched on a clifftop about 21km away is the elegant Villa Praison, a serene 5-bedroom property which offers an exclusive sanctuary framed by soulful views of the lush forest and ocean waves. This property is fully staffed, and with a private chef stationed to prepare your daily meals for a small service fee. When you feel up for a day trip, Rosewood Phuket and the stunning Emerald Bay are a 45-minute drive away.

Villa Praison

Ko Lawa Yai

The White Lotus Season 3 | Image Credit: HBO

Nestled near the dramatic cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, Ko Lawa Yai is an unspoiled island with secluded beaches and calm turquoise waters. A perfect escape from the crowds, it invites travelers to bask in its natural beauty, which was used as a backdrop for the arrival scene of The White Lotus.

Where to stay: Find your own slice of paradise at Coastal Escape Koh Yao Noi, which is tucked away on the peaceful island of Koh Yao Noi (between Krabi and Phuket). This four-villa beachfront haven even has its own on-site spa, and is the perfect starting point for some wonderful island hopping.

Coastal Escape Koh Yao Noi
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