Where Was The White Lotus Season 3 Filmed? Discover All the Thailand Locations Fans Can Visit
A Paradise-Packed Production: Thailand in the Spotlight
The White Lotus Season 3 transports viewers from the tranquility of island luxury to the buzzing energy of Bangkok. Every locale in Season 3 of The White Lotus was meticulously chosen to reinforce the show’s themes of physical and spiritual escape—luxury, irony, and introspection—amid Thailand’s lush landscapes, cultural landmarks, and opulent resorts. From the glitzy hotels to the vibrant cityscapes, each place deepened the satire of privilege and spiritual dissonance that defines the series. Here’s a detailed look at each filming location that brings this narrative to life.
1. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui – The Heart of the Fictional White Lotus Resort
This upscale retreat serves as the primary filming site. With 60 hillside pool villas and 11 private residences nestled into a former coconut orchard, its architecture reflects traditional southern Thai design with sweeping vistas of the Gulf of Thailand. Many of the interior and exterior scenes—including rooms, restaurants, pools, and villas—were shot here.
The series' upstairs, outdoor, and guest-facing spaces (reception, breakfast spots, pool deck) all took place here.
2. Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort – The Service Wing of White Lotus
This resort portrayed the more functional side of the fictional property: the security gate, lobby, driveway, staff parking, and jewelry store scenes were filmed here.
3. Anantara Lawana Koh Samui – The Charming Singing Bird Lounge
A unique treehouse-style bar — perched within a 120-year-old tree — this became the show’s standout bar setting, celebrated for its dramatic views and cultural authenticity.
4. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas – The Wellness Escape
Located in northwest Phuket, this is where the wellness sanctuary and Belinda’s spa scenes were filmed. The open-air pavilions, lotus ponds, and tranquil ambiance reflect the show’s spiritual themes.
5. Rosewood Phuket – Elegant Evening Scenes
Due to lighting constraints at the main resort, dinner scenes were filmed here. Additionally, the restaurant Ta Khai within the property also appeared in the show.
6. Bangkok – City Intrigue and Interior Scenes
Some internal and dramatic scenes—such as Frank's monologue—were shot at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Other Bangkok interiors were staged at Acts Studio.
7. Sites of Natural & Cultural Significance Across Thailand
Wat Pu Khao Thong on Koh Samui: This serene temple was featured prominently, with garden scenes filmed at the adjacent Dusit Dhewa cultural centre.
Ko Lawa Yai, Ya Nui Beach, and Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park provided scenic arrival backdrops and island landscapes.
Additional Phuket locales: Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, Café Del Mar on Kamala Beach, Bangla Boxing Stadium, and beaches like Choeng Mon (Samui) and Haad Rin (Koh Phangan) enriched the series culturally and visually.
Fisherman’s Village Night Market on Koh Samui: Hosted vibrant party scenes and a water-fight sequence emblematic of Songkran.
Image Credit: Fabio Lovino / HBO
Production Culture & Challenges
Filming ran from early 2024 to August across Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok. A $4.4 million Thai tax incentive helped solidify Thailand as the filming hub.
Extreme tropical heat tested the cast and crew, who often avoided noisy air conditioning and filmed through sweltering weather.
Why These Hot Locations Matter
Every locale in Season 3 of The White Lotus was meticulously chosen to reinforce the show’s themes of physical and spiritual escape—luxury, irony, and introspection—amid Thailand’s lush landscapes, cultural landmarks, and opulent resorts. From the glitzy hotels to the vibrant cityscapes, each place deepened the satire of privilege and spiritual dissonance that defines the series.