How to Travel Like ‘The White Lotus’ in Thailand

Rabia Malik, a travel advisor for Fora, has booked 100 room nights in Thailand for 18 clients in the last three months alone. She says that while she has always booked a lot of business in Thailand, this is a marked uptick due, in part, to the country’s starring role in the upcoming third season of “The White Lotus.” 

The HBO original series follows the exploits of hotel guests and employees at a fictional high-end luxury resort called The White Lotus. The new season starts streaming Feb. 16. 

“Some travelers see ‘The White Lotus’ as a signal that Thailand is the next luxury destination, while others want to re-create the show’s exact experience — to a certain degree, since we don’t know all the details yet,” Malik said.

Her host travel agency says it is already seeing a “White Lotus effect” on Thailand bookings, with January sales up 312% year over year. The agency saw a similar trend of “set-jetting” following the premiere of the show’s second season in 2022, when Sicily bookings on Fora surged 900% from November and December 2022. In the five months following the show, Fora also saw an average 44% month-over-month increase in bookings to Sicily. 

Meanwhile, luxury travel network Virtuoso saw a 424% spike in sales to Sicily after the show’s debut and is also predicting a significant increase in sales to Thailand, which it named one of its top summer travel destinations for 2025.

The country’s tourism agency, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is also banking on big business thanks to Thailand’s role in the series.

“Being featured in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 presents a unique opportunity to reach a global audience, offering viewers a glimpse into Thailand’s natural beauty, diverse cuisine, vibrant culture and, most importantly, the warmth of Thai hospitality,” said Chompu Marusachot, director of the TAT’s New York Office. 

Marusachot added that beyond tourism, the production has already positively contributed to the local economy through direct spending, employment of Thai cast and crew and support for hundreds of local businesses during filming. 

“We are confident that the show will leave a lasting impact, inspiring both future visitors and filmmakers alike,” she said.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Is the Hottest Booking

Travel advisor Malik says that San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel in Sicily — aka last season’s White Lotus location — became a must-book hotel. And this season’s White Lotus stand-in, the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, is poised for the same fate. (The first season took place at The Four Seasons Resort Maui, which also saw a huge uptick in bookings following the show’s release.)

And many of them are already requesting stays at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and other rumored filming locations because they’re eager for that ultra-luxury, cinematic experience.

“A recent honeymoon couple reached out asking if I could book them The White Lotus resort before it gets too popular,” she said. “I planned their entire trip around the Four Seasons Koh Samui, and they’re thrilled to be heading there in a few weeks after months of anticipation — and right after the new season of the show airs.”

Malik says she has done zero White Lotus-themed marketing ahead of the show, but that multiple clients are mentioning the show to her unprompted.

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“And many of them are already requesting stays at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and other rumored filming locations, because they’re eager for that ultra-luxury, cinematic experience,” she said.

But hotel rates are climbing, Malik says, particularly at luxury properties such as Four Seasons and Amanpuri, which is also rumored to be featured this season. 

Rumored Filming Locations and More

While other filming locations have not been officially confirmed, Malik says that isn’t preventing her from creating itineraries that capture the essence of the series.

The show has an established formula — high-end resorts, cultural immersion and a mix of exclusivity and intrigue.

“The show has an established formula — high-end resorts, cultural immersion and a mix of exclusivity and intrigue,” she said.

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To create an experience that “feels like The White Lotus,” she is leaning on private island escapes, ultra-luxe accommodations and tailor-made itineraries “that capture the same air of indulgence and escapism.”

TAT recently launched its official White Lotus microsite, which aims to give travelers and their advisors Thailand hotels, activities and dining options that capture the best of Phuket, Koh Samui and Bangkok.

Suggestions by TAT include sipping cocktails at The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, traipsing through the Dusit Dhewa Cultural Center and Garden of Eden in Koh Samui and sailing onboard the Spacecat Yacht in Phuket. 

But because TAT played an active role in the show’s production — with logistical support, streamlined work permits and various incentives — it’s highly likely that many of its suggestions are actual filming sites.

The microsite recommends Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, for example, which is the location of the season’s spa scenes.

According to Anantara, scenes were also shot at two other Anantara properties. Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort was used for its Thai-style lobby, security station, employee parking lot and tree-lined resort entrance. And Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort was used for its Singing Bird Lounge, a treehouse bar located within the branches of a 120-year-old tree.

And eagle-eyed viewers of the season’s trailer say that a scene featuring a Muay Thai match was shot at Bangla Boxing Stadium in Phuket, while another scene was shot at beach club Cafe del Mar Phuket, aka “where Ibiza meets Phuket.” Both are featured on the microsite. 

In Bangkok, TAT is also recommending that travelers explore Bangkok’s nightlife at another rumored filming location, Sing Sing Theater, which is known for its racy neo-chinoiserie style.

The season also explores spirituality, so it’s no surprise that several of Thailand’s religious sites — such as Bangkok’s Wat Suwannaram and Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen — both make appearances.

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Malik suggests that advisors try to not exactly replicate the show, but instead “focus on crafting trips that reflect each traveler’s version of a dream getaway, because no two travelers are truly the same, so they shouldn’t get the same copy-paste version of a dream trip.” 

TAT’s Marusachot also stresses the importance of elevating clients’ experiences with personalized itineraries.

“Advisors can seamlessly arrange private guided tours, exceptional dining experiences and smooth transportation between key sites,” she said. “By leveraging local partnerships, they can also provide exclusive experiences — from cultural immersions to culinary delights — ensuring a truly unforgettable journey through amazing Thailand.” 

Indeed, hotels and tour operators alike are packaging their own White Lotus recommendations. Classic Vacations, for example, is coaching travel advisors on how to use its portfolio to book bespoke, White Lotus-like itineraries. And Anantara is offering a package called the Lotus Awakening Escape, which includes four nights of accommodation at its three properties featured in the series.

As for Malik, most of her clients start in Bangkok before heading north to Chiang Mai for a laidback visit that includes ethical wildlife experiences, temple visits and cultural interactions. Then, she likes to complete trips with a visit to Thailand’s Instagram-famous, white-sand beaches. She suggests looking beyond Phuket and Krabi for more secluded islands. 

Her favorite hotels, beyond Four Seasons, include Capella Bangkok and Pimalai Resort & Spa, which is a hidden gem known for its “phenomenal service, secluded vibe and exceptional food.” 

“Thailand is already one of the most sought-after destinations I book, and I think ‘The White Lotus’ is just accelerating the demand,” Malik said. “What makes it stand out, beyond the show’s influence, is how it offers something for every traveler: culture, adventure, relaxation and incredible value for luxury.”