All ‘The White Lotus’ season 3 filming locations, as identified by a Thai local

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With the premiere of The White Lotus season 3 now on its very cusp, there has never been a better time to delve into the filming locations from this next instalment of the hit black comedy anthology series. From the bucolic Four Seasons in Koh Samui to sweltering Bangkok nightclubs, let a local take you on a guided tour of every stop featured in the show.

As we chill the champagne for the season 3 premiere of Max’s Emmy award-winning The White Lotus, anticipations and speculations are running high. The NDAs have been tight on this one, and outside of cast and country, very little has been revealed so far — that is, until the official trailers were released.

Whilst no location is officially mentioned, it is a known fact that The White Lotus loves a Four Seasons property. The first season was shot in Hawaii at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, and the second was shot at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Sicily. Both became a case study on the elite allure of “set-jetting,” bringing huge tourism boosts and high booking rates to either location. The Four Seasons took note, and even signed a global partnership with The White Lotus ahead of the launch of the third season. Considering the premise of the show is a murder, this is an interesting move for a luxury hotel chain.

Similarly, the Thai Tourism Board is hopeful. Reporting over 35 million visitors to Thailand last year, and already seeing a rise of 21% for foreign arrivals since the start of the year, it is assumed that after The White Lotus season 3 premieres, tourism numbers will reach a new high — perhaps even to pre-pandemic levels. Multiple travel sites have already reported increased online searches around Koh Samui, and even hotel chains outside of the Four Seasons have launched lotus-themed vacation packages.

Nonetheless, if we know The White Lotus viewers, we know that they’ll want more than just the hotel location. They need every excruciating detail. That’s what we’re here for. Analysing the teasers and the trailers by the nanosecond, we managed to suss out a few key filming locations even before the first episode airs.

image is not available — Image Credit: The White Lotus/Max

Contrary to how it may seem, The White Lotus season 3 is not set in one location (or even on one island). The filming locations cover Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, and likely Koh Phangan, and they’re set in at least four hotels, and some private villas.

From the seductive swings of Sing Sing night club to the spa pavilion at the Anantara resort in Phuket, read on for all the details on The White Lotus season 3 filming locations we know so far. Whilst the rumour mill has been working uninterruptedly across Thai media circles, we did not include rumoured filming locations without sufficient proof or evidence. Placing the hit show under a proverbial microscope, we are on serious White Lotus Watch this season, and will update this story with confirmed locations as the episodes progress. Keep an eye on this space. Send us anonymous tips if you like.

**All The White Lotus season 3 filming locations, as identified by a local**

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

When news dropped that The White Lotus would film in Thailand for its third season, travel-savvy fans started scripting their dream hotel fan fictions. Mike White posted a selfie of himself at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, but many weren’t convinced he would pick this property out of the many Four Seasons properties in Thailand. What about the tented camp ambiance of the Four Seasons Golden Triangle? The high-strung city energy of the Four Seasons Bangkok? Or the rice fields of the Four Seasons Chiang Mai?

We should have taken the hint. With the release of the first still images, it was clear that The White Lotus season 3 was shot at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Four Seasons confirms it with reel, between the romantic, palm-fringed breakfast area, the beachfront infinity pool, and the idyllic shots of the tell-tale signature villas set into the hillside. The text reads, “What happens in Thailand stays here.”

Rates at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui start from around THB 45,000 a night. Find out more at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

The Anantara loves a good cameo. In an article by Bloomberg, it was revealed that The White Lotus was shot at not one but three Anantara properties across Koh Samui and Phuket. A 20-minute ride from the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort is likely to be another filming location for the show. The resort very recently unveiled a ‘Passage of the Lotus’ experience package, which includes day trips that make a lot of sense for guests at The White Lotus: the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem temples, Chaweng viewpoint, and Elephant Kingdom shelter.

Most interestingly, Anantara’s promotional package also includes a “guided prayer at the resort’s spirit house.” While spirit houses are commonplace across Thailand, this special activity could be a nod to Tayme Thapthimthong’s character praying at the spirit house in the trailer.

In keeping with the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, we especially like that the Anantara Bophut features many monkey statues, too. These creatures — real or made of stone — are a key visual component of the show’s latest trailers. As Parker Posey points out, “there’s a great monkey theme,” in reference to her fictional family on the show.

Rates at the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort start from around THB 7400 a night. Find out more at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort.

Samujana Villas, Koh Samui

A representative for Samujana Villas has confirmed that scenes for The White Lotus were shot in one of the larger properties here. This comes without much doubt, as the opulent villas are fitted with spectacular views overlooking the island, as well as expansive outdoor spaces, a private gym, a private cinema, a games room, and an L-shaped pool. Did somebody say “wild White Lotus house party?”

Rates at Samujana Villas start from around THB 25,000 a night. Find out more at Samujana Villas.

Wat Phu Khao Thong, Koh Samui

Not to be confused with the temple of the same name in Ayutthaya, Wat Phu Khao Thong in Koh Samui is a small temple in Mae Nam district. Aimee Lou Wood mentions in an interview that there are many “snake motifs floating about” this season, which may be a reference to the mythical snakes (nagas) that can be found at this temple, too. One of them even makes a feisty appearance in the trailer.

Wat Phu Khao Thong, 44/123 Mae Nam, Koh Samui.

Fisherman’s Village, Koh Samui

Fisherman’s Village is one of the biggest tourist attractions on Koh Samui, and early whispers revealed this location was also used as a backdrop for The White Lotus season 3. Situated in Bophut, the walking street is dotted with small shops, restaurants, and trendy beach bars. It is a lively area in Koh Samui, making it a fitting filming location, perhaps, for a Songkran water fight scene.

Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan

We weren’t surprised when we saw those familiar neon lights in the trailers released. Pause the video at the right moment, and you will see the words ‘Phangan Mantra’ in the background, indicating that the beach outside Phangan Mantra Inn was a filming location for the show. Whilst the inn is not a luxury property, the Haad Rin beach area is where many party-goers gather to revel in the infamous Full Moon Party. A 30-minute ferry ride from Koh Samui, it is one of the most famous attractions on Koh Phangan. From the looks of it, Patrick Schwarzenegger’s character really enjoyed it.

The next Full Moon Parties will take place on 13 February, 13 March, 12 April, and 12 May. Find out more at Full Moon Party.