Where to Stay, Eat, and Play Like a White Lotus VIP in Thailand

Forbes

5 days ago

White Lotus characters Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon), Saxon (Patrick ... More Schwarzenegger), and Lochlan (Sam Nivola) at the "Full Moon Party" in Koh Samui. Warner Bros. Discovery
When Season 3 of HBO's The White Lotus traded Sicily's scandals for the hypnotic beauty of Thailand, it averaged over 16 million viewers per episode across HBO (broadcast) and Max (streaming), according to the network's internal data. The premiere alone drew 2.4 million viewers; a 57% jump over the Season 2 opener. Meanwhile, hotel searches for Koh Samui alone spiked by 65% with bookings across the island rising by more than 40% after the premiere–further fueling the Southeast Asian tourism boom. Riding that wave, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) curated a collection of White Lotus–inspired experiences and destinations, available on their Thailand Insider website. Some were featured in the show, while others were chosen for meeting its standard of luxury. The Tourism Authority of Thailand's New York office hosted me on a ten-day itinerary tracing the show's footsteps through Phuket, Koh Samui, and Bangkok. The following guide is the definitive travel companion for pop culture lovers, adventurers, and anyone who's ever related to Victoria Ratliff's (Parker Posey) refusal to live an uncomfortable life. Consider this your official passport to a White Lotus escape you'll reminisce on for years to come (or at least until the next season).
Stop One: Phuket
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas WBP Stars
Stay Here:
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas set the stage for some of this season's most climactic scenes. It's also where most of the spa scenes were filmed, along with the lagoon and Belinda's (Natasha Rothwell) villa. Additionally, Rick (Walton Goggins) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) have a deep discussion about shared fate in Episode 8 ('Amor Fati'). When guests enter the lobby they're greeted by the creamy scent of rose, jasmine, and fresh frangipani Phuang Malai bracelets at the check-in desk.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas Lobby Anantara Resorts
After enjoying a cool towelette, chilled 'Phuket Paradise' welcome drink, and a small plate of garnished pineapple, they're invited to head over to the gong positioned at the edge of the lagoon. It's there that a concierge member strikes it three times as an arrival blessing. The first ring signals to the goddess of the land that you've arrived. The second is a prayer that you enjoy your stay, and the third is to keep you safe. Luckily, unlike Mike White's scripted version of the resort, there's no gunshots, floating bodies, robberies or fugitives to flee from.
This stunning property comprises 83 private villas sprawled across 17 acres of lush, tropical grounds. Each villa comes complete with its own pool, connected soaking tub, and a spacious outdoor lounging area. Be sure to also take advantage of the patio shower, enclosed by slatted wooden fencing for added privacy.
The Lotus Villa Anantara Resorts
The Lotus Villa at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas Anantara Resorts
The Lotus Villa at Night Anantara Resorts
After production wrapped, Anantara kept the Lotus Villa, affectionately known as Belinda's Villa, exactly as it appeared onscreen. Cool greenish-blue hues, layered textures, and lagoon views offer guests the same comfort Pornchai (Dom Hetrakul) felt when Belinda invited him to spend the night in Episode 5 ('Full Moon Party'). The difference is that you won't have to endure Zion's (Nicholas Duvernay) awkward intrusion the following morning. Instead, start the day with a lavish breakfast buffet at La Sala, piled with delicious local specialties, fresh tropical fruits, and mouthwatering international favorites.
La Sala at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
Nature lovers will also appreciate the resort's flourishing gardens, designed by renowned landscape architect Bill Bensley. The grounds are brimming with eclectic wildlife, including Asian ducks and more than 98 bird species. Keep an eye out for the resident Malaysian monitor lizard roaming the water's edge. Iridescent koi and carp shimmer and shoal beneath the surface, and guests are welcome to feed them with pellets provided by the resort.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Bridge Tripadvisor
Must Do:
• Book a morning wellness session at the Lagoon Pavilion, where Zion begins his mindfulness journey in Episode 1 ('Same Spirits, New Forms') and Rick attempts to settle his restless mind in Episode 2 ('Special Treatments'). The tranquil sala overlooking a lotus pond is also the setting for the series' sound healing and singing bowl therapy scenes led by Amrita (Shalini Peiris).
Spa Lagoon Pavilion Anantara
• Indulge in the 'Taste of the Lotus' experience at La Sala—a seven-course, wine-paired dinner that weaves elements of the lotus flower into each dish.
• Explore Phuket Old Town, known for its colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture, cozy cafés, and bustling markets. You'll likely spot the elephant pants Bruno Mars wore during his 'Live in Bangkok' concert last March hanging outside the boutiques and street stalls.
Thailand: Typical Sino-Portuguese shophouses in Thalang Road in the Old Town area of Phuket Town ... More (Phuket City). (Photo by: Pictures from History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Universal Images Group via Getty Images
• Catch a Muay Thai match from ringside VIP seats at Bangla Boxing Stadium and relive the date scene with Laurie (Carrie Coon), Valentin (Arnas Fedaravičius), Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), and Mook (Lisa Manobal) in Episode 7 ('Killer Instincts')—where Gaitok finally starts to unravel Valentin's duplicitous scheme.
Muy Thai Boxing at Bangla (Patong) Boxing Stadium Klook
• Sip cocktails at the chic Bua Bar, where mixology meets artful presentation—with style to spare. If you're sober-curious, the mocktails are just as creative and twice as fun.
Bua Bar at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
The Garden Cocktail Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
• Dine at Sea.Fire.Salt., Anantara's beachside hotspot serving up inventive dishes designed to excite the palate.
Sea.Fire.Salt at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas PETER BAAS FOTOGRAFIE
Additional Cameo Locations:
•Rosewood Phuket's Ta Khai Restaurant: In Episode 3 ('The Meaning of Dreams'), the Ratliff family dines at Ta Khai, where Victoria recounts a haunting tsunami dream, Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) offers a symbolic interpretation, Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) sharply dismisses it, and across the restaurant Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Kate (Leslie Bibb), and Laurie engage in a parallel clash over politics and religion. Ta Khai is also where Mook performed a traditional Thai dance for guests that left Gaitok absolutely spellbound in episode 6 ('Denials').
Ta Khai at Rosewood Phuket Epicure Vietnam
•Café Del Mar Phuket: Styled after its Balearic predecessor, this Kamala Beach venue brings Ibiza's electric energy to the shores of Thailand. Valentin took Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie out to party here after first steering them toward a 'budget hotel for retirees' in Episode 4 ('Hide or Seek'). Expect live fire shows, world-renowned DJs, and splashy pool parties.
Cafe Del Mar DJ Set Cafe Del Mar
Bonus Experience:
Visit The Distillery Phuket for a fun cocktail-making workshop that includes small-batch Thai spirits crafted with local botanicals and tropical ingredients. Think lemongrass, pomelo, and pandan. Guests can sip their handcrafted cocktails (and mocktails) alongside gourmet bites, then tour the onsite facilities to learn more about the distillation process.
Open-air Lounge at The Distillery Phuket The Distillery Phuket
• Must Taste: Locally sourced, Michelin-inspired dishes at Ta Khai and La Sala. • Must Try: Sunrise yoga and singing bowl sessions at Anantara Mai Khao's Lagoon Pavilion. • Must Buy: Thai-crafted wellness goods from Anantara's spa boutique and one-of-a-kind finds in Phuket Old Town. • Must Seek: The iconic Lotus Villa and cheeky monkey statues featured in the show. • Must See: Café Del Mar's electrifying sunset show.
Stop Two: Koh Samui
Aerial View of The InterContinental Koh Samui The InterContinental Koh Samui
Stay Here:
Hands down, the InterContinental Koh Samui is the standout stay of this stop—and arguably one of the most enchanting escapes on the island. Situated along a private stretch of Taling Ngam Bay, the resort features 79 rooms, suites, and villas cascading down a lush hillside with panoramic views over the Gulf of Thailand. For those who want the ultimate stay, the Club Beachfront Pool Villa offers direct beach access, an infinity-edge pool, and personal butler service.
Beachfront Pool Villa Bedroom InterContinental Koh Samui
Beachfront Pool Villa Bathroom InterContinental Koh Samui
The property also boasts one of the island's most romantic sunset views and impeccably kept gardens. Thai architectural elements shine throughout, from vaulted ceilings and carved fretwork to whimsical birdcage motifs woven into the resort's commons.
Lobby Bino Chua
Upon arrival, guests are led into a sweeping lobby lounge that opens onto jaw-dropping views of endless turquoise sea. The entrance is so striking it quite literally stops you in your tracks. Partial walls give the space an open-air feel while maintaining a sense of sanctuary. Check-in includes a beautifully curated afternoon tea service—Twinings blends poured alongside multi-tiered stands of sweet and savory bites, overflowing fruit platters, and artisanal treats that rotate daily.
Lobby of the InterContinental Koh Samui InterContinental Koh Samui Resort
Afternoon Tea at The InterContinental Koh Samui Justin Mott
After settling in, spa enthusiasts can unwind at Baan Thai Spa by HARNN. Perched cliffside above a canopy of coconut palms, the wellness center offers a full menu across eight core treatment categories. Services include massages, Ayurvedic therapies, body scrubs, facials, body masks, manicures/pedicures, prenatal options, and waxing. The signature Tropical Samui Experience—a 180-minute treatment using sea shells, coconut scrubs, herbal oil massage, and a Balneo bath—is an unmissable indulgence that leaves guests in a deep state of bliss.
Baan Thai Spa by Harnn Destination Deluxe
Must Do:
• Savor an al fresco lunch at Krua Savoey Thai restaurant before checking in. You can also arrive to the hotel early and have breakfast at Amber, lunch at Flames, or grab a light snack at Serene Lounge or Pool Bar.
• Unwind at the infinity pool or explore its expansive beachfront.
Infinity Pool InterContinental Koh Samui Resort
• Hop aboard a private speedboat to explore the Gulf of Thailand with snorkeling gear included—or opt for the InterContinental's signature sunset excursion around the Five Islands (Koh Si Koh Ha), capped off with a candlelit dinner and live entertainment at Azure Lounge, adjacent to Air Bar.
InterContinental Koh Samui Boat Pantip
• Celebrate the Songkran Water Festival with a traditional Song Nam Phra ritual by pouring water over Buddha statues.
• Visit Wat Phu Khao Thong temple to receive monk blessings and retrace Piper's emotional journey of self-discovery. This sacred site doubled as the show's Buddhist monastery and meditation center—the place she claimed to be researching for her dissertation, and the reason the Ratliffs traveled to Thailand. But in a moment of reversal, it was Tim (Jason Isaacs)—her guarded, uneasy father—who found unexpected clarity and comfort there.
Wat Phu Khao Thong Temple Tripadvisor
• Tour Samui's sustainable innovation projects with Blue Ocean Plastic Recycling, a local initiative turning marine waste into functional homewares and one-of-a-kind design pieces. Guests can witness the recycling process firsthand, meet the changemakers behind the mission, and shop limited-edition creations made entirely from repurposed ocean plastics.
Cameo Locations:
• Four Seasons Koh Samui is the real-life resort where the Ratliff family checks in at the start of Season 3. It's also where Lochlan (Sam Nivola) accidentally downs a smoothie laced with poisonous pong pong seeds. In Episode 3, Kate surprises Victoria during lunch with the family—only to be met with an icy response after asking if Victoria remembers her. Later at the pool, Saxon aggressively flirts with Chelsea, only to be swiftly rejected—a moment that fuels his obsessive pursuit of her for the rest of the season.
Four Seasons Koh Samui Resort The Hotel Guru
• Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort is the location used for the White Lotus hotel lobby and main entrance. The jewelry boutique ransacked by gunmen in Episode 2 was filmed here, as was the security booth where Gaitok stood guard. After the robbery, he's ordered to carry a gun, but in Episode 4, he leaves it unattended. Just outside, Tim receives a troubling phone call from his lawyer and, in a spiral, spots the firearm and steals it.
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort Anantara
• Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort is where Chelsea and Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) first hit it off at The Singing Bird Lounge—an alluring cocktail bar wrapped around a 120-year-old canopy tree. The lounge flows into Treetops, the resort's signature restaurant and the island's only true treetop dining experience. While the coastal views are beautiful by day, it's the nighttime setting that makes dinner here unforgettable. Guests follow a torch-lit path through the trees to private glass-enclosed cocoons, softly illuminated by candlelight and suspended high in the treetop. A phenomenal tasting menu and premium bottle service complete the experience—elevating Treetops to one of Koh Samui's most atmospheric and sought-after dining destinations.
The Singing Bird Lounge at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort Anantara
Treetops Restaurant at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort Honeymoon Dreams
Bonus Experience: Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Samui Elephant Sanctuary offers an ethical, hands-off alternative to traditional elephant tourism and is home to seven senior female Asian elephants—each rescued from logging camps or exploitative attractions. Guests spend peaceful mornings preparing watermelon and elephant sushi (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves), feeding the elephants from a platform, and watching them roam, play, swim, and mud-bathe—all from a respectful distance. There's no riding, no forced interaction—and we love that for them. This 25-acre refuge gives these magnificent beings the space, dignity, and empathy they've long been denied.
Samui Elephant Sanctuary Tripadvisor
Main Attraction: Songkran
Celebrate the magic of Songkran in Fisherman's Village, just outside the resort's limits. Locals line the streets with buckets of ice water and high-powered water guns, soaking motorbikes, cars, and anyone in their path. In Episode 5, Jaclyn, Laurie, and Kate learn the hard way—dashing through back alleys in drenched designer fits, and ducking behind stalls as laughing kids spray them from all angles. Held every April, Songkran is Thailand's New Year celebration, marked by community-wide water battles and the custom of applying white clay paste to faces—symbolizing cleansing, blessings, and renewal.
Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), it's one of the most joyfully chaotic festivals on the planet. Be warned: nothing and no one is off-limits. If you're not ready to be drenched from head to toe, plan your route wisely or stay within resort grounds. Otherwise, brace yourself and wear something you don't mind getting soaked. Cap off the day at the iconic Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, where fire shows, neon body paint, and moonlit dancing take over the shoreline. By the end of Episode 5, Chloe, Chelsea, and the Ratliff brothers dive headfirst into the revelry—setting the stage for one of the season's most unexpected and cringeworthy turns.
Songkran Celebration in Koh Samui Getty Images
Koh Samui Musts: • Must Taste: A sunset dinner at Azure Lounge and the elevated treetop experience at Treetops. • Must Try: The iconic Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan and the indulgent Tropical Samui Experience at Baan Thai Spa by HARNN. • Must Buy: One-of-a-kind Thai artisanal pieces from Anantara Bophut's boutique. • Must Seek: Monk blessings at Wat Phu Khao Thong during Songkran for good fortune and spiritual renewal. • Must See: Ethical elephant encounters at Samui Elephant Sanctuary and Songkran celebrations in Fisherman's Village.
Stop Three: Bangkok
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok Thailand Michelle Chaplow
Stay Here:
The legendary Mandarin Oriental Bangkok isn't just the city's most iconic hotel—it's also a key backdrop for Episodes 5 through 8. Anchored along the Chao Phraya River since 1876, this historic property has hosted royalty, celebrities, and heads of state for over 149 years. With 331 stunning rooms and suites, it effortlessly marries timeless grandeur with contemporary comfort.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok Thailand Wikipedia
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Lobby Mandarin Oriental Hotels
Balcony View of Lobby Mandarin Oriental Hotels
The Oriental Suite is easily the hotel's most coveted reservation. Featuring sweeping views of the river and city skyline, two spacious bedrooms with en-suite baths (including one with grand marble), rich teakwood details, and a full-service kitchen and dining area—this suite sets the stage for one of the series' most pivotal moments. In Episode 7, Rick paces at the edge of the bed, gripping a gun and grappling with the weight of vengeance.
The Oriental Suite Master Bedroom Mandarin Oriental Hotels
The Oriental Suite Master Bathroom Mandarin Oriental Hotels
The Oriental Suite Living Room Mandarin Oriental Hotels
In Episode 5, he reunites with long-lost friend Frank (Sam Rockwell) at the hotel's famed Bamboo Bar. Over chamomile tea, Frank overshares sordid stories from his past, triggering Rick to glaze over and mentally check out. By Episode 6 ('Denials'), viewers catch a glimpse of the hotel's grand lobby and gilded elevator interior as Rick and Victoria pass Khun Mayuree Laolugsanalerd, the Mandarin Oriental's real-life Guest Relations Director.
The Bamboo Bar Mandarin Oriental Hotels
The hotel wasn't just a filming location; it served as a creative hub for Mike White and the production team throughout Season 3. It's also a culinary hub, home to the Authors' Lounge, riverside restaurant Sala Rim Naam, and several celebrated dining venues, including the two-Michelin-starred Le Normandie, Lord Jim's, The Verandah, and The China House. With its majestic suites, refined dining, spa facilities, live jazz, nautical adventures, tea lounge, luxury retail wing, and impeccable white-glove service, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok continues to set the gold standard in luxury hospitality.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel Pool Mandarin Oriental Hotels
Must Do:
•.Begin your stay with welcome tea at the Author's Lounge. Look closely and you'll spot a framed portrait of Mike White.
Authors' Lounge Tea Setup Mandarin Oriental Hotels
Authors' Lounge Mandarin Oriental Hotels
Authors' Lounge Private Royal and Ambassador Suite Mandarin Oriental Hotels
• Take a half-day excursion curated by Smiling Albino, a luxury tour company known for its bespoke cultural experiences across Thailand. The company played a key role in escorting the White Lotus production team during their initial location scouting—helping them uncover hidden temples like Wat Suthat, whose murals later inspired the show's Season 3 opening credits. The experience includes a visit to that very temple to hunt for the featured murals, a hands-on lotus folding session, and a guided walk (and tuk-tuk ride) through Bangkok's historic Flower District and nearby shops. Smiling Albino also curates immersive itineraries in Phuket and Koh Samui.
Wat Suthat Temple Tripadvisor
• Wander through the Maha Songkran World Water Festival, held annually from April 11–15 in Bangkok's Sanam Luang and along Ratchadamnoen Avenue. For five days, the city erupts into epic water battles, the Grand Parade of floats, live concerts, EDM zones, drone shows, and sacred Buddhist ceremonies.
Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 Opening Night The Pattaya News
• Dine at Horsamut Coastal Thai Cuisine, a lively riverside restaurant known for coastal Thai flavors rooted in regional sustainability. Snag a rooftop table at sunset for panoramic views of Wat Arun, paired with live music and a laid-back vibe that flows into the night.
Horsamut Coastal Thai Cuisine Horsamut
• Explore Chinatown's Soi Nana, where sizzling street food, indie bars, and late-night vendors transform the alleyways into one of Bangkok's most electric after-dark scenes.
Soi Nana/Chinatown Bangkok, Thailand Nikkei Asia
• Cruise to Siri Sala by private boat for a villa tour and hosted lunch before continuing to Bangkok's most famous temples—Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace. This riverside villa on the Bangkok Noi Canal starred as the home of Jim and Sritala Hollinger (Scott Glenn and Lek Patravadi). In Episode 7, Rick confronts Jim inside the villa's den before he and Frank make a speedy exit. Siri Sala is currently available for private buyouts, but beginning in July, guests will also be able book individual rooms. The stay is homey, cultural, luxurious, and fully all-inclusive—food, drinks, and activities.
Siri Sala Private Thai Villa Bangkok Post
• Close out your Bangkok escape with a riverfront farewell dinner and Thai cultural performance at Sala Rim Naam, just across the river from Mandarin Oriental's main site. Set in a richly adorned Thai-style pavilion, this elegant dining experience pairs classic cuisine with live traditional music and dance.
Sala Rim Naam Dinner and Show at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Access Travel
Cameo Locations:
• Step inside the Jim Thompson House, a cultural landmark that bridges Thailand's storied silk legacy with the fashion aesthetic of Season 3. While no scenes were filmed here, the legacy of its namesake—the legendary American silk merchant Jim Thompson—deeply influenced the show's visual language. The brand played a key role in honoring Thai heritage through costume and set design, with characters like Belinda and Victoria styled in Jim Thompson caftans.
Outside the Jim Thompson House, Bangkok Tripadvisor
Inside the Jim Thompson House, Bangkok Thailand Tripadvisor
• Dine at Royal Osha, where in Episode 6, Rick meets Sritala for an intimate dinner under the guise of pitching a film project. In reality, he's using the encounter as a pretext to get closer to her husband and settle an old score. Royal Osha stands apart in Bangkok's culinary scene. The restaurant is founded and led by Chef Vichit Mukura, a Thai culinary icon and the visionary behind its concept. This Thai-fusion gem has earned Michelin recognition for six consecutive years and is praised for its premium ingredients, world-class presentation, and high-touch service. Expect a dazzling, modern setting where seasonal Thai flavors meet global technique.
Royal Osha Restaurant Bangkok Bkkmenu.com © All Rights Reserved
Royal Osha Restaurant, Bangkok Luxury Society Asia
• Experience Bangkok's nightlife at Sing Sing Theater, the neo-Chinoiserie boutique club where Rick and Frank's wild night out unravels in Episode 7. Known for its sultry interiors, avant-garde performances, and a rotating lineup of top-tier local and international acts, Sing Sing has become one of the city's most iconic and visually striking after-dark destinations.
Sing Sing Theater, Bangkok Kayak
Bangkok Musts: • Must Taste: Dinner at Royal Osha, sizzling street food in Chinatown, and coastal Thai flavors at Horsamut. • Must Try: Dive into Songkran celebrations for an unforgettable splash of Thai culture. • Must Buy: Hand-loomed Thai silk and cultural keepsakes from the Jim Thompson House. • Must Seek: Holistic healing at The Oriental Spa and riverside views from the freestanding soaking tub in the hotel's Oriental Suite. • Must See: The sacred temples of Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace—each steeped in centuries of ritual, reverence, and striking design.
The Forbes contributor was invited on a ten-day trip to Thailand as a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's New York Office. All reviews, recommendations, and reporting herein are based entirely on her personal experience.