If The White Lotus has taught us anything, it’s that the resort is just as much a character as the guests. Season 1 made us obsess over Hawaii. Season 2 had us booking flights to Sicily.
And now Season 3 is set in Thailand—specifically at luxury resorts that blend tropical paradise with that signature White Lotus atmosphere of beauty, tension, and “what could possibly go wrong?”
If you watched Season 3 and immediately started googling “luxury resorts in Thailand,” you’re not alone. Here’s where the show filmed, what makes these properties special, and how to experience Thailand’s luxury resort scene beyond what you see on screen.
Where Season 3 Was Filmed
The White Lotus Season 3 filmed primarily at luxury resorts in Koh Samui and Phuket—two of Thailand’s most famous (and stunning) island destinations.
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
This is one of the main filming locations, and it’s easy to see why the show chose it. The Four Seasons Koh Samui sits on a hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, with private pool villas cascading down toward the beach.
What makes it White Lotus-worthy:
- Private infinity pools for every villa
- Stunning views over Laem Yai Bay
- That mix of Thai architecture and modern luxury
- Intimate (only 60 villas) but with full resort amenities
- The kind of place where drama unfolds beautifully
Price range: $$$$
Vibe: Romantic, secluded, sophisticated—more understated than over-the-top.
The Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
Another filming location, Anantara properties are known for blending into their natural surroundings while delivering serious luxury.
What stands out:
- Beachfront location on one of Phuket’s best beaches
- Private pool villas with traditional Thai design elements
- Lush tropical gardens
- Excellent spa (Anantara spas are consistently top-tier)
Price range: $$-$$$
Vibe: Tranquil, nature-focused, perfect for those who want luxury without the scene.
Beyond the Filming Locations: Thailand’s Best Luxury Resorts
Watching The White Lotus might inspire you to book Thailand, but the country has dozens of incredible luxury properties beyond where the show filmed. Here are some worth considering.
Phuket: More Than Patong Parties
Phuket gets a bad rap for being overdeveloped and party-focused (Patong Beach earned that reputation), but the island also has some of Thailand’s most luxurious, secluded resorts.
Amanpuri
The original Aman property (opened in 1988) and still one of the best. Minimalist pavilions, private beach, impeccable service, and that signature Aman serenity.
Why it’s special: If you know Aman properties, you know they’re about understated elegance and privacy. Amanpuri delivers both.
Price range: $$$$-$$$$$
Best for: Travelers who value tranquility and design over bells-and-whistles amenities.
The Surin Phuket
Beachfront cottages scattered among coconut groves on Pansea Beach. It’s laid-back luxury—beautiful but not trying too hard.
Why it’s great: You’re on one of Phuket’s best beaches, but it feels intimate and low-key compared to mega-resorts.
Price range: $$$-$$$$
Best for: Beach lovers who want style without stuffiness.
Koh Samui: Hillside Villas & Beach Bliss
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island and strikes a nice balance between development and natural beauty.
Six Senses Samui
Perched on a rocky outcrop on the northern tip of the island, Six Senses properties are known for sustainability, wellness, and jaw-dropping locations.
What makes it stand out:
- Private pool villas with ocean views
- Excellent spa and wellness programming
- Sustainable practices woven throughout
- Organic gardens that supply the restaurants
Price range: $$$$
Best for: Wellness-focused travelers who want luxury with a conscience.
Conrad Koh Samui
Hillside infinity pool villas overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Every villa has its own pool, and the views are ridiculous.
Why consider it: It’s slightly more accessible price-wise than some of the ultra-luxury options, but still delivers on the private villa experience.
Price range: $$$-$$$$
Best for: Couples or honeymooners who want that infinity pool villa Instagram moment.
Chiang Mai: Northern Thailand Luxury
If islands aren’t your thing, northern Thailand offers a completely different vibe—cooler weather, mountains, temples, and culture.
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Set in the Mae Rim Valley surrounded by rice paddies and mountains. The property is designed like a traditional Thai village, with private pavilions scattered throughout.
What’s unique:
- Buffalo roaming the rice paddies (yes, really—it’s charming)
- Cooking school that’s one of the best in Thailand
- Cooler climate than the islands (especially Nov-Feb)
- Cultural immersion (temples, markets, hill tribes) instead of pure beach relaxation
Price range: $$$-$$$$
Best for: Travelers who want luxury but also want to experience Thai culture beyond resort walls.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Located where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, this property offers luxury accommodations alongside an ethical elephant sanctuary.
Why it’s special: You can interact with rescued elephants in a responsible way (no riding—just observing, feeding, and learning).
Price range: $$$$
Best for: Animal lovers and travelers looking for something beyond the typical beach resort experience.
Krabi: Dramatic Limestone Cliffs
Krabi Province offers some of Thailand’s most dramatic coastal scenery—towering limestone karsts rising from turquoise water.
Rayavadee
Tucked into Krabi’s Phranang Peninsula, accessible only by boat. Three pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, and luxury pavilions hidden in coconut groves.
What makes it unforgettable:
- You have to arrive by boat (already magical)
- Three beaches on one property
- Rock climbing, kayaking, island-hopping all easily accessible
- Feels remote despite being well-serviced
Price range: $$$$
Best for: Active travelers who want adventure alongside luxury, or anyone who wants that “hidden paradise” feeling.
What to Do Beyond the Resort
Thailand’s luxury resorts are stunning, but staying on property the entire time means missing out on what makes Thailand incredible.
Island-Hopping & Boat Trips
The Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi side) and Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui side) are dotted with islands worth exploring.
Must-visit islands:
- Phi Phi Islands – Yes, they’re touristy, but Maya Bay is stunning (go early or late)
- James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay) – Dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald water
- Koh Phangan – Beyond the Full Moon Parties, it’s actually beautiful and laid-back
- Similan Islands – Some of Thailand’s best diving and snorkeling
Pro tip: Book private boat charters instead of group tours. The experience is infinitely better when you’re not on a speed boat with 30 other people.
Thai Cooking Classes
Every resort offers cooking classes, and they’re genuinely worth doing. Thai cuisine is complex and regional, and learning to make curry paste from scratch or perfect pad thai is both fun and useful.
Best approach: Take a class that includes a market tour. You’ll learn about ingredients, interact with locals, and then cook what you bought.
Spa & Wellness
Thai massage is world-famous for a reason. Resort spas are excellent, but also consider visiting a high-quality day spa or traditional Thai massage spot.
What to try:
- Traditional Thai massage (stretching, pressure points, no oils)
- Herbal compress massage
- Foot massage after a long day exploring
- Full-day spa packages with body scrubs, wraps, and treatments
Temples & Culture
If you’re in Chiang Mai, temple-hopping is pretty cool. If you’re on the islands, day trips to temples and cultural sites are easy to arrange.
Worth visiting:
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai)
- Big Buddha (Phuket)
- Wat Plai Laem (Koh Samui)
Respectful visit tip: Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes and hats before entering temple buildings. Be mindful that these are active religious sites, not just photo ops.
When to Go
Best time for Thailand’s islands:
November through March – Dry season, perfect weather, calm seas. This is peak season, so book well in advance.
Shoulder season (April-May, October):
Still good weather, fewer crowds, better deals. April is hot (Songkran water festival happens mid-April).
Avoid:
June through September – Monsoon season on the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi). Some resorts close. The Gulf coast (Koh Samui) has a different monsoon pattern (worst in October-November).
The White Lotus Effect: What to Expect
After Seasons 1 and 2, the resorts featured in The White Lotus saw booking surges in the year or two that followed. Expect the same for Thailand properties featured in Season 3. It should go back to some semblance of normal after that.
What that means for you:
- Book early if you want to stay at the actual filming locations
- Expect higher prices at featured properties
- Consider alternative luxury resorts that offer similar experiences without the hype
The good news: Thailand has dozens of world-class luxury resorts. You don’t need to stay where the show filmed to get that White Lotus experience.
Making It Happen
Thailand’s luxury resort scene offers something for everyone—beach lovers, wellness seekers, adventure travelers, culture enthusiasts.
Whether you’re chasing the White Lotus aesthetic or just want a stunning Thai escape, the country delivers. Private pool villas, pristine beaches, incredible food, warm hospitality, and landscapes that don’t look real.
If you want help planning a Thailand trip—finding the right resort for your vibe, timing it with the best weather, building in cultural experiences beyond the resort—let’s talk.
