Filming Locations for “The White Lotus” Season 3: Luxury Resorts in Thailand

Since early last year, fans of The White Lotus, the acclaimed HBO anthology miniseries, have speculated that the third season would likely take place in Thailand, although the exact filming locations remained a mystery.

Now that production has kicked off earlier this spring, the filming spots in Thailand have been disclosed. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and HBO, shooting is happening in the capital city of Bangkok and on the islands of Phuket and Ko Samui, as announced in February.

“We are excited to collaborate with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to bring Mike’s creative vision to life and highlight the beauty of Thailand as the next group of guests arrive at The White Lotus,” stated Janet Graham Borba, executive vice president of production for HBO & Max.

Given that the previous two seasons were filmed at Four Seasons hotels, many anticipated that this season would follow suit—and it seems they were correct. Reports indicate that season three is being filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, a stunning property nestled among the lush hills of Koh Samui. This ultra-luxurious resort offers accommodations ranging from villas with private pools to expansive multi-bedroom residences ideal for families and groups.

However, Four Seasons Koh Samui won't be the only resort featured in the upcoming season. The Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, a collection of luxurious villas on Phuket Island, is also expected to serve as a setting for some upcoming scenes.

Created by Mike White, who is also the executive producer and director, The White Lotus is a satirical dramedy set in the fictional luxury White Lotus resort located in popular tourist hotspots. Here, dysfunctional guests and hotel staff reveal new aspects of themselves while lampooning insensitive tourists. The first season, which premiered in 2021, took place in Hawai‘i and was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, while the second season, released at the end of 2022, was set in Sicily, filmed at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel.

The filming locations and the hotels themselves experienced a significant increase in visitors during and after those seasons aired, contributing to the trend of set-jetting, where fans visit locations from their favorite shows or movies (similar to The Crown, Ted Lasso, Outlander, and Lord of the Rings). It’s likely that Thailand—already a well-loved tourist destination—will experience similar effects.

“We are thrilled to have beautiful Thailand featured as the filming location for the highly anticipated upcoming season of The White Lotus,” said TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool in a statement. Thailand’s “exotic natural beauty, rich historical sites, and diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop to showcase our captivating culture, delicious cuisine, exceptional wellness and luxury offerings, and most importantly, our people and Thai hospitality. Thailand has long been regarded as one of the world’s top filming destinations.”

The series is known for featuring new casts each season, and the one character returning from both seasons one and two will not be part of the third season—fans mourned the fate of Tanya, portrayed by Jennifer Coolidge, at the end of season two. While it was known she wouldn’t return, the remainder of the new season’s cast remained a mystery until recently. It has been revealed that the third season will feature Leslie Bibb, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, and Natasha Rothwell, along with two Thai actors, Dom Hetrakul and Tayme Thapthimthong. Rothwell is the only cast member returning—she played the spa manager Belinda in season one.

The White Lotus season three is set to premiere on HBO and stream on Max in 2025.

This article was initially published in February 2024 and updated on May 10, 2024, to reflect the latest information. A prior version indicated that Thai tourism officials had confirmed the hotel filming locations for ‘White Lotus’ season three; however, these locations have not yet been officially confirmed by the tourism authorities.