Where Was The White Lotus Season 3 Filmed? All Locations Explained

Mike White spent some time deciding where to take The White Lotus' new batch of guests next, and his decision suits season 3's focus perfectly. The White Lotus' reviews praise season 3's location more than the ones from past seasons. Offering a true paradise on earth, The White Lotus' new episodes are set in beautiful and vibrant Thailand. The show's creator has spoken about wishing to venture outside the resort for key narrative moments, and the Southeast Asian islands proved to be just the thing.

The White Lotus' season 3 story shifts its focus from a group of wealthy people seeking a spiritual retreat in one of Thailand's best hotel chains, and the employees at the center of its activities. The White Lotus season 3 early Rotten Tomatoes score is impressive, and likely responds to Mike White's larger scope and keen vision of class, spirituality, and death as represented in the characters and their surroundings.

Of course, viewers will want to check out the famous resort and popular local attractions featured in The White Lotus season 3.

Koh Samui

Various Locations

The island of Koh Samui functioned as the principal filming location in The White Lotus, offering four different backdrops for the characters' maddening vacation. Notably, past seasons held production at Four Seasons resorts in Maui and Sicily. After scouting some sites in Honshu, Japan, The White Lotus decided on Thailand, encouraged primarily by the government's major film incentive (via Deadline). As a result, the Four Seasons Resort on Koh Samui was transformed into the now-infamous luxury hotel created by Mike White.

Ahead of season 3's long-awaited premiere, HBO renewed The White Lotus for season 4.

Performers and crew stayed at the Thailand hotel, and actress Aimee Lou Wood has said it felt like being in "actual paradise" (via Sky News). This season, The White Lotus gifts its hosts with long walks on white-sanded beaches, slow afternoons lounging at the pool, secluded villas, a dream-like view of the calm blue ocean, and a surrounding jungle of tropical trees and coconut palms that may or may not have danger lurking in the shade. Inside or outside, The White Lotus has eyes everywhere, as the monkey decor stands watch over the guests' activities.

The Samujana Villas of the island were used as a site for a house party in the show, as they provide spectacular luxury villas and liberating pools with a jaw-dropping view of Koh Samui. Wat Phu Khao Thong, a temple in Mae Nam district, is visited by The White Lotus' characters as they venture deeper into their spiritual journeys, where snake sculptures mirror the reality of their intentions. Finally, three friends get pleasure from attending the Songkran Festival, or Thai New Year celebration, at Fisherman's Village, situated in Bophut.

Bangkok

Various Locations

Bangkok provides two more locations for The White Lotus that perfectly align with its themes. As season 3 exposes the American view on Eastern culture and religion, its characters seem eager to consume all Thailand has to offer — though their inner troubles separate them even from themselves.

Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen is another temple visited by The White Lotus characters, easily recognized by the big Buddhastatue that overlooks its site. Other characters look for a more vibrant haven, going to a nightclub called Sing Sing Theater, located in the Thonglor neighborhood.

Phuket

Various Locations

As opposed to The White Lotus' first two seasons, Mike White wanted season 3 to see its characters get out of the hotel bubble so they could explore each other and their setting in new ways. Accordingly, even some of its stars used their free time to go out, craving a similar outlet and experience. The city of Phuket provides plenty of attractions for The White Lotus' guests and striving employees this year. Besides the confirmed locations, rumored sites featured in the show include The Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem temples.

Café Del Mar, a beach club in Phuket, offers local cuisine and entertainment and is especially known for its occasional fire shows. The White Lotus' groups enjoy a taste of the exotic mixed with lavish furnishing and treatments. Gaitok and Mook, a security guard and a health mentor at the resort, decide to spend their leisure time in very different ways. Played by Tayme Thapthimthong and Blackpink’s Lalisa Manobal, the pair goes together to the Bangla Boxing Stadium Paton — one of the most famous Muay Thai locations.

The White Lotus' season 3 includes a scene-stealing cameo and the return of a second character from previous seasons.

The surprising return of Belinda for The White Lotus makes her the audience's guiding light this season. An enthusiastic yet overworked spa manager with big dreams, Belinda reaches the Thai resort to learn from their wellness center so she can improve her practice in Maui. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas give place to The White Lotus' five-star spa set in a beautiful lotus pond, promising healing and re-centering services for its tired hosts. Also benefiting from a well-deserved rest, Belinda functions both as a guest and employee this season, an interesting contradiction that allows her a bigger role and transformation.

Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan

Street Party

The last of the famous attractions in The White Lotus season 3, Haad Rin Beach becomes the site of a popular Full Moon Party. The Phangan Mantra Inn is swarming with excited youths, who gather for a street celebration with neon colors, drinks, and loud music. Several characters' join the festivity, indulging in the chance to forget tensions with their companions.

Mike White's chosen locations for The White Lotusseason 3 continue to demonstrate the importance that culture and history have in the overall storyline of The White Lotus, juxtaposing its characters' American origins with their host country's intense and overwhelming traditions.

Sources: Independent, Lifestyle Asia, Sky News, Deadline