Set-Jetting: Following the Path of The White Lotus in Thailand

The latest season of The White Lotus stirred excitement not only among TV fans but also among travelers. After captivating viewers with the dreamy backdrops of Hawaii and Italy, the third season of the iconic HBO series brings us to the exotic charm of Thailand — and travel enthusiasts across the globe are already tracing the show’s footsteps. Welcome to the world of set-jetting — when travel is inspired by the filming locations of your favorite series or movie.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the filming locations of The White Lotus in Asia, how to get there, where to stay, and how to recreate the show’s atmosphere — even without an HBO-sized budget.

What Is Set-Jetting?

Set-jetting (from “set” — filming set, and “jet-setting” — glamorous travel) is a growing travel trend where people visit real-world filming locations of movies and TV shows.

This concept started gaining traction in the mid-2010s, but after the success of The White Lotus, it exploded in popularity.

According to Expedia, 68% of travelers in 2024 said they chose destinations based on films or series. And The White Lotus is the perfect example — it blends stunning visuals, luxury hotels, meaningful storytelling, and rich atmosphere.

Where Was Season 3 of The White Lotus Filmed?

HBO officially confirmed that season 3 was filmed in Thailand, across three main locations:

• Koh Samui
• Bangkok
• Phuket

The Primary Filming Location — Four Seasons Koh Samui

This luxurious hillside resort overlooking the Gulf of Thailand served as the core filming location. With its jungle-wrapped villas, private infinity pools, sunset yoga, and breathtaking ocean views — it’s no surprise it became the “main character” of season 3.

How to Get to Koh Samui

• 🛫 From Bangkok — Direct flight via Bangkok Airways (~1 hour, $70–120)
• 🚤 From Surat Thani — Bus + ferry combo (~4 hours, ~$25)
• 🚕 Island transfer — 20–40 min taxi to Laem Yai Beach (where the resort is located)

💡 Tip: Flights to Samui are in high demand — booking early can save you money.

Can You Stay at the Actual Hotel From the Series?

Yes — and that’s exactly what makes this set-jetting experience so exciting.

Four Seasons Koh Samui offers year-round booking:

• 💰 Villas with private pools start from $800 to $1400 per night
• 🍽 Gourmet breakfast included, with two fine-dining restaurants on-site
• 🧘 Private beach, open-air spa, fitness center, and sunset yoga

💡 Budget alternative: Boutique hotels near Maenam or Nathon Beach offer great views and comfort for $60–150/night — with many just a short ride from Four Seasons.

Must-Visit Locations on Koh Samui — Even Without a Reservation

Even if you’re not staying at the Four Seasons, you can still soak in the White Lotus vibe by visiting:

• 🛕 Wat Plai Laem — A vibrant temple with an 18-armed Guanyin goddess statue
• 🌳 Secret Buddha Garden — Hidden jungle sculptures nestled in the hills
• 🐟 Fisherman’s Village — Seafront strolls, night markets, and coastal cafes
• 🌄 Jungle Club Viewpoint — Stunning hilltop panorama of coconut forests and sea

📸 These locations are perfect for pastel-toned, sunset-lit photos that reflect the show's slow, ironic, and aesthetic tone.

Bangkok & Phuket — Expanding the Set-Jetting Route

While Koh Samui takes center stage, both Bangkok and Phuket also make appearances and add narrative depth through visual contrast.

In Bangkok:

• Rooftop scenes were shot in Sathorn, likely in bars like Sirocco or Vertigo
• Scenes along the Chao Phraya River were possibly filmed at Capella Bangkok
• Chinatown alleys, train stations, and canal boats add a raw, urban flavor

In Phuket:

• Natural scenery from Cape Panwa and Ao Yon Beach appeared in several scenes
• Private beachfront villas captured the show’s sense of exclusivity
• Sunset sequences and quiet, reflective conversations highlight Phuket’s tranquil side

For fans, a Bangkok → Samui → Phuket route offers the full immersion experience.

Why Is The White Lotus So Inspiring?

Because it’s more than beautiful locations — it’s about emotional texture.
The show blends luxury with existential tension. It’s hypnotic and ironic, warm yet unsettling.

The third season, with its Buddhist temples, night markets, and lush landscapes, deepens the contrast between:

• Spirituality and materialism
• Tourism and local culture
• Beauty and personal emptiness

That emotional duality is what drives people to visit the real-world settings and reconnect with what they felt while watching.

Sample Itinerary: White Lotus Tour in 5 Days

Day 1:

• Arrive in Bangkok
• Rooftop sunset at a sky bar
• Dinner by the Wat Arun riverside

Day 2:

• Fly to Koh Samui
• Check in to a boutique hotel near Maenam
• Sunset walk on the beach

Day 3:

• Visit Wat Plai Laem & Secret Buddha Garden
• Lunch at Fisherman’s Village
• Sunset at Jungle Club Viewpoint

Day 4:

• Ferry or flight to Phuket
• Beach time at Ao Yon
• Dinner at a hidden gem near Cape Panwa

Day 5:

• Morning spa
• Street food market visit
• Fly home

It’s Not Just About the Place — It’s About the Feeling

The genius of The White Lotus isn’t only the setting — it’s the mood.

• Watching the sunset and feeling like you’re in the opening credits
• Enjoying breakfast alone and imagining drama around the corner
• Walking barefoot on a secluded beach while the theme song plays in your head

This is what set-jetting is really about: reclaiming fiction in real life.

Final Thoughts

The White Lotus isn’t just a series — it’s an aesthetic, a vibe, a mirror.

Set-jetting in Thailand lets you live inside that frame — not as a passive viewer, but as an active participant. Whether you stay at the actual resort or just walk the nearby beaches, you’re stepping into a story.

And maybe, just maybe — you’ll leave with your own plot twist.