For fans of the HBO hit series The White Lotus, Thailand offers a thrilling and immersive journey through luxurious yet culturally profound experiences.
From vibrant Bangkok to tranquil Koh Samui and glamorous Phuket, here are 7 experiences to immerse yourself fully into the show’s aesthetic. As seasoned travelers we at Cerca carefully selected these experiences to match the series while highlighting sustainability, hidden gems, and authentic local culture. Let’s go behind the scenes…
1. Six Senses Samui: Stay at a Luxurious Eco-Friendly Resort in Koh Samui
Koh Samui was historically a tranquil fishing island transformed by tourism. It has embraced sustainability to preserve its natural beauty. Eco-resorts blend luxury with conservation, helping protect Koh Samui’s delicate ecosystem.
Much of season three of The White Lotus was filmed at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, but at Cerca we recommend Six Senses Samui for a much closer interpretation of the experience in the series.
In the series, The White Lotus resort – a luxurious, tranquil setting – is the backdrop for dramatic interpersonal dynamics, showcasing indulgent experiences, and taking aim at the global Wellness industry.
Experience:
The Six Senses Samui offers private villas with panoramic ocean views, lush gardens, and conscientious service, mirroring the resorts seen in The White Lotus, but with sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Book yourself a special Thai Healing Massage, based on massage therapy practices that have evolved in Thailand over 700 years.
2. Yaowarat Night Market: Indulge in Authentic Thai Street Food in Bangkok
Street food in Bangkok showcases the city’s vibrant culture and rich culinary heritage, originating from Chinese traders and Thai traditions. It’s deeply embedded in daily life and community interactions.
Episode 7 of season 3 of The White Lotus features scenes of the characters Gaitok and Mook browsing and eating street food together before Mook takes Gaitok to a Muy Thai fight.
Experience:
The specific market featured in the series isn’t named, but we think the best experience is to explore Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown, renowned for street food stalls offering Pad Thai, grilled seafood, and mango sticky rice.
Check out a Bangkok Food Tour.
3. Wat Chalong: Visit Historical Buddhist Temples in Phuket
Phuket is home to some of Thailand’s most significant Buddhist temples, historically serving as community centers and showcasing Thai architecture and deep spiritual traditions.
The Buddhist monastery featured in Season 3 of The White Lotus was filmed at Wat Phu Khao Thong in Koh Samui, Thailand, and the temple gardens were captured at Dusit Dheva Cultural Centre also in Koh Samui.
In the series, Piper, played by Sarah Catherine Hook, surprises her straight-laced and conservative parents by announcing her intention to spend a year at a Thai Buddhist monastery.
Experience:
Wat Chalong offers serene gardens, intricate architecture, and insight into local Buddhist traditions. It is the most popular of the temples in Phuket, but that’s because it is also the most immersive.
4. Hype Boat Club: Enjoy a Private Yacht Tour around Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is renowned for its limestone karsts and emerald waters, historically significant as a strategic maritime passage influencing regional trade.
In The White Lotus a party with dramatic consequences takes place aboard Gary / Greg’s private yacht as it cruises Phang Nga Bay’s dramatic limestone cliffs, emerald-green waters, and lush mangrove forests
One of the bay’s most famous landmarks is Khao Phing Kan, famously known as “James Bond Island,” featured prominently in the 1974 Bond classic The Man with the Golden Gun. While the island draws tourists for its cinematic history, exploring the area around it gives you a more authentic experience, with fewer crowds and untouched nature.
Phang Nga Bay is a thriving ecological haven. Mangrove forests are essential in protecting coastlines from erosion and storms, serving as breeding grounds for diverse marine life. Eco-tourism initiatives promote responsible visits, educating travelers on the significance of preserving this delicate environment.
Experience:
Invest the big bucks and take a private yacht tour exploring hidden caves, beaches, and James Bond Island.
5. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok: Thai Spa Experience
More spa? Yes please. Thai massage and spa treatments combine Ayurveda, yoga, and traditional Thai healing methods, symbolizing Thailand’s holistic wellness approach.
The White Lotus season 3 has no shortage of wellness scenes, from protein shakes to emotional therapy to yoga to sensory deprivation tanks. This is the “me time” vacation of your dreams.
Experience:
The Mandarin Oriental Spa offers treatments like traditional Thai massage in luxurious settings. The Bamboo Bar and the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental were featured in the show.
6. Vertigo: Fine Dining with a View in Bangkok
Bangkok’s skyline dining locations blend modern luxury with historical city views, giving you a vision of the city’s evolution. For the full experience, have an opulent Thai meal overlooking the city at sunset.
In the series, Rick, played by Walton Goggins, spends time in Bangkok dining and drinking with an old friend played by Sam Rockwell, while he tries to decide if (and how) he wants to take revenge on his father’s killer.
Experience:
61 stories high, Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Bangkok offers rooftop dining with gorgeous panoramic city views. The degustation menu features jumbo prawns, lobster, snow fish, and crab.
The actual restaurant from the show was Royal Osha.
7. Rajadamnern Stadium: Watch Muy Thai Fights
Muy Thai has ancient origins linked to Thai warfare, deeply respected and representing cultural pride. The history of Muy Thai dates back centuries, tracing its origins to ancient battlefield combat known as Muay Boran, or “ancient boxing.” Thai warriors used these techniques in hand-to-hand combat during wars, especially in the Sukhothai era (1238–1583) and Ayutthaya era (1351–1767). It wasn’t just about defeating an opponent—it was about survival.
During peace times, these warriors showcased their skills through organized competitions, becoming respected figures within their communities.
In The White Lotus several characters, including Laurie (Carrie Coon), end up at the local Muy Thai fights, actually filed at Bangla Boxing in Phuket– which are used as a storytelling metaphor, intercut with several of the episode’s storylines to emphasize mental and emotional confrontation.
Experience:
🥊 Rajadamnern Stadium
Established in 1945, Rajadamnern Stadium is Bangkok’s oldest boxing stadium and deeply respected. It’s frequented by locals, adding an authentic vibe while ensuring a safe and professional environment.
Buy tickets directly from the stadium box office or the official website.
BONUS: Learn Muy Thai!
Check out Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, welcoming beginners and experts and welcomes visitors looking to for a culturally relevant workout.
BONUS #2: Snake Show anyone?
Featured in Episode 3 of The White Lotus, Rick releases poisonous snakes from the Snake Farm Koh Samui. You can visit to see for yourself – but we really don’t recommend letting the snakes out.
Exploring these White Lotus-style experiences connects you deeply to Thailand’s vibrant culture, history, and sustainability initiatives, guided expertly by local knowledge from Cerca.
