Mike White spent some time deciding where to takeThe White Lotus' new batch of guests next, and his decision suits season 3’s focus perfectly.The White Lotus' reviewspraise 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 storyshifts its focus from a group of wealthy peopleseeking a spiritual retreat in one of Thailand’s best hotel chains, and the employees at the center of its activities.The White Lotusseason 3 early Rotten Tomatoesscore 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 inThe White Lotusseason 3.
Koh Samui
Various Locations
The island of Koh Samui functioned as the principal filming location inThe 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 Lotusdecided on Thailand, encouraged primarily by the government’s major film incentive (viaDeadline). As a result,the Four Seasons Resort on Koh Samui was transformed into the now-infamous luxury hotelcreated by Mike White.
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Performers and crew stayed at the Thailand hotel, and actressAimee Lou Wood has said it felt like being in “actual paradise”(viaSky News). This season,The White Lotusgifts 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 byThe White Lotus' charactersas 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
Bangkok provides two more locations forThe White Lotusthat 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.
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Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen is another temple visited byThe White Lotuscharacters, 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
As opposed toThe 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 forThe 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.
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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 surprisingreturn of Belinda forThe White Lotusmakes 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 toThe 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.
Street Party
The last of the famous attractions inThe White Lotusseason 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 forThe White Lotusseason 3 continue to demonstrate the importance that culture and history have in the overall storyline ofThe White Lotus,juxtaposing its characters' American origins with their host country’s intense and overwhelming traditions.
