Pop culture sets the mood—and the map. One TV hit show can change travel plans overnight. Watch out right now as a new wave approaches! This time, it hits Koh Samui and puts the island gem in the Gulf of Thailand in the spotlight. Think of soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and jungle-covered hills. Add bold street food, resorts, and buzzing nightlife—the perfect escape. HBO chose Koh Samui for its The White Lotus Season Three. Smart move. The show draws over 116 million viewers worldwide.
Maui saw a rush after Season One. Sicily took the spotlight after Season Two. Now Thailand steps up. Filming took place at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Bookings have already jumped 40%. The New York Times calls Koh Samui a top pick for 2025. Travel + Leisure crowned Thailand “Destination of the Year.” Culture inspires travel. The White Lotus leads the way. Want your own White Lotus escape? Think slow mornings, spicy dinners, and excitement at every turn. Koh Samui delivers.
Where to lounge & feast
Longing for a taste of The White Lotus life without the sky-high bill? Start with a day pass at Four Seasons Koh Samui. Enjoy full access to the beach, bars, and restaurants with a minimum spend—no overnight stay needed. American Express offers the White Lotus Thailand Experience for a more curated escape. The package includes three nights at the resort plus a full-moon party—perfect for those chasing sun and stories. Looking for something with the same feel but a quieter vibe? Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas brings elegance without the extra flash. Over in Phuket, food lovers can also visit Pru—the island’s Michelin-starred gem.
For a whole island-hopping adventure, Unforgettable Travel Company maps out a seven-night White Lotus-style journey through Phuket, Bangkok, and Koh Samui. Staying closer to Koh Samui’s airport? Try Nahm, a relaxed overwater spot serving bold Thai flavors in a breezy, no-frills setting. Want more inspiration? Condé Nast Traveler highlights filming locations and top hotels in the region. Elle Decor adds a stylish touch with eight handpicked stays—and decorating tips pulled straight from the show’s opening credits.
How ‘The White Lotus’ influences travel and style
Whether you’re lounging poolside or island-hopping through Thailand, the experience doesn’t end with the view. Shows like The White Lotus influence more than travel—they shape style, storytelling, and how people dream about escape.
More and more travelers chase the thrill of stepping off a plane and straight into a scene from their favorite show… Ahead of the third season, HBO and Four Seasons teamed up for White Lotus Season Three. The global partnership brings co-branded experiences to life. Think-themed pop-ups at resorts in Bangkok, London, Singapore, and Miami. At Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, the show takes center stage. Guests can take cooking classes, train in Muay Thai with a champion, or attend a Buddhist talk with a local monk. Each activity draws inspiration from the series and the island’s rich culture.
Many brands now seek their ‘White Lotus’ moment, including a travel accessories collection from Away (available at Bloomingdale’s). In addition, Bloomingdale’s launched The White Lotus x Aqua Collection, inspired by the HBO Series. Harper’s Bazaar teaches readers how to dress like a White Lotus character while the show’s costume designer, Alex Bovaird, breaks down the fashion of Season Three.
From Piper’s yacht look to Rick’s Hawaiian shirts and Victoria’s pill purse, viewers want to connect Koh Samui and the character styling. Bovaird looked to vintage resort wear from the 1960s and ’70s when people packed full wardrobes just for vacation. To balance that retro inspiration, she also explored modern-day style through Instagram.
“With social media these days, it’s easy,” she said. “You can search the right hashtag or location and instantly see what people wear at resorts like Four Seasons Koh Samui or Mandarin Oriental Bangkok.”
The Hawaiian shirts are primarily vintage, while some clothing was picked up from local Thai markets. Matriarch Victoria, played by Parker Posey, wears a caftan from Jim Thomson when she goes to a monastery. The Bangkok-based company makes beautiful classic dresses and sportswear for women and men, and it can be found at many tourist resorts!
As Symrise continues to grow its presence in Thailand, we take pride in embracing and honoring the vibrant culture around us. Whether you’re reminiscing about your last trip to Koh Samui or dreaming of your own ‘White Lotus’ moment, let this be an invitation to explore, connect, and be inspired by the beauty of Southeast Asia.
