The White Lotus season three was filmed across multiple stunning locations in Thailand back in 2024—one of those being the Anantara Bophut Hotel in Fisherman’s Village, which just so happens to be where we live… Fisherman’s Village, not the Anantara (if only!).

While filming was underway, we often spotted some very famous faces wandering the village—doing a bit of shopping or grabbing a bite at one of the local restaurants (two in particular became firm favourites, but more on that later). In this blog, I’m going to share all the White Lotus season 3 filming locations we know of, plus a few behind-the-scenes moments—including the fact that Carl was actually an extra in the series! When it airs in February, keep an eye out… you might just spot him lounging by the pool.

Anyway, let’s get into it…

Koh Samui Filming Locations

As promised, I am updating this throughout the series with any new locations that I spot along the way. And before the cast even arrive at The White Lotus resort they are filmed aboard a traditional Thai boat – we happen to know this boat very well and have enjoyed two very nice afternoons aboard The Red Dragon. It’s a fantastic 78ft Thai yacht and offers a host of island tours. Including our favourite Ang Thong Park: Semi-private Sunset Cruise Tour. Here’s what you need to know;

📍The Red Dragon

This iconic boat offers a brilliant day trip to explore the stunning Ang Thong Marine Park (which, for fans of The Beach, is where Alex Garland got his inspiration from). You’ll start your morning with a light breakfast and get pampered with delicious appetisers, a fresh Thai buffet lunch, and refreshing soft drinks—all while cruising in style. And we can vouch for the food – it’s delicious, and plentiful!

You’ll have plenty of time to kayak and snorkel at spots like Koh Tai Plao, wander through hidden lagoons, and relax on white sandy beaches. For those who want a bit of a challenge, you’ll not want to miss the magic of Emerald Lake, the climb is of medium difficulty but there are plenty of spots to stop and soak in the breathtaking views. Then finish your day with a beautiful sunset and a sweet banana split treat.

With a small, friendly group onboard (max 28 people), you’ll enjoy personal service, fully guided tour, and plenty of Instagrammable moments.

Includes: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, meals & drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, guided transfers, and more. What to bring: Swimwear, change of clothes, sandals, camera, sunscreen, and your passport (copies are also accepted).

Are you ready to live your White Lotus moment? Book your adventure today!

📍 Four Seasons Resort

The fictional White Lotus hotel was actually the very real Four Seasons in Koh Samui, it’s an absolutely stunning 5-star hotel in the north of the island and you can book a room at this hotel for from a very cool £940 a night. During high season you’ll notice the prices ramp up, so consider travelling from May to August as the weather here in Samui is still hot and sunny, with the odd shower.

In previous seasons of the show they have also used Four Seasons resorts as the backdrop for The White Lotus hotel group, but whilst in Thailand they also used some of the Anantara Resorts, in both Phuket and Koh Samui.

If you’d like to book a room at Four Seasons Resort Samui, you can view prices and make a reservation with booking.com.

Images are credited to booking.com | Four Seasons Resort Samui

👉 Psssst, if you love the interiors and style of the show as much as the drama, you’ll love this article I contributed to over on Rent.com, it’s all about how to bring the aesthetic of The White Lotus into your own home, inspired by the stunning Thai filming locations. Think natural textures, Thai silk, and tropical wood tones that add just a little bit of five-star indulgence.

📍 Anantara Bophut

So, I have absolutely no idea if they used this particular hotel for any of the indoor scenes, as I believe the majority was filmed at the Four Seasons location, however, I know for sure that they used the pool and how do I know this? Well, because this is the scene that Carl was in. The extras started bright and early at 4 AM, to be briefed and to have any tattoos covered. They were all asked to bring colourful swimwear and suntan lotion. Turns out it was a very warm day and many of them spent the whole day in the sun on the loungers, but not Carl. He somehow managed to get a spot in the pool, so stayed nice and cool, although maybe a bit wrinkly at the end of the day.

The hotel itself is beautiful and has absolutely stunning gardens and a very nice onsite restaurant, Guilty. You can book a night here at the Anantara Bophut from just £182 a night. Again, as with the Four Seasons you’ll find cheaper rates during the low season which is from May to August.

If you’d like to book a room at Anantara Bophut you can view prices and make a reservation with booking.com.

Images are credited to booking.com |Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

📍 Fisherman’s Village

It wouldn’t be right for the White Lotus team to come to Thailand without visiting the famous Koh Phangan Full Moon Party, would it now. But I could imagine trying to film amongst a crowd of 30,000 people would have its challenges, so they used Fisherman’s Village for some of the scenes where they were walking along the streets of Haad Rin in Koh Phangan.

They closed the street that leads down to the beach, erected fake shopfronts and stalls, and decorated the street with colourful lanterns to replicate the design in Koh Phangan. This is the scene we’re most excited for as we walk up and down this street at least ten times a day and you’ll often find us enjoying a cold beer at Karma Sutra bar or grabbing a bite to eat at The Thai Tapas.

Fisherman’s Village, as the name suggests was once home to a thriving fishing community now it’s home to boutique clothing stores, trendy beachside restaurants and cosy guest houses. It’s also home to one of the most popular night markets on the island, which currently runs five times a week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday. If you’re interested in knowing more about the village and where to dine you can check out our previous blog below.

The best restaurants in Fisherman’s Village, Bophut, Koh Samui 2023

The White Lotus Actors favourite local restaurants

That brings us very nicely onto the actors favourite local restaurants, and it just so happens that we know the owners of both of these very popular eateries.

📍 The Thai Tapas

This cool and chic restaurant is located just as you enter Fisherman’s Village on the right hand side. It is owned by Patrick and Olive who both have a rich background in hospitality. They have an exceptional eye for detail and have created a vibrant menu with flavours from all around Thailand.

As it is a tapas style restaurant it’s recommended to order two or three dishes per person and you’ll also receive a unique and colourful rice bowl to enjoy alongside the dishes. Our favourites are the chilli clams, chicken tacos, shrimp cakes and to finish the mango tarte tartin.

The actors dined here several times, were very down to earth and enjoyed the food immensely. Since being spotted at the restaurant it has become a go-to spot for fans of the series and they have seen a huge increase in the number of visitors. If you want to dine at The Thai Tapas I’d suggest booking at least a week in advance, especially if you’re visiting during high-season which runs from end of December through the the end of March.

You can contact them via their Facebook page to make a reservation.

📍2 Fishes

Another favourite of the cast was 2 Fishes, which is located just outside of Fisherman’s Village. This beautiful Italian restaurant sits beachside and is lucky enough to have fantastic sunset views. The chef owner, Leandro, really knows his flavours and combines this knowledge with fresh, local ingredients and beautiful plating. Everything here is exceptional from the rich and indulgent pasta dishes to the grilled local fish and steaks served with perfect potatoes and salads.

The cast visited the restaurant on several occasions, enjoying a relaxed atmosphere with 5-star food and service.

Our favourite dishes have to be the French oysters, the creamy mushroom pappardelle and the barbecued threadfin with buttery crushed potatoes.

Currently only open in the evenings, Tuesday to Sunday and it’s a popular restaurant with both locals and tourists, so if you want to bag a seat at 2 Fishes, I’d definitely reserve your table in advance. You can contact them via their Facebook or Instagram page to reserve, drop them an email info@2fishessamui.com or even call through and speak to the manager, Dave on +66 99 281 9973.

Phuket Locations

Whilst you’re here, I figured I’d let you in on where some of the filming was done in Phuket. Instead of using the Four Seasons, they opted for Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, which has the same dreamy, luxury-meets-nature vibe that fits perfectly into the White Lotus world.

📍Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

This luxury 5-star hotel is in the north of Phuket, just a short drive from Phuket International Airport. It is however, around an hour to some of the more popular spots in Phuket such as Patong and Phuket Old Town.

Personally, I think this would be the perfect luxury retreat for a two or three night romantic stay. Each villa has it’s very own wine cellar and a terrazzo bathtub big enough for two… I did say it was romantic!

The hotel has a private beach, an onsite spa, plenty of activities such as yoga and Thai cooking classes and a selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy.

If you’d like to book a room at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas you can view prices and make a reservation with booking.com.

Images are credited to booking.com |Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

📍Café del Mar

When we first came to Thailand just after Covid we stayed for five months in Phuket, we used it as a base whilst travelling to other areas in Thailand and we did live in Kamala, which is a lovely beach town, around 15 minutes from the famous area of Patong. Kamala has many wonderful 5-star hotels, luxury restaurants and bars, and one in which we spent a lot of time was Café del Mar.

We actually spotted the signage on the trailer for White Lotus season three, so although it doesn’t appear to be officially listed as one of the filming locations we have a feeling you might spot this famous beach club in at least one scene.

They have always been busy and so if you do want to visit it is highly recommended to book. You can do so by visiting their website.

Images are credited to Cafe del Mar Phuket

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White Lotus season 3 starts on Sunday 16 February 2025 on HBO and Max. We honestly can’t wait for this one, we’ve always enjoyed the show but it makes it extra special knowing most of the locations that they have visited.

If we spot any other famous spots after the shows release date I’ll add them in here, but if you’re a fan, do let us know if you can find Carl amongst the extras during the pool scenes. And if you do visit either of the restaurants in Koh Samui, let me know you found the info on our blog and tell them Lauren and Carlos say hi.

Enjoy the show!

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As always, if you want more Koh Samui travel, tips, recommendations and insider guides why not subscribe, we aim to post something new every week.

Until next time…

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