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White Lotus 3 Set to Skyrocket Thailand’s Luxury Travel Scene

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HBO’s White Lotus 3 Series Could Drive a 20% Surge in High-End Tourism in Thailand

Thailand is poised to become 2025’s ultimate luxury travel hotspot, thanks to HBO’s The White Lotus.

After previous seasons put Hawaii and Sicily on the map for affluent globetrotters, the highly anticipated third installment—set in Thailand—is expected to create a new wave of high-end travel demand.

Luxury hotels, including Four Seasons Koh Samui, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, The Siam, Capella (also recently names the best in the world) and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, are already seeing a spike in interest as set-jetters plan their dream getaways.

Koh Samui, Thailand

A Tourism Boom Fueled by Hollywood

Industry insiders predict a tourism surge of at least 20% following the show’s February 16 premiere.

Chompu Marusachot, director of the Thailand Tourism Authority’s New York office, told Bloomberg:
“Hawaii and Sicily saw major tourism boosts after appearing on The White Lotus. We expect Thailand to experience the same momentum.”

According to Hotels.com, interest in the Four Seasons Koh Samui—one of the show’s key filming locations—has jumped by 40%. Travel agencies report a flood of bookings already, from trend informed clients eager to experience the ultra-luxurious settings showcased in the series.

“I recently had a couple tell me, ‘We need to stay where The White Lotus was filmed before it’s fully booked!’ So we built their entire trip around the Four Seasons Koh Samui,” says Rabis Malik, a luxury travel consultant at Fora.

The recreation of the famous Monica Vitti scene by Aubrey Plaza. Image courtesy of IMDB.
The recreation of the famous Monica Vitti scene by Aubrey Plazain White Lotus 2. Image courtesy of IMDB.

Beyond Koh Samui: A Luxury Thai Getaway Inspired by The White Lotus

While the Four Seasons Koh Samui is the season’s most talked-about backdrop, Thailand’s other five-star resorts are also stepping into the spotlight. Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui are the prime filming locations for White Lotus 3, with iconic properties like:

  • Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – A legendary luxury hotel with rich history and impeccable service.
  • Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas – Home to The White Lotus’ fictional spa, expected to see a 20% business boost.
Koh Lanta is a knockout and one of the most magnificent Island in Thailand

The White Lotus Effect: A Global Phenomenon

The power of The White Lotus in shaping travel trends is undeniable. After Season 2 aired, Sicilian vacations saw an unprecedented revival, with Italian specialist Citalia reporting a 5,000% increase in searches for “Sicily holidays” and filming locations like Taormina and Noto.

Prices at The Four Seasons in Sicily where a lot of The White Lotus was filmed sky rocketed as well heeled guests wanted to re-live The White Lotus experience (sans Italian Mafia).

With Thailand taking centre stage now, expect a flood of sophisticated travellers eager to soak in the country’s world-class hospitality, pristine beaches, and opulent resorts.

If you’re dreaming of a White Lotus-inspired escape, now is the time to book—before these five-star resorts become impossible to get into.

Click here for a review of Capella Bangkok

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Renae elegantly traverses the globe, curating the most exquisite personalised travel, dining, and wellness experiences for discerning women. With over 25 years of distinguished journalism, her work has illuminated the pages of prestigious magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms. Renae’s expertise transcends travel writing; she is a coveted speaker and coach within the luxury hotel industry. Balancing her professional pursuits with a delightful contradiction—a passion for fitness and an indulgence in dark chocolate—Renae infuses a unique blend of authority and Australian charm into the realm of luxury travel.

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