ADVERTISEMENTSet jetting is more than just a trend - it’s a full-blown travel trend sensation, and Thailand is right at the heart of it.
With HBO’s Emmy-winning series The White Lotus set to showcase the country’s dreamy landscapes and opulent resorts in its 2025 season, the lure of this cinematic destination is stronger than ever.
Fans of the hit HBO series will soon be able to walk in the footsteps of their favourite characters, exploring the luxurious locations where drama and intrigue unfold. But Thailand isn’t just a backdrop for the show, it’s become a must-visit spot for fans to visit and follow in the footsteps of their favourite screen characters.
Thanks to streaming giants like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime, set-jetting has become one of the hottest travel trends in recent years.
These platforms have opened up a world of visually stunning destinations, sparking the wanderlust of viewers eager to explore the places they’ve seen on screen. And it’s not just the fans of a particular show or film who are taking notice; entire countries are capitalising on their newfound cinematic fame.
Thailand is leaning into jet-setting
Take Thailand; from its unforgettable role in The Beach to its starring turn in The White Lotus, the country has seen a massive boost in tourist numbers. Between 2000 and 2019, visitor arrivals grew by an astonishing 300 per cent, far outpacing the global tourism growth rate.
This cinematic spotlight has worked wonders for the Thai tourism industry.
Sadudee Sangnil, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s London office welcomes fans heading to the country to explore beyond filming locations.
“There is so much to see and do in Thailand,” she says.
Sangnil encourages film fans to expand their Thai itinerary and discover other islands.
“From Phuket, you can easily combine stays in Khao Lak, Khao Sok National Park, Koh Racha, the Phi Phi, and Koh Yao islands. Krabi and the nearby island of Koh Lanta are also on the Andaman coast and offer incredible scenery, island hopping, snorkelling, and jungle trails for hiking."
With the 2025 season of The White Lotus set to draw even more attention to the country, it’s expected to see a further 63 per cent increase in visitor numbers between 2024 and 2030.
The numbers don’t lie -set-jetting has become a force to be reckoned with. Thailand, with its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and buzzing cities, is riding this wave of cinematic fame.
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the aspirational world of The White Lotus, now is the time to book your ticket to Thailand and visit the spots showcased in the upcoming series.
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui: A luxury stay
The first two series, filmed in Hawaii and Sicily, ignited what’s now known as the “White Lotus Effect.” The show’s mix of luxury, drama, and jaw-dropping locations transformed the local Four Seasons resorts into symbols of coveted high-end travel. The Four Seasons is set to feature prominently in the new series, as the Koh Samui property was one of the main filming locations.
ADVERTISEMENTThe luxury resort/hotel? features sandy beaches bordered by lush tropical greenery and has experienced a spike in demand since being announced as a location. According to Hotels.com, the booking site saw an impressive 40 per cent increase in searches for the €1,640 per-night property, with fans eager to live their best Lotus life.
Sangnil notes, "Thailand has long been a dream holiday destination, and the recent 'White Lotus' effect has sparked a renewed fascination, particularly with Koh Samui and Phuket where the series is largely set. We certainly expect to see a surge in bookings to the featured hotels and the islands in general."
Villa Jacinta: Live the White Lotus
For fans eager to live out their The White Lotus fantasies, the luxurious Villa Jacinta is your ticket to stepping into the drama and decadence of Season 3.
Located on the luxurious Samujana resort in Cheong Mon, Koh Samui, this villa offers a taste of the high life at a price tag that lets you know you’re living large. Starting at a jaw-dropping $1,995 per night, the swish property has plenty of five-star amenities and a private infinity pool that practically begs for selfies inspired by the series.
ADVERTISEMENTBangkok: The secret film location
There’s been a lot of buzz online about the mysterious hotel location used as a filming location for The White Lotus in Bangkok, but the name is currently still under wraps. Fans are itching to figure it out, and there’s plenty of speculation floating around since the season three trailer dropped.
A source informed Daily Mail Australia that the much-anticipated third season was filmed at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Bangkok, Thailand's capital.
The industry source revealed that show creator Mike White had been honoured with a portrait displayed in the €1,349 per night resort's renowned Author's Wing.
With no official announcement on the Bangkok locations, fans may have to wait until the show airs to find out where the White Lotus gang visited in the Thai capital.
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