Feeling “The White Lotus” effect? These real-life filming locations are showstopping destinations

The TV show “The White Lotus” has kept us entranced ever since we first checked into the resort at the start of season one. There’s something about the dark humor and exploration of human nature set against the stunning backdrop of extraordinary locations that we just can’t get enough of. Luckily, you can visit many of “The White Lotus” filming locations and experience the fantasy for yourself.

Season one of “The White Lotus” was filmed entirely on location at a resort in Maui. The beach provided a tranquil stage where we watched the dramatic interpersonal relationships unfold between characters. You can explore the stunning beaches of Maui on a trip to Hawaii. Season two was filmed across several locations around Sicily, and you can visit them all on one of our trips to Sicily. Season three of “The White Lotus” is set in Thailand, and you can join us in paradise on one of our Thailand tours to immerse yourself in the season’s scenery.

What is “The White Lotus” effect?

We find that pop culture often inspires wanderlust. (Just try to watch “Mamma Mia” without looking up trips to Greece!) But, “The White Lotus” has brought television-inspired tourism to new heights—so much so that is has earned a name: “The White Lotus” effect. We saw it after season one, when fans began flocking to Hawaii’s dreamy shores. Then again after season two, when Italy travel skyrocketed. So, now, it’s Thailand’s turn to become a trending travel hot spot.Whether these trends are mainly driven by the show putting the beauty of these destinations on display, or viewers longing for the glitzy, jet-setting lifestyles of the characters, remains unclear. One thing is for sure, though: Everything the show features seems to get attention. Have you been watching and thinking, “Where is that place and how do I get there?” Keep reading for a rundown of filming locations in all three seasons.

(Psst! Watching season three and longing to go to the Land of Smiles, but don’t want to wait for friends to commit? See why we consider Thailand a solo traveler’s dream.)

Where are “The White Lotus” season 3 filming locations in Thailand?

Fun fact: It’s rumored that the show’s creator Mike White enlisted the help of Thai star Lalisa Manobal (also known as Blackpink’s Lisa) to not only act in the newest season, but to help scout filming locations, as well. The goal here was to ensure the season accurately portrayed the intricacies of Thai culture. Manobal may be a new face to many North American viewers, but she’s a household name in Asia. As a member of the popular K-pop group Blackpink, she is arguably the biggest star of the season—and we’re loving getting to know her on our screens as the charming hotel employee Mook.

Another thing we’re loving? All the locations she supposedly helped scout! We know not everyone may be caught up on “The White Lotus” season three, so we’ll keep the spoilers to a minimum here. That being said, if you’re feeling “The White Lotus” effect, there are some spots you absolutely will want to add to your Thailand tour bucket list.

Wondering when to plan your Thailand trip? Check out our season-by-season guide to Thailand.

Ko Samui

As with other seasons, “The White Lotus” has enlisted the help of the Four Seasons hotel group for season three, with the Four Seasons Ko Samui standing in for the beleaguered resort. With palm-fringed beaches, hidden coves, and lush vegetation, this resort has all the trappings of paradise, making it an ideal pick for a White Lotus hotel.

Ko Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island, and you can visit this tropical paradise when you join our Grand Tour of Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand. “This is a very traditional sun-and-sand destination where travelers can truly relax, go boating and snorkeling, and enjoy mostly free days,” said staffer Tom. It’s no wonder we ranked it among the best islands in Thailand to visit on tour. It makes a dreamy backdrop for the complicated emotions and interpersonal relationships we love watching play out in “The White Lotus.”

When you visit Ko Samui, spend some time relaxing on the beach like a true White Lotus resort guest, or join our Mu Ko Ang Thong Boat Cruise & Snorkeling excursion to explore the surrounding waters. You can also fill your days visiting specific filming locations on the island, like Wat Phu Khao Thong (the monastery and meditation center) or the Singing Bird Lounge at the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort (you’ll recognize it as the hotel bar where Chloe and Chelsea first meet).

Bangkok

Seeing Bangkok as a season three filming location for “The White Lotus” made perfect sense to our team of travel experts. Thailand’s bustling and chromatic capital city is the perfect locale to reflect the complex and often conflicting themes represented throughout the season. Also known as the Great City of Angels, Bangkok is both modern and traditional, relaxing and energizing, and indigenous and global. When you visit Bangkok on one of our Thailand tours, you’ll find tranquil temples nestled between neon-lit shopping avenues and see long-tail boats float past skyscrapers.

While not technically a “White Lotus” filming location, we recommend anyone visiting Bangkok make a stop at Wat Pho. Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho houses a massive, 150-foot-long golden Buddha statue and is one of our favorite temples to explore in Thailand. Visiting this temple made our list of 20 quintessential things to do in Thailand that deserve all the hype, and it’s the perfect setting to contemplate the themes of identity and religion we’ve seen play out in season three of “The White Lotus.”

Bangkok’s sprawling Grand Palace Complex is also worth a visit on your “White Lotus”-inspired Thailand trip. Built in 1782 for the king of Siam, the palace’s ornately gilded exterior mirrors the glitz and glam we see in the show.

Phuket

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, a luxurious resort hotel, is another “White Lotus” season three filming location that’s used in tandem with the Four Seasons Ko Samui. This means that viewers are also seeing plenty of shots filmed on Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, which is a paradise of beautiful beaches and mountainous jungles. The island is also the gateway to many of Thailand’s smaller islands and was once a diverse trading hub, which is evident in the island’s colorful, multi-cultural architecture. Visit Phuket on one of our Thailand tours to stroll past restored, candy-colored shophouses along Dibuk Road in the Old Town and spend your free time relaxing on powdery white sand.

It wouldn’t be a season of “The White Lotus” without some uncomfortable scenes at sea. First, we had Shane and Rachel’s doomed romantic boat dinner, then Tanya’s frantic outburst on Quentin’s yacht, and now, season three is no exception. Season 3, episode 4 features guests heading out for a somewhat stressful day on a yacht—but in reality, a boat ride off the coast of Phuket is one of the most peaceful and scenic moments you can have on a tour of Thailand.

Join us on our Highlights of Southern Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket & Krabi tour or Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket to board a speedboat in Phuket and cruise around Ao Phang Nga Bay National Park to see its soaring limestone rock formations, known as karsts. Then, explore the sea caves of Talu Island before sailing past the iconic Khao Phing Kan, also known as James Bond Island. You’ll get an up-close look at the dramatic landscapes you’ve fallen in love with while watching “The White Lotus” season three.

Things to do in Thailand that are inspired by “The White Lotus” season 3

While we don’t condone many of the characters’ behavior throughout season three of “The White Lotus,” there are some thrilling activities you can add to your Thailand itinerary that are related to the show—but won’t leave you with a python bite. (Poor Chelsea.)

Get a Thai massage in Bangkok

Wellness is a major theme in the season, so it’s only fitting to book a treatment (or two) on your “White Lotus”-inspired trip to Thailand. This season, we see Natasha Rothwell’s Belinda dive headfirst into the country’s wellness world on her exchange program, and it all looks so relaxing. We can’t think of a better way to honor the fan-favorite character than by relaxing with a Thai massage after a day of sightseeing. A full-body massage only runs around 500 baht (about $15-$20 with tip), one of the many reasons we consider the self-care practice one of the best things to do in Thailand.

Visit the White Temple in Chiang Rai

“The White Lotus” showrunner Mike White seems to love symbolism, and we think Chiang Rai’s Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is right up his alley. Every inch of the brilliant white temple is covered in imagery depicting the cycle of rebirth, heaven and hell, and good triumphing over evil—ranging from historical figures to contemporary superheroes.

“It was so special because it’s strikingly different from all of the other temples we visited,” said traveler Maureen. “The coolest thing about it is that there are depictions of Spiderman, Darth Vader, Michael Jackson, Hello Kitty, and even Angry Birds characters intermingled with flames, demons, and tragic scenes in history.” Visit the White Temple on our Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket to see why we consider it one of the hidden gems of Thailand.

See the elephants in Koh Lanta or Chiang Mai

Those keeping a close eye on the imagery in the season three theme song will notice plenty of elephants—and for good reason. Asiatic elephants are the beloved national animal of Thailand but are classified as an endangered species. Luckily, there are several hands-off sanctuaries across the country working to protect these magnificent creatures, making Thailand one of the world’s top destinations for responsible wildlife experiences.

Visit Following Giants Elephant Sanctuary on our Grand Tour of Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand or Highlights of Southern Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket & Krabi tour, or stop at ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary on our Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket or Thailand for Solo Travelers: Bangkok, Phuket & the Islands tour, to observe the elephants roaming free in their natural habitat.

Chat with a Buddhist monk in Chiang Mai

In season three of “The White Lotus,” the Ratliff family wound up in Thailand so their daughter Piper could speak with a Buddhist monk—supposedly for her senior thesis. The plot point aligns with the season’s themes of spirituality, eastern religions, and death.

On our Thailand tours, you’ll get a Piper Ratliff experience yourself as you learn more about the Buddhist monks’ way of life during a visit to the Wat Suan Dok Buddhist temple complex. Here, you’ll meet a resident monk to discuss Buddhism and ask questions. “I enjoyed visiting the temples, but having an actual monk come to lecture and answer questions was the best part,” said traveler Erica after returning from our Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket.

Explore the markets in Bangkok and beyond

Thailand’s lively and often chaotic markets are such a big part of the local culture, and we see them pop up in “The White Lotus” season three. If you’re looking for an exciting cultural experience but don’t necessarily want to be hosed down with water guns like Jaclyn, Laurie, and Kate, we recommend the Maeklong Railway Market. The lively spot is actually packed up and reassembled every time a train passes through and is absolutely worth a visit.

More market recommendations? The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market made our list of 11 top hidden gems in Thailand. It’s a truly unique spot where wares are bought and sold from long-tail boats. Or, you could also pay a visit to one of the country’s many night markets, where locals gather to shop and snack. Regardless of which one you pick, you’ll quickly see that Thailand’s markets are hubs of culture, color, and energy. Visit the markets on a tour of Thailand to experience the country like one of the few White Lotus guests who actually venture outside the resort.

Enjoy traditional Thai food across the country

It wouldn’t be a White Lotus resort without copious amounts of mouthwatering food, and the current season is no exception. (Who else was longing to tuck into all the room service that Parker Posey’s character Victoria Ratliff ordered?)

There are so many can’t-miss foods to try in Thailand, and tasting our way through the country is one of our favorite things to do on our Thailand tours. When you join our Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket or Thailand for Solo Travelers: Bangkok, Phuket & the Islands tour, you’ll have the option to add our Lanna Family Home-Hosted Dinner excursion to break bread in the open-air garden of a local family’s home. You’ll enjoy traditional cuisine while learning more about the Lanna culture of northern Thailand firsthand. What’s more, you’ll attend a Thai cooking class on our Thailand tours, which means you’ll be able to recreate these traditional dishes even after returning home.

Want to visit these “White Lotus” season 3 filming locations before they become too popular? Join us on a Thailand tour!

While season one of The White Lotus was filmed almost entirely in one location due to pandemic restrictions, in season two, characters got to leave the resort a bit. Fewer restrictions meant that the cast and crew could film at several different locations around Sicily.

While Cameron may be content to ride jet skis and have drinks at the pool bar, other characters, like Daphne, want to get out and experience a bit of la dolce vita in Sicily. Meanwhile, the start of the season sees poor Portia dying to sneak out of her hotel room and experience—well, anything.

You can visit these White Lotus filming locations on one of our trips to Sicily

Taormina

Much of season two takes place at the fictional White Lotus resort in Sicily. While the chain may be fictional—and we should probably be grateful for that after their recent string of bad luck—the hotel is real, down to the infinity pool and breathtaking views of Mount Etna. The San Domenico Palace, once a 14th-century monastery, is now a luxury hotel run by the Four Seasons group.

The town of Taormina sits on a rocky hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea. Wander through the cobblestone streets and public gardens on one of our trips to Taormina, and live out your wildest dreams of emulating Monica Vitti, just like Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya did—Vespa not required.

In the second episode of the season, the Di Grasso family—along with a somewhat reluctant Portia—tour the Greek Theater of Taormina, an arresting and educational stop on any of our Sicily tours. The theater was dug out of the surrounding rock in the third century B.C. and was expanded by the Romans in the third century A.D. Walk down the sunbaked stone steps and experience it yourself. “Taormina was my favorite, and the ancient amphitheater is amazing,” said traveler Maria.

Related article: 4 ways to spend free time in Taormina

Isola Bella

Down the hill from Taormina lies Isola Bella, a small island nature reserve just offshore, and the site of Ethan and Daphne’s dubious off-camera moment. Ride a cable car down from Taormina to Mazzarò to explore the island; just know that the sandbar that leads to it is only revealed at low tide.

The foreshadowing story that Quentin tells Tanya about the woman who owned the house on Isola Bella is at least partially true. While she wasn’t thrown into the sea (she died in 1907 of pneumonia), Florence Trevelyan, a wealthy English woman, built the house and is responsible for introducing many of the exotic plants that thrive on the island.

Mount Etna

Mount Etna looms in the background throughout most of the season, reminding us of the building tension while foreshadowing the show’s violent ending. The volcano erupts in the last episode of the season, and yes—it’s real. Mount Etna is an active volcano that towers above Taormina, and you can visit it. “Having Mount Etna erupt while we were in Taormina was amazing,” said traveler Doreen.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a bus 5,000 feet up the side of Mount Etna on the Mount Etna: Sicily’s Volcanic Landscapes excursion on one of our Sicily tours and explore the volcano’s craters before settling in for a three-course lunch.

Alternatively, take a page out of Harper’s book and visit one of Etna’s sun-soaked vineyards. During the Mount Etna Wine Region Tasting & Dinner excursion on our Food & Wine: Southern Italy & Sicily tour, you’ll taste Etna Rosso blends made from grapes grown in the volcano’s ashy soil—just like the Spillers and Sullivans in episode five. Whether you choose to grill your companions with personal questions is up to you. “Our first wine tasting was up on Mount Etna,” said traveler John. “We enjoyed a panoramic view of the sea while experiencing a variety of wines paired with Sicilian food.”

Cefalù

The season opens on what is supposed to be a beach in Taormina, part of the grounds of the White Lotus resort. In reality, this and several other beach scenes were filmed in the seaside town of Cefalù on the island’s northern coast. Showrunner Mike White thought that the beach near Taormina was beautiful, but too rocky. He wanted a location that exuded tranquility to contrast with the foreboding opening of the season. You can visit this charming town and relax by the beach just like Daphne on the optional Cefalù Wine Tasting & Dinner excursion offered on our A Week in Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse & Taormina tour.

Portia and Jack’s harrowing “spontaneous” overnight trip toward the end of the season was also filmed in Cefalù. Although things got confusing for (an arguably already bewildered) Portia, the couple did spend a pleasant afternoon strolling through the town’s quaint streets and drinking beer in the sunshine.

Fiumefreddo di Sicilia

In episode three, the Di Grasso men, with Portia in tow once again, head to Castello degli Schiavi. The estate was a prominent filming location in “The Godfather,” most famously the setting of the car explosion that took the life of Michael Corleone’s wife, Apollonia.

The villa is in the town of Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, just 30 minutes outside of Taormina. In reality, you won’t find a gift shop or a mannequin staged in a vintage car here—the villa is privately owned, though they do offer tours when booked in advance.

Travel tip: If you’re interested in seeing more sites from “The Godfather” films, check out the Hidden Sicily: Medieval Savoca & Forza d’Agrò excursion offered on our A Week in Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse & Taormina tour and Sicily: A Cultural Journey tour.

Noto

The site of Daphne and Harper’s impromptu girl’s trip (though Harper would be quick to point out that it was more of an abduction), Noto is a small village near the southern tip of Sicily and is celebrated for its stunning Sicilian Baroque architecture. Stroll through the plaza in front of the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi all’Immacolata, where Aubrey Plaza’s Harper paid homage to Monica Vitti’s iconic scene from “L’Avventura.” It’s just steps away from Palazzo Ducezio and Noto Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage site)—both impressive examples of the town’s famous architecture. Afterward, take a tip from the girls and enjoy an Aperol spritz before browsing for locally crafted ceramics.

The scenes at the palazzo where Quentin hosts Tanya and Portia (and throws his wild party) were also filmed in Noto. Although those scenes were meant to take place in Palermo, they were filmed at Villa Elena, a former monastery turned Baroque vacation home just outside Noto.

Visit Noto on the Baroque City of Noto excursion offered on our A Week in Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse & Taormina tour

Related article: Sicilian villa lunch & Noto village excursion spotlight

Palermo

We see a few different sides of Sicily’s capital city of Palermo in “The White Lotus” season two. While Portia and Jack eat arancini and get into mischief in the city’s Old Town, Quentin and his friends take Tanya to see Madama Butterfly at Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy. You can retrace their steps on a trip to Palermo—definitely don’t skip the arancini—and take in some of the city’s captivating artwork and mosaics for good measure.

Fun fact: The villa that Daphne and Harper stay at on their trip to Noto is actually in Palermo as well. That’s right—the “Noto” villa was actually in Palermo, whereas the “Palermo” villa scenes were shot in Noto!

Ready to visit these White Lotus season two filming locations in real life with us? Check out our trips to Sicily.

Where are “The White Lotus” season 1 filming locations in Maui?

“The White Lotus” season one’s filming location was born out of necessity. The show was conceptualized at the height of the pandemic and was filmed almost entirely in one location to work around restrictions. The cast and crew lived and worked on location at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and were completely isolated during production.

There are worse places to quarantine than paradise and the season had us pining for turquoise water and otherworldly sunsets. Thankfully, you can visit Maui on our Hawaii: Oahu, the Big Island & Maui tour and discover scenery so breathtaking that even Shane couldn’t find anything to complain about. “I would take this tour again,” said traveler Kate. “I loved the food, beaches, and culture of Hawaii! It’s definitely a must-see destination.”

Although the characters in season one don’t find many excuses to venture off the resort property, they still find plenty of activities to keep themselves busy on their vacation (aside from unapologetically disrupting the lives of resort staff, that is). Ostracized by his sister Olivia and her college friend Paula, Quinn Mossbacher takes to sleeping on the beach most nights. This eventually leads to him befriending a group of local men paddling an outrigger canoe and a subsequent social-180 for his character. If you’re looking for your own canoeing adventure, check out the Outrigger Canoe Experience excursion on our tour of Hawaii. We can’t promise that you’ll have a transcendental experience, but you will have a blast.

If you prefer to plan your vacations around mealtimes, consider the Honolulu Sunset Cruise & Dinner excursion—it’s more in line with what we imagine Shane hoped for when Armond offered him the complementary boat trip. Tanya may have inadvertently crashed his romantic evening in one of the most hilarious and uncomfortable scenes in season one, but at least the view was spectacular.

Want to venture outside the hotel and see the natural beauty of the island where White Lotus season one was filmed? Join us on a tour of Hawaii →