T he Thai island Koh Samui is about to be hit by the “ White Lotus Effect ”. Filming for the third series is currently underway and when the show is finally released in early 2025, the island will become one of the most coveted destinations in the world. So now is the time to book that trip before prices go bananas.
As with the first two series, filmed in Maui , Hawaii , and Taormina in Sicily respectively, much of the show will be filmed in the Four Seasons resort . The Koh Samui outpost of the famously upmarket US brand is a fantastical, tropical haven set on a hillside in the northwest corner of the island – all polished teak, cultivated jungle and a perfect arc of private beach. But with prices currently starting at £1,000 for one night (and this is before it becomes one of the most famous film locations in the world), you need very deep pockets to stay there.
The good news is that there are plenty of other fabulous places to stay on Koh Samui, from family-friendly hotels, to Airbnb villas and some surprisingly swanky youth hostels. The producers of The White Lotus have made a clever choice. Thailand ’s second-largest island is rapidly becoming known as the most upmarket island in the country.
Whilst it’s historically been best-known as a launching pad for Full Moon wipeout parties on Koh Pha Ngan , a 40-minute ferry ride away, things have changed. Read more on Thailand travel : Koh Samui’s best restaurants are part of the Michelin Guide , it has its own bout.