Season three of HBO’s mega-popular series ‘The White Lotus’ is approaching its epic conclusion, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say it's been a wild ride so far. And while you might not want to vacation exactly like the characters depicted in Mike White’s hit show, because, let’s be honest, many — if not most — of the choices they made were extremely questionable, Thailand’s picture-perfect scenery and unique culture are sure to have sparked avid travelers’ wanderlust.
From scenes showcasing the breathtaking beaches and beauty of Phuket and Bangkok to glimpses into local practices and attractions like snake charming shows, annual festivals, ornate temples, peaceful monasteries and more, the show offered viewers a comprehensive look at the Southeast Asian country (as told from the lens of some very shady individuals, that is). So, putting the murder, scandals and all-around bad behavior aside, here’s how you can vacation in Thailand like the characters in season three of HBO’s infamous series ‘The White Lotus.’
Stay at ‘The White Lotus’
While The White Lotus isn’t real, the dreamy villas, private plunge pools and epic views depicted on screen are, and travelers can experience them for themselves when they book a stay at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, the Thai property that acted as the main hotel in season three. An ultra-luxurious retreat, according to cast member Jason Isaacs, the swanky poolside villas at this TV-ready resort are massive and include personalized butler service, with the actor comparing them to somewhere a billionaire might stay. And while at $2,203 per night, a visit here certainly isn’t cheap, travelers with a lavish escape in mind will be happy to learn the property boasts a variety of wellness treatments like Reiki healing, sound therapy, massage and more. It really is the full White Lotus experience.
Get Drenched During Songkran
Remember that scene where Jaclyn, Laurie and Kate are stalked by water gun-yielding children in the streets of Thailand? That wasn’t the showrunners taking creative liberties, instead it was a depiction of Songkran, the annual Thai festival that honors the passage of the sun. Centered around water, Songkran begins April 13 and lasts for three days, during which locals symbolically “wash away” the previous year, with one of the more fun ways of doing so being
merciless water fights amongst the locals. While Songkran is celebrated across the country, Phuket and Bangkok are often cited as two of the best places for travelers to partake in the festivities as both destinations come to life with live music, food vendors, colorful parades, wild parties and more during the event.
Go Yachting in Phang Nga Bay
Raise your hand if this season has you ready to hop aboard a multi-level, ultra luxurious super yacht. Yeah, we’re dreaming of the sparkling blue waters of Phang Nga Bay, too, and, funnily enough, “Spacecat,” the boat featured in the show, is available to charter for $160,000 to $175,000 per week, depending on the season. Alternatively, for a more affordable way to tour the famous bay — with its soaring limestone cliffs and lush greenery — travelers can join one of the many boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and even yachting tours of Phang Nga Bay that depart from various piers in Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak throughout the year. Besides, hopping aboard a different vessel might be the best way to see this incredible natural area without conjuring memories of that scene we’d all rather soon forget, sorry Spacecat.
Party Under the Full Moon
If watching Chelsea and Chloe attend that raging full moon party alongside the Ratliff brothers had you dreaming of experiencing such revelry for yourself, you’re in luck as full moon parties are a big deal in Thailand, and they take place every month. Filled with fire dancing, epic DJ sets, neon body paint and super cool tie dye T-shirts (as pictured in the show), these massive parties can be found throughout the country, including at Phuket’s scenic Paradise Beach. However, to experience the craziest of such celebrations, vacationers will want to head six hours west of Phuket to the island of Ko Pha Ngan, home of the original Haad Rin Beach Full Moon Party. Here, visitors can expect to dance and sing the night away alongside thousands of other merrymakers, sipping on Thai bucket drinks and watching their worries slip away alongside the Gulf of Thailand.
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Look Within at Temples and Monasteries
With over 40,000 temples, it’s safe to say Thailand is a deeply spiritual destination. And with their captivating architectural details, striking color palettes and general sense of calm, we can’t say we blame Piper for wanting to spend her upcoming summer learning the Buddhism ropes alongside the region’s friendly monks. While it’s not entirely clear which temples and monasteries were featured in season three of ‘The White Lotus,’ we do catch a glimpse of Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen’s massive bronze Buddha statue as well as imagery inspired by the vibrant murals of Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan which appear during the show’s opening title sequence. In addition to these noteworthy spots that made it onto the silver screen, Smithsonian Magazine named Wat Rong Khun, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Pho, Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew, Wat Chantaram and Wat Phra Dhammakaya as six additional temples visitors won’t want to miss.
Dance at Café del Mar
A place “where Ibiza meets Phuket,” according to the brand’s website, Café del Mar made an early season three appearance when the venue’s go-go dancers, DJs and vibrant party atmosphere acted as the backdrop for Jaclyn, Kate and Laurie’s night out on the town with those rowdy Russian men. In addition to hosting some of the greatest nightlife travelers will ever experience, Café del Mar is also known for its global flavors with cuisine inspired by Japan, Italy, Thailand and more, in addition to its fabulous poolside beach club and quick access to the pristine white sand and relaxing turquoise waters of Kamala Beach.
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