The White Lotus
Photograph: The White Lotus, HBO
Photograph: The White Lotus, HBO

Welcome to the White Lotus in… Bangkok?

As the drama of The White Lotus intensifies, Bangkok itself is set to steal the show.

Aydan Stuart
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While the majority of The White Lotus series three takes place in the albeit geographically questionably ‘southern islands’ of Thailand, the country’s buzzing capital is soon to take its turn in the spotlight.

With episode four now aired, the anticipation ramps up as the series dangles a carrot of mystery in front of some inevitable twists and turns in the deepening plotline. Rick Hatchett (Walton Goggins) has alluded to his intentions after overhearing that resort owner Sritala (Lek Patravadi) has to travel there to visit her sick husband back in episode two. Now episode four exposes the reason why, although we’ll let you find that one out on your own.

As the drama intensifies, The White Lotus is poised to continue its tradition of spotlighting each destination's finest qualities, even as it delves into the shadows of less-than-honourable intentions.

And while we wait for the big Bangkok reveal, there’s no better time to take a whistle stop tour of the capital to see all the series’ confirmed (and a few rumoured, yet still unconfirmed) must-visit filming locations. From exclusive clubs and Michelin-starred restaurants to gilded temples and ultra-exclusive villas, Bangkok is the perfect spot to set-jet to the locations of The White Lotus without having to fly south.

Eat eloquently

In a city where Michelin-starred tasting menus and sky-high culinary experiences are set to be just as much a part of the luxury landscape as five-star resorts, Bangkok’s culinary scene is no stranger to theatrics. So, while we wait for The White Lotus to dish out even more drama, here’s where we expect its Bangkok-set scenes to take a deliciously decadent turn.

Royal Osha

If any restaurant in Bangkok was tailor-made for The White Lotus, it would probably be Royal Osha. Gilded in gold, this five-star dining destination reimagines Thai classics with a theatrical flair. It’s the kind of place where you’d imagine the unlimitedly wealthy plot schemes and make deals over caviar-topped bowls of tom yum. We’re sure it’s making an appearance as it was spotted way back in the first official trailer released in 2024. 

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Just as Western-born guests at The White Lotus descend into a whole new part of the world yet again, the restaurant’s twin Chef duo of Thomas & Mathias Sühring combine similar concepts as they craft modern, European dishes from the finest of Thai produce and ingredients. This two-Michelin-starred fine dining experience is sleek, controlled and precise. If character tensions aren’t already bubbling under the surface, one of Sühring’s razor-sharp knives might just cut through the tension.

Bo.lan is a pioneer of farm-to-table Thai dining that’s dedicated to sustainability, locality and the revival of ancient Thai cooking techniques – a true go-to spot for those who want their indulgence with a side of social consciousness for good measure. And although a The White Lotus-style dining experience isn’t complete without a character waxing poetic about how they’re supposedly more sustainable or in-tune with local traditions, Bo.lan is the real deal. 

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Chao Phraya River dining

In The White Lotus, luxury often masks deeper tensions, and what better metaphor for that than a Chao Phraya River cruise that glides effortlessly past gilded pasts and its pulsing present. Slow drift past Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho, all set to make some form of appearance in the series too and tick off more than one set-jet destination aboard one of the many luxury sunset cruises on offer… or one of the no-nonsense commuter boats with a bag of grilled pork sticks if you prefer. 

  • Attractions

Thankfully, not every meal in The White Lotus is staged under soft candlelight and ornate decor. Some of the series key moments have already unfolded like the lightweight metal chairs in which the hotel staff sit. Where in this cacophony of sizzling woks and screeching vendors is yet to be known, Bangkok’s Chinatown is the perfect place for characters to make questionable decisions and slip secrets over a few Singha beers. And while Mook (Lalisa Manobal) will likely remain within the confines of the resort, BLACKPINK fans can still get their fix – Lisa’s solo career kicked off right here, with her music video for Rockstar filmed on the closed-off streets of Yaowarat just last year.

Sleep soundly

If The White Lotus has mastered one thing, it’s proving that where you stay says just as much about you as what you do. With a few locations already confirmed and others rumoured by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, here’s where to check into The White Lotus’ world of Bangkok luxury, without the impending scandal of course. 

  • Hotels

As the city’s only private riverfront villa, a stay here feels more like an exclusive members-only retreat than a shared luxury resort. With its traditional Thai architecture, secluded courtyards and a private dock on the Chao Phraya River, you can easily live out The White Lotus fantasy here. Rumoured to be a key set in the city, bookings are likely to shoot up, but for now there is still availability to check-in and enjoy their tailored ‘Journeys of The White Lotus’ experience package. 

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If The White Lotus were to feature a character who preaches about escaping the excesses of modern life (before inevitably indulging in them), they’d likely opt for a stay at Bangkok Tree House. Nestled in the ‘green lung’ oasis aka Bang Krachao, it’s one of the more luxurious stays across in Samut Prakan, with floating cottages, open-air living and a refreshing disconnect from Bangkok’s usual hustle and bustle.

  • Hotels

Authentically Thai, The Siam is a luxurious ode to early 20th century luxury, every walkway and room adorned with antiques and artwork. A great spot for season one thief Kai (Kekoa Scott) to snag their fair share of wealth, or perhaps more optimistically a perfect setting for those after a place of old-world elegance with a tinge of series-guaranteed secrecy.

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  • Hotels

Confirmed to be the location for a scene or two later in the series, it’s the world-famous Bamboo Bar of Mandarin Oriental Bangkok that is actually the star of the show here. However, beyond its opulent setting, a mix of colonial charm and modern indulgence set the stage for a stay that’s packed with fine dining, cultural activities and a spa that feels like a temple to self-care. Perhaps a nice alternative if you can’t make it to the series’ main luxury wellness retreat in the islands. 

Drink deliciously

While specific details about Bangkok’s filming locations for season three remain mostly under wraps, the gossip surrounding some of the city’s hottest cocktail bars and Sukhumvit clubs is palpable. At the very least, these captivating venues embody the show's themes of secrecy and indulgence. At the very most, playing a crucial role in what’s to unfold in the city. While we wait, here’s where we think you should go. 

Suspicions are swirling across Bangkok that Sing Sing Theater is set to make a The White Lotus debut, and at this point, it’s all but confirmed. If you’ve yet to visit, Sing Sing Theater feels more like a clandestine speakeasy than one of the city’s most popular clubs. Its neo-Chinese decor, moody lantern-lit interiors and gravity-defying acrobats create an atmosphere of mystery and spectacle. And if the trailer is anything to go by, this theatrical den of drinking mischief is a perfect backdrop for the kind of after-dark antics expected in The White Lotus.

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Balancing some 250 metres above the city streets, the Sky Bar at Lebua isn’t just about the cocktails, it’s about the jaw-dropping, cinematic spectacle of it all. And for once in The White Lotus, that breathtaking feeling won’t come from someone getting murdered. Known as one of the world’s highest rooftop bars, it first made its mark as a filming location for The Hangover Part II. Now, it’s hoped to make another Hollywood-worthy cameo in the series but the jury’s out on whether it’s the setting for a ludicrous high-stakes conversation in the same seats where Ken Jeong and Zach Galifianakis once sat, or just a subtle nod to its silver-screen legacy. 



Another hotel-bar combo said to make an appearance is Waldorf Astoria’s famous collection of bars. Whether it's the Bull & Bear or the art deco styles of The Loft that may make an appearance, the hotel’s famous champagne menu exudes sophistication and exclusivity. With its inspired interiors, plush seating and an extensive selection of premium champagnes, it offers an intimate setting with an ambiance that aligns with The White Lotus' exploration of where the global elite go to socialise. 



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Making the list as one of the world’s fifty best bars, Vesper Cocktail Bar stands as a testament to mixology mastery and, after the the kind of location you’d find the likes of Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Kate (Leslie Bibb) and Laurie (Carrie Coon) in desperate search for sophistication and style. Whether by chance or calculated synergy, Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin have collaborated with the HBO show to create The White Lotus Vesper Martini, an official-brand cocktail described as an ‘elegant twist on the traditional cocktail’ that is, at the very least, a potent namesake of this exceptional Bangkok bar. 

Pray perfectly

Grand, imposing, steeped in history, they stand as quiet observers to the city’s indulgences, the temples and palaces of Bangkok offer both stark contrast and an uneasy dichotomy between the spiritual and the material for all who visit. Yet, much like The White Lotus characters themselves, even these sacred spaces aren’t without their own layers of legacy, power and quiet control.

  • Attractions

This temple casts an elegant yet imposing presence across both Bangkok and season three of The White Lotus. The murals inside its halls painted by Ajan Thong Yu serve as the backdrop for the series' title card, subtly setting the tone for the unfolding drama as tales of heroism and morality play out in image form, mirroring the complex narratives of the show's characters and locations. Far from the flashyy splendour of other spiritual Bangkok landmarks, it would make a perfect spot for Piper Ratliff (Sarah Catherine Hook) in her search of spiritual resolve. 

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  • Attractions

Home to the famous Reclining Buddha, this temple is steeped in serenity, its quiet courtyards and intricately painted walls offering a stark contrast to the chaos of Bangkok beyond. It’s also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, making it a fitting cast member to the wellness-centric themes of the third series. If Belinda Lindsey (Natasha Rothwell) had visited this temple instead of joining hunky wellness expert Pornchai (Dom Hetrakul) at The White Lotus spa, she may have found more peace than trauma as the next few episodes will no doubt provide. 

  • Attractions

As the untouchable, revered and dazzling former home to Thailand’s royal family, The Grand Palace offers a visual masterclass in grandeur, history and spirituality among its many residences, temple spires and shrines. It’s easy to picture Fabian (Christian Friedel), the ever-self-important resort manager, walking around draped in linen, fanning himself in the heat and quietly contemplating his own significance in a setting built for kings. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply captivated by beauty, the Grand Palace offers an unforgettable glimpse into Thailand’s royal past. And be sure to dress modestly – some things, even in the world of The White Lotus, are ever-sacred.

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