How to Prepare for The White Lotus’ Thailand Season
by Dori Saltzman
Photo: umikem / Shutterstock.com
The hit TV series “The White Lotus” had an unmistakable impact on Hawaii (season one) and Sicily (season two) tourism. The show’s third season is expected to do the same for Thailand.
To help travelers and travel advisors prepare, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s New York office has launched an official The White Lotus microsite.
The microsite can help advisors plan trips to the three main destinations featured in the show: Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok. Using five tags – Must See, Must Eat, Must Seek, Must Buy, and Must Beat – the site offers insights into things like local flavors, Thailand’s spiritual traditions, and performing arts, as well as the history Muay Thai (Thai boxing) and how new designers are blending the traditional with today’s modern style.
For advisors not in the know, all three of “The White Lotus” seasons also features a Four Seasons hotel or resort. According to Global Travel Collection, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts properties in Thailand are already experiencing significant growth, with this January’s bookings up 68% year-over-year.
“Plan ahead and book early,” said Global Travel Collection advisors Shawn Goldberg and Michelle Rosenbaum. Since season three was announced, the two said they have seen a “dramatic increase” in interest in Thailand overall and in Koh Samui specifically.
“Since the tiniest hint that this season of ‘The White Lotus’ was in Koh Samui, Thailand has been one of our most requested honeymoon destinations,” added Global Travel Collection advisors Kara Bebell and Harlan DeBell, The Travel Siblings.

