Since the release of the third season of HBO’s acclaimed series The White Lotus on February 16, 2025, interest in Thailand as a travel destination has skyrocketed.
The anthology series, which has captured audiences since its debut in 2021, showcases a different hotel in each season. Previous seasons were set in Hawaii and Sicily, and this time the picturesque backdrop is Thailand, which is expected to drive an increase in tourism.
The show’s impact on local hospitality has already been demonstrated: after the first season aired, the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Hawaii experienced a staggering 425% rise in website traffic. Following the second season, the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Sicily was booked solid for six months after filming was completed.
Now, just days after the third season’s premiere, search interest for the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui has soared by 1,250% in the U.S. Additionally, interest in Anantara Lawana, another Thai resort featured in the show, spiked dramatically on February 18, achieving the highest possible search score on Google Trends.
Overall, general searches for Thailand have more than doubled since The White Lotus returned. The category for “Thailand vacations” jumped from a score of 37 on February 14 to a perfect 100 by February 18—a remarkable 270% increase.
The latest season features a talented ensemble cast, including Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, and Sam Nivola. In a recap of the premiere episode, Far Out Magazine noted the intriguing dynamics amongst the characters, hinting at the drama and tensions typical of the series.
With its stunning visuals and compelling narratives, The White Lotus is not just drawing viewers; it’s also putting Thailand on the travel map.
