4 Ways to Channel "White Lotus" Vibes on Your Koh Samui Trip
By Sam Lee, 2025. From gorgeous boat trips to being wowed over by Thailand's fanciest temples, here are my top five tips for channeling "The White Lotus" season 3 vibes on Koh Samui (disclaimer: drama and existential crises not included). 😉
I've been to Koh Samui more times than I can count, so I was very excited to see that one of my favorite HBO series, The White Lotus, season 3, was mostly filmed there. It's always fun to watch places you know well featured on TV.
Anyway, that’s enough chit-chat. If you want to feel The White Lotus vibes on your next vacation to Koh Samui, read on!
TRAVEL TIP: Getting to Koh Samui is quite easy. Bangkok Airlines owns and operates most flights to Ko Samui, linking it with Thailand's main cities, Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other spots. Phuket, however, has more airlines and direct flights from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Try to book early because Koh Samui airport is small and charming, but has limited flight capacity.
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Explore Koh Samui's incredible temples
Thailand's spirituality and culture are big themes throughout The White Lotus, from Buddhist monks and ancient temples to vibrant local festivals and the trips and discoveries the cast makes throughout the season.
If you want to see some of the exquisite temples on the island with a little heart-pumping action, I recommend unleashing your wild side and taking a Samui X Quad 4WD Buggy off-road venture. It’ll take you to Koh Samui’s highest point, where Pra Buddha Dīpankara stands tall, offering stunning views. So much fun!
If you like things a little calmer, like traveling in an airconditioned mini-van, think about the Koh Samui: Travstore Original Koh Samui Discovery Tour. It’s more sedate but not boring. It’ll take you to the prominent temples and the Na Muang Waterfall.
TRAVEL TIP: You can hire cars on Koh Samui, but it’s a little tricky. There are a number of unscrupulous car dealers on the Island that will overcharge you for everything. In my experience, they also hold your passport (and generally store it in an unsafe place…like an unlocked drawer in a shed with no doors) and won’t give it back until the car is returned in pristine condition. If you want to plan your own trip, consider hiring a private driver. They are super nice, reliable, and affordable. And you’re supporting a local family. A no-brainer, really.
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Check out a Muay Thai boxing match on Koh Samui
The White Lotus guests are always on the hunt for the authentic Thai experience, and Muay Thai boxing is a big deal in Thailand. Thai kids practically start throwing kicks before they can even walk, and these fighters are almost like rock stars in Thai culture.
Catching a Muay Thai match is a fantastic way to dive into the action — but brace yourself; it’s intense. A kick to the head? Totally normal! A knee to the groin? Why not! A slam to your kidneys? Yep, that’s gonna sting. You get the picture, right?
You’ll find a mix of tourists and locals at the fights, with plenty of betting action on the side. A lot of the betting is unofficial, so watch out for scams.
All in all, it’s a wild night out and one you’ll probably never forget.
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Indulge in food, glorious food!
Food plays a crucial role in Thai culture, and it is delicious. I can eat Thai food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I know that’s weird, but that’s just how it is. I’m seriously obsessed. So, I’m not at all surprised that food is featured quite heavily in The White Lotus.
Browse awesome local markets
If you want to spend time checking out the best food in Thailand, head to the markets. Evening is the best time to browse when it’s cooler and less sweaty.
The Fisherman’s Village and Mae Nam night markets are must-visits. They’ve got a really cool vibe, with unbelievable street food.
Fisherman’s Village is usually where I stay when I visit Koh Samui, so I definitely recommend this area. I also recommend chilling out in the many beach bars along the promenade (thank me later).
Learn how to cook authentic Thai food
What’s even better than eating amazing Thai food? Learning how to make the food yourself so you can wow your friends and family back home!
Learning how to cook authentic Thai food on Koh Samui is easy if you have a few locals willing to share their secrets.
I highly recommend the Thai Cooking Class Farm to Table Experience and Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng. If you really love cooking, try this one too: Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen Cooking Class. I haven’t done this last one, but it’s on my list.
SIDE NOTE: If you’re planning a little ‘Thai food party’ while you watch The White Lotus, I recommend you cook Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad), Yum Nua (Beef Salad), Pad Thai Goong Mae Nam (Pad Thai with River Prawns), and Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice).
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Hit the water! Best boating and kayaking experiences
The group boat trip on The White Lotus’ fourth episode was kinda awkward, but hey, at least the scenery was Insta-worthy. Hitting the water is non-negotiable every time I visit Koh Samui, and trust me, there are tour options galore (but not all are great).
If your budget stretches far enough, I highly recommend doing small group tours like the Full Day Ang Thong Islands Luxury Small Group Tour or the Angthong National Marine Park VIP Small Group Tour. You’ll have a more memorable experience.
You can also go snorkeling and kayaking at Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park (pictured above) and get up close and personal with all sorts of marine life. The Park is what you see in the distant background during The White Lotus’ group boat trip. It’s beautiful. Highly recommend.
That’s a wrap!
What do you think? Ready to embrace The White Lotus vibes on your Koh Samui trip (but maybe without the existential crises😉?). Happy travels!
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