Find your White Lotus experience in Thailand

Love HBO's drama White Lotus? Get ready to fall in love with a brand new destination as Thailand makes its HBO debut next month in season 3! You can explore the beauty and culture of this amazing Southeast Asian destination through private, locally-led tours in Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Phuket. Once you become a fan of the stunning locations featured in season 3 of White Lotus and if you're seeking a more authentic experience, these unique ToursByLocals excursions will immerse you in the true spirit of Bangkok and southern Thailand.

1. Bangkok: Hidden Temples & Cultural Immersion Tour

What makes it unique: Go beyond the typical tourist attractions and discover local neighbourhoods and quiet temples. A private guide will take you to explore away from the main tourist attractions, to off-the-beaten-path temples, offering insights into Thai Buddhism and spiritual practices.

White Lotus connection: While White Lotus will likely lean towards showcasing the luxurious aspects of Thailand, this experience offers a contrast, delving into the quieter, sacred side of the city.

Why it's a must-do: Explore ancient history, local markets, and hidden gems only accessible with a local guide.

How to book: Click to learn more and book your Hidden Temples & Cultural Immersion Tour

2. Bangkok: Thai Food & Market Tour

What makes it unique: A local food expert will guide you through Bangkok’s bustling streets, sampling authentic Thai dishes from street vendors and local restaurants, visiting hidden food markets, and sharing the stories behind the dishes.

White Lotus connection: Experience a local culinary scene that White Lotus briefly touches on, showcasing Thailand’s famous street food.

Why it's a must-do: Thai street food is a cultural experience in itself, and with a local guide, you'll get to try the best of it, from Pad Thai to Mango Sticky Rice.

How to book: Click to learn more and book your Street Food & Market Tour.

3. Koh Samui: Wellness & Thai Massage Experience

What makes it unique: Indulge in a full day of pampering with a wellness experience that includes traditional Thai massage, meditation, and visits to wellness centres. Your guide will recommend and take you to the best local spas for an authentic experience.

White Lotus connection: For those who loved the luxurious spa experiences depicted in White Lotus, this tour brings that same relaxation but with a more authentic, local flair.

Why it's a must-do: Thai massage is world-renowned, and Koh Samui is home to some of its most tranquil and healing spas.

How to book: Reach out to local guide Suphot in Koh Samui with your custom spa request!

4. Koh Samui: Explore the Mesmerizing Natural Beauty of the Island

What makes it unique: This tour offers a perfect introduction to Koh Samui’s natural beauty, with a visit to some of the island's most postcard-perfect landmarks. You’ll explore picturesque beaches, lush waterfalls, and Buddhist temples, all while learning about the island’s culture and history from a local guide.

White Lotus connection: While White Lotus highlights the luxurious, exclusive and glamorous side of Koh Samui, this experience gives you a more personal and intimate look at the island’s enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures, beyond the resorts. The scenic views you’ll encounter on this tour mirror the stunning backdrops from the show.

Why it's a must-do: Perfect for those looking to experience Koh Samui beyond the resorts, this tour offers a blend of natural beauty, culture, and local insight. From the famous Big Buddha to the dramatic Namuang Waterfall, you’ll get a comprehensive view of what makes the island so special.

How to book: Click to learn more and book your Koh Samui Exploration.

5. Phuket: Long Tail Boat Tour to Phang Nga Bay

What makes it unique: Catch early morning light and explore the stunning limestone cliffs and caves of Phang Nga Bay by long tail boat with a private guide. You’ll also visit “James Bond Island”, where parts of The Man with the Golden Gun were filmed.

White Lotus connection: While more of the show’s action was filmed in Koh Samui, Phang Nga Bay on Phuket offers dramatic landscapes that mirror the escapist island locations depicted in the show.

Why it's a must-do: A peaceful boat tour that lets you discover the natural beauty of Thailand’s coast, complete with a chance to swim and kayak through caves and visit secluded islands.

How to book: Click to learn more and book your Phang Nga Bay tour.

6. Phuket: Walking Tour in Phuket Old Town

What makes it unique: Step back in time with a walking tour through Phuket’s charming Old Town. Stroll through colourful streets filled with historic Sino-Portuguese architecture, vibrant street art, and local markets. Your guide will share the fascinating history of this area, which blends Chinese and Thai influences.

White Lotus connection: This tour takes you beyond the luxury of the resorts seen in White Lotus, offering a more authentic look at the cultural heart of Phuket. The exploration of the town’s architecture and history gives you a deeper understanding of the island's diverse influences.

Why it's a must-do: Perfect for history and culture lovers, this walking tour unveils the charm of Phuket’s Old Town. It’s a great way to experience a different side of the island, away from the beach.

How to book: Click to learn more and book your Phuket Old Town walking tour.

And for something completely different...

7. Chiang Rai: 2-Day Trek in Northern Thailand

What makes it unique: The cool lush hillsides and tribal villages of Northern Thailand are a world away from the luxury resorts of Koh Samui. For those ready for a dose of simplicity, physical challenge and connection with nature, this is the activity for you.

White Lotus connection:When you've had enough of the glamour and excess of the White Lotus scene, a trek from Chiang Rai is the perfect way to cleanse and recharge!

Why it's a must-do:Walking through bamboo forests, learning to prepare and share local food with villagers, swimming in hot springs and the quiet of sleeping on a mountainside: it's balm to the soul.

How to book: Click to learn more and book your overnight hill tribe trek in northern Thailand.