5 facts from the series that don’t match real life in Thailand

The third season of the popular series The White Lotus was filmed in Thailand, and many viewers were led to believe that the locations, atmosphere, and local traditions shown on screen reflect real life on resorts like Koh Samui or Phuket.
In reality, much of what’s portrayed has little to do with the actual experience. Let’s take a closer look at the key discrepancies and share what vacationing and service in Thailand really look like.

1. Hotel Check-In: Reality Looks Different

In the series, the hotel owners on Koh Samui show favoritism to some guests and coldness to others.
In practice, luxury resorts in Phuket — such as Four Seasons, Amanpuri, or Trisara — offer equally high levels of service to every guest, regardless of appearance, accent, or nationality.
Premium service in Thailand is built on respect, hospitality, and genuine attention to detail.

2. The Yacht Marina: Filmed on Phuket, Not Samui

According to the storyline, most of the action takes place on Koh Samui. However, Samui doesn’t have a full-service yacht marina.
The sea trip scenes were actually filmed at Heaven Marina in Phuket, home to dozens of luxury yachts and catamarans.
If you want to charter a yacht in Phuket — it’s easy to arrange. The island is a renowned hub for yachting in Southeast Asia.

3. Where Greg’s Villa Was Really Filmed

In the series, the villa where Greg stays is supposedly located on Koh Samui. But in reality, most scenes were filmed in Cape Yamu on Phuket — one of the island’s most prestigious residential areas with panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay.
Renting a luxury villa in Phuket is a real opportunity for those who want to vacation like a film star.
Rates start from $5,700 to $13,700 per night, depending on the season and layout.
📍 Book a villa on WhatsApp
📍 Or explore this Cape Yamu villa for sale

4. Songkran Festival in Thailand: Not Quite Like the Series

Songkran is Thailand’s most famous festival, celebrated every April with cheerful water fights.
In The White Lotus, it’s shown as chaotic and unexpected. In real life, resort guests are informed in advance, and there are no random “ambushes” by local kids with water buckets.
Songkran celebrations in Phuket are safe, festive, and entirely optional for tourists.

5. Poisonous Trees on the Villa Grounds? Not a Thing

One of the more theatrical elements in the show is the depiction of poisonous fruit trees on the villa’s property.
In reality, no management company in Phuket — whether it’s Laguna, Botanica, or Trichada — would ever allow hazardous plants on a rental property.
Guest safety is a top priority for every professional villa rental agency in Thailand.

You can enjoy a more luxurious, secure, and personalized vacation in Phuket — no poisonous trees, no prejudice from hotel staff.
Rent a beachfront villa, charter a private yacht, enjoy beachside fine dining — all organized professionally and without surprises.

Want to experience Thailand without the drama?

📲 Contact us — we’ll help you find the perfect villa, arrange airport transfer, yacht rental, excursions, or private dinners with a personal chef.
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