The only hotel in Bangkok chosen for filming, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is more than just a setting—it is a character in its own right, bringing history, glamour, and cinematic grandeur to the screen in The White Lotus Season 3. As the backdrop for the latest season of HBO’s critically acclaimed series, this legendary riverside hotel has captured the imagination of creator Mike White, elevating it from a luxury haven to a must-visit destination for fans and discerning travellers alike.
With its rich heritage, dating back over a century, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern opulence. The hotel’s rich history and iconic architecture serve as the perfect stage for the high-stakes drama of The White Lotus, adding an extra layer of allure and prestige to the show.
From its riverside breakfast rituals to the sultry jazz notes of The Bamboo Bar, every space at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok tells a story. The hotel’s fabled Authors’ Lounge provided inspiration for White as he crafted the next chapter of The White Lotus, while its storied lobby and opulent suites welcomed the cast and crew into its rich heritage. Whether sipping a cocktail where Hollywood’s elite once gathered or enjoying the sanctuary of The Oriental Spa, guests can follow in the footsteps of The White Lotus cast and experience a world where fiction and reality meet.
"When Mike White arrived at the hotel a few days ago, the first thing he said was, ‘I’m home.’ That says everything about the enduring magic of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. For nearly 150 years, we have welcomed luminaries - writers like Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad, and John le Carré, as well as visionaries from around the world. To now be featured in The White Lotus Season 3 is truly special and we look forward to welcoming guests to discover this extraordinary destination for themselves." – Anthony Tyler, Area Vice President, Operations and General Manager.
The heart of the story: Meet Khun Mayuree
A legend in her own right, Khun Mayuree, Guest Relations Director, has been the soul of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok for over 35 years. Her warmth, intuition and unparalleled ability to anticipate guests’ needs have long been part of the hotel’s DNA. Now, she shares another distinction - appearing in The White Lotus Season 3, where she embodies the legendary service that defines the Group.
"Playing a part in The White Lotus was an unforgettable experience, but in many ways, it felt just like another day at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok - welcoming guests, anticipating their needs, and creating moments they will always remember. Hospitality is about storytelling and every guest who walks through our doors becomes part of ours. Seeing our hotel come to life on screen makes me even prouder of the warmth and service we share with the world every day." – Khun Mayuree, Guest Relations Director
A journey through cinematic luxury
Stay like the stars: The Oriental Suite
Perched atop the hotel, the expansive 376-square-metre Oriental Suite served as a breathtaking setting for The White Lotus film crew. This two-bedroom penthouse offers panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River from its wrap-around 58-square-metre terrace. Inside, guests can entertain in the large sitting room, host dinners in the dining room for 12 and relax in the antique-furnished master bedroom. The suite encapsulates the refined luxury that defines Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.
The Bamboo Bar
Bangkok’s most legendary jazz venue, The Bamboo Bar makes an unforgettable guest appearance in the series, transporting visitors to an era of effortless glamour. Guests can sip on The White Lotus cocktail - set to debut in March 2025 - while immersed in the bar’s timeless 1950s ambience.
The Authors’ Lounge
A sanctuary for literary legends, The Authors’ Lounge now holds a new place in cinematic history. It was here that Mike White found inspiration for the latest season’s script, his photograph now joining the ranks of literary greats who once wrote within these walls.
The Lobby
Reimagined by Jeffrey Wilkes in 2019, the hotel’s iconic lobby is a fusion of Thai heritage and contemporary elegance. Its handcrafted teak, crystal bells and Bodhi leaf motifs create an atmosphere of refined tranquillity - a perfect stage for The White Lotus drama to unfold.
Breakfast at The Verandah
Start the day as the cast did, with a serene breakfast by the Chao Phraya River. This tranquil riverside setting offers a front-row seat to the hotel’s timeless charm, just as it did for the world’s most discerning travellers for nearly 150 years.
Beyond the Screen: Award-winning Dining and Wellness
While The White Lotus shines a spotlight on Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok’s cinematic grandeur, guests can go beyond the screen to experience its legendary offerings. From its Michelin-starred dining experiences - including Two Michelin-starred Chef Alex Dilling’s modern interpretation of French cuisine at Le Normandie, to The Oriental Spa, where centuries-old wellness traditions meet modern expertise, every stay is crafted to perfection.