Travel blog

The White Lotus Effect: Why Koh Samui Is Thailand’s Hottest Destination

The highly anticipated third season of The White Lotus has landed in Thailand, with Koh Samui taking centre stage as the latest exotic backdrop. Thailand’s second largest island has long been a popular spot with holidaymakers, but the Netflix smash hit has catapulted it straight into the spotlight.

2.6min read

Published 3 March 2025

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

In this blog

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

If you’ve been watching (ok, binging!) the season and dreaming about the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, you’re not alone. We’re all right there with you, browsing Thailand holidays.

If you’re dead set on having the exact same experience you’ve been enjoying on TV, Flight Centre can book your Koh Samui trip to the very same hotel. You’ll get the gorgeous infinity pool with a bar overlooking the beach. You’ll get the five star staff and the luxury suites. The only thing you’ll be missing is Rick Hatchett himself.

But you don’t need a White Lotus-sized budget to experience Koh Samui’s incredible beaches, world-class resorts, and amazing food. Flight Centre offers a range of affordable stays, plus insider tips on what to do and how to get there.

Best Family Resorts in Koh Samui

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Luxury Without the Price Tag: Where to Stay in Koh Samui

Here’s how to plan your own Koh Samui escape, inspired by The White Lotus. While the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is undeniably breathtaking, there are plenty of other resorts offering five-star service, beachfront bliss, and Thai hospitality at more affordable prices.

Here are three top picks available through Flight Centre South Africa where you’ll get serious bang for your buck.

Chaweng Regent Beach Resort

If you love being right in the action but still want a relaxing beach escape, Chaweng Regent Beach Resort is a fantastic choice. This 4.5-star resort sits directly on Chaweng Beach, known for its soft sand and turquoise waters, and is just steps from Koh Samui’s best nightlife, markets, and restaurants.

Spend your days lounging by two outdoor pools, indulging in Thai massages at the full-service spa, or sipping cocktails at the beachside bar as the sun sets. It’s got the best of both worlds; you get all the peaceful, tropical vibes that Thailand is known for, but with plenty of excitement and attractions right on your doorstep.

Amari Koh Samui

Tucked away at the quieter end of Chaweng Beach, Amari Koh Samui has a private stretch of sand, lush tropical gardens, and no less than three swimming pools for those who love to unwind in style or just prefer their water to be chlorinated instead of salty.

The resort is split into three areas: Garden Wing, Thai Village Wing, and Beach Wing. Foodies will love Prego, its award-winning Italian restaurant, while the Breeze Spa is perfect for a rejuvenating island-style pamper session. It’s family-friendly but beautiful and romantic, so works equally well whether you’re travelling for a romantic escape or a holiday with the kids.

Melati Beach Resort & Spa

If you’re dreaming of an escape reminiscent of the show, Melati Beach Resort & Spa offers a slice of White Lotus-style paradise. Located on secluded Thongson Bay, this five-star resort is all about privacy, exclusivity, and luxury.

With private pool villas, an award-winning spa, and direct beach access, this resort is perfect for holidaymakers who want a peaceful, indulgent stay away from the crowds of Koh Samui. Sunset cruises, beachfront dining, and pampering spa treatments are just a few ways to unwind here, making it an excellent option for honeymooners or anyone in search of a picture-perfect romantic island escape.

Things to Do in Koh Samui

Obviously you could spend all day chilling at your resort, but if you want to venture further away then Koh Samui has plenty to do. Here are some must-do experiences:

Ang Thong National Marine Park – Take a boat tour through this stunning 42-island archipelago, where you can snorkel, kayak, or hike to breathtaking viewpoints.
Fisherman’s Village in Bophut – This charming waterfront area is a great way to spend an evening. It’s packed with boutique shops, beachside restaurants, and a lively Friday night market.
Wat Plai Laem – Visit one of Koh Samui’s most iconic temples, featuring a massive 18-armed statue of the Goddess Guanyin.
Na Muang Waterfalls – Cool off in two stunning waterfalls set in the island’s jungle.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) – This 12-metre-tall golden Buddha statue is one of the most famous landmarks on the island

How to Get to Koh Samui

Travelling to Koh Samui from South Africa takes a little bit of planning, but it’s worth it for the island paradise that awaits. And of course, you can always sit back and relax while Flight Centre does it all for you!

While there are no direct flights from South Africa to Koh Samui, the journey is still straightforward with a few key routes:

Fly via Bangkok – The fastest and most popular option is to fly from Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban to Bangkok with airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, or Singapore Airlines, then take a quick one-hour flight to Samui International Airport. Bangkok Airways operates several daily flights to Koh Samui, making connections seamless.
Fly via Phuket – Another option is to fly into Phuket and then take a short domestic flight or ferry to Koh Samui. This is great if you plan to explore multiple Thai islands.
Ferry from Surat Thani – For a more scenic route, you can fly into Surat Thani on the mainland and take a 1.5 to 2-hour ferry to Koh Samui.

Plan Your Koh Samui Getaway with Flight Centre

With the buzz around The White Lotus bringing Koh Samui into the travel spotlight, now is the perfect time to plan your own island escape. If you’re daydreaming about your luxury beachfront villa, stylish four-star resort, or laid-back tropical retreat, Flight Centre has the perfect package for you.

Speak to a Flight Centre expert today and start planning your dream Koh Samui getaway.

Dreams don't book themselves (we checked) - that's where your centre for travel comes in!