Film and TV are powerful tools at the disposal of travel marketing teams, and nowhere else is this more evident than the incredible interest for Thailand being driven by the newest season of HBO’s ‘The White Lotus’. The comedy-drama, highlighting the follies of wealthy travelers set against the struggles, tensions, and day-to-day life of locals, has filmed in Hawaii, Sicily, and now Thailand, with all destinations seeing huge surges in interest following each season. Thailand, coveted as a travel destination for its beauty, culture, wellness and spirituality, all portrayed in the new season, expects a major boom in travel because of the show. Minor Hotels, which owns several of the resorts that served as principal filming locations for the third season, have noted a 104% increase in web traffic with a corresponding 41% year-over-year rise in direct online bookings following the release of season three. The Four Seasons Resort Maui reported a 425% increase in web traffic following the conclusion of the first season. The effect is so notable and significant that travel demand driven by TV and film, once known as ‘set-jetting’, is now being dubbed ‘The White Lotus’ effect.
But as some point out, this might not be a good thing. Phuket and Koh Samui are already two of the busiest places for visitors in Thailand, and indiscriminate visitation risks exacerbating problems faced by the Southern islands. These include challenges in securing supplies of fresh water and processing waste, which will become harder to address with a further influx of visitors. Vaya Adventures, a boutique, private-guided operator wants to share alternatives to the Thailand mainstays, that will help visitors get away from the crowds to explore the beautiful country of Thailand responsibly.
“To be sure, Thailand is a superb place to visit,” says Jim Lutz, President and Founder of Vaya Adventures. “Its food, culture, and incredible landscapes cannot be beat. But it is important to be conscientious and responsible when visiting so as not to overwhelm the local communities, people, and environments that make it such a special place to begin with. And there are many places you can go that support community-based, responsible tourism that still let you tap into the beauty, luxury, wellness, spirituality, and adventure that ‘The White Lotus’ portrays, without the drama and unintended negative impacts.”
Below are four fantastic Thai destinations that offer laid back, local adventure and wellness experiences away from the crowds, perfect for trips focused on time with gal pals, family, or a special someone. Also featured are Vaya’s top picks for boutique wellness-focused hotels and resorts on those islands. One of the best perks of custom private travel is these hidden gems can be combined in a completely unique itinerary, or incorporated into one of Vaya’s tried and true Thailand adventures, to suit each traveler’s or groups unique goals, interests, timing, budget, and sense of adventure.
Koh Lanta
Just a short boat ride from the mainland on Thailand’s Andaman coast, Koh Lanta feels a world apart. The island is known for its local feel, especially in shoulder season (April-June, September-October), where visitors can enjoy an incredible array of local restaurants and sample (among other specialties) the delicious seafood that the area is known for. Koh Lanta is growing in prominence as a snorkeling and diving location because of its proximity to Koh Haa/Koh Bida and Hin Daeng, and its unrivalled coral-fringed beaches. The island is also known for its rainforest and mangroves, and is home to Mu Ko Lanta National Park.
In Koh Lanta, visitors can enjoy the beaches and laid back, local vibe, take in some of Thailand’s fantastic dive sites, and enjoy quieter beaches. With Vaya Adventures, a special experience includes a sunrise gondola boat tour, taking off from the eco-tourism village of Thung Yi Peng, enjoying a traditional breakfast on Lanta Bay, and enjoying the unparalleled Thai sunrises. Other experiences helping guests access more of Thailand’s unique culture include a Thai cooking class, exploring the heritage of Koh Lanta’s Old Town, and learning the art of Muay Thai, the centuries old martial art Thailand is famous for.
As for the best place to stay on the island, Vaya recommends Layana Resort & Spa or Pimalai Resort & Spa, both known for their boutique charm, wellness amenities, and commitment to eco-conscious luxury. Enjoy wellness experiences designed to reduce stress and deepen spirituality including yoga, guided meditation, Muay Thai, and rejuvenating spa treatments.
Khao Lak
For the traveler inclined towards adventure, Khao Lak has it all. From ziplining, rafting, and sea kayaking to bird watching and bamboo rafting, Khao Lak is the place for adventure and a little bit of wellness. About an hour-and-a-half by boat from Phuket, largely considered the gateway to Thailand’s Southern islands, this is the place for eco-adventure by land and sea. Nearby to Khao Lak are Khao Surin and Khao Sok which also boast incredible diving and ancient rainforests to explore. Combine a visit to Khao Lak with either of these iconic islands to get a great, insider experience of Thailand’s rich biodiversity. Khao Lak is also a great jumping off point to learn about the Moken, Indigenous peoples of the Mergui Archipelago, who inhabit the Surin islands nearby and explore the island’s mangroves with traditional fishermen, learning about traditional ways of life. Visit Khao Lak’s sacred temples to learn about the profound meaning of Buddhism and take in exquisite monuments. Khao Lak is home to the impressive Bang Tong temple with its characteristic golden tower, Bang Rieng temple with a golden statue of Buddha rising impressively from the jungle, and Dragon Cave temple, noted for its healing powers and located within a limestone cave containing countless small shrines and images of Buddha and surrounded by meditating monks. According to legend, Bang Rieng Temple contains a relic of Buddha himself.
Stay at Devasom Khao Lak or The Sarojin Khao Lak, both fantastic options for wellness hotels on the island. Undergo a one-day lifestyle retreat experience, private yoga classes, or Tibetan singing bowl meditations, to name a few of the relaxing wellness experiences available. Vaya is happy to arrange excursions to the nearby islands on a custom, private-guided itinerary.
Koh Yao Noi
Similarly to Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Noi offers fantastic opportunities to support community-based tourism activities that connect visitors and locals. This is largely through the work of The Community Based Tourism Club of Koh Yao Noi, an organization dedicated to the development of a model of tourism for conservation, community development, and cross-cultural sharing. These local tourism activities have been planned and managed by local Muslim fishers, sharing local life, celebrating local culture, developing local skills, and building environmental awareness among guests and hosts. The island is a short boat ride from Phuket making it easily accessible while worlds apart in experience. Koh Yao Noi is particularly famed for the rock formations and limestone cliffs that are synonymous with Southern Thailand. With a majority Muslim population, visit one of the island’s exquisitely beautiful Mosque’s and learn about the lives and faith of the largest religious minority in Thailand.
Stay at the award-winning Six Senses Yao Noi or Cape Kudu. At Six Senses, guests can take part in comprehensive wellness programs focused on fitness, movement, diet, mental health, recovery, meditation, and sleep to help you unwind, reset and meet your goals alongside traditional spa treatments. Cape Kudu also offers a wide range of traditional and relaxing spa experiences.
Koh Jum
For a more rustic vibe, Koh Jum offers a truly unparalleled experience as the quietest member of this list. With tourism less prominent here than on other Thai islands, this is a perfect choice for those who enjoy, or want to enjoy, a much slower pace of life. And while Koh Jum is laidback, it is also packed with outdoor activities and soft adventure with ample opportunity to dive snorkel, sea kayak, swim, and explore the area’s beautiful beaches in relative calm.
There are fewer accommodation options on Koh Jum, but those interested in wellness and a bit of pampering will enjoy Koh Jum Beach Villas, noted for its commitment to sustainability which has earned it a Gold Standard Certificate for Travelife. Here enjoy yoga sessions, meditation courses, and ayurvedic massage alongside a full suite of spa treatments available through the resort.
