'The White Lotus' is taking you to Thailand: Here's what to know before planning a trip
'The White Lotus' is taking you to Thailand: Here's what to know before planning a trip
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Natasha Rothwell, 'How to Die Alone' actress, shares her unique essential
Natasha Rothwell, the creator and star of Hulu's comedy "How to Die Alone," shares her must-have item with USA TODAY's The Essentials.
Thailand has long been a popular place for tourists to visit, and as travelers continue to draw destination inspiration from pop culture, the tropical southeast Asian nation is poised to receive even more visitors in 2025.
The third season of HBO's hit "White Lotus" transports viewers to a lush Thai resort. The show has driven travel trends with its previous settings, so it's likely to lead to a spike in vacations to Thailand.
Hopper, the online booking platform, also identified Thailand as a trending travel destination for 2025 in a year-end report in December. "Already demand for trips to Thailand is growing as fans anticipate the new season and are eager to experience the destination for themselves," the report said.
Chompu Marusachot, the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's New York Office, said that based on preliminary tourism statistics from January to November 2024, the country expects a 5% increase in U.S. tourist arrivals in 2025 compared to 2024.
"We hope that Thailand's role as the backdrop for 'The White Lotus' Season 3 will spark a deeper curiosity about amazing Thailand and inspire travelers to experience firsthand the country's breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality," Marusachot said in a statement. "The exposure from the show will not only spotlight Thailand's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture but also reinforce its reputation as a world-class travel destination."
So, if you're considering letting out your inner luxury traveler on a Thai beach, here's what you need to know.
How do I get to Thailand from the US?
Any trip to Asia from the U.S. will be on the long side, and there currently are no direct flights from the U.S. to major gateways in Thailand. But that doesn't mean travelers will have limited options to get there.
One-stop itineraries from major U.S. cities to Bangkok and Phuket are available through other global hubs in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Canada. Travelers should expect to spend about $1,000-1,500 round-trip on an economy ticket, though some lower fares are available with some airlines on certain dates.
What to know: When does 'The White Lotus' Season 3 premiere? Date, time, cast, trailer, how to watch
Is a visa required to visit Thailand?
According to the State Department, tourists don't need a visa to visit Thailand if they plan to stay for fewer than 60 days. A valid passport at least six months from expiration is required to enter Thailand, and it must have at least one fully blank visa page for the entry stamp.
Is it safe to go to Thailand right now?
Thailand is generally considered a safe country to visit.
The State Department categorizes it under "Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions" but advises that some provinces are experiencing civil unrest and there may be elevated risk.
"We're working to educate all operators within the hospitality sector, in addition to the implementation of new awards honoring achievements in best practices of sustainability and eco-tourism for the Thailand Tourism Awards," Marusachot added. "Additionally, TAT is working with Tourism Cares, to support our ongoing efforts to develop a more sustainable and responsible tourism ecosystem. We are committed to further shaping Thai tourism into a sustainable and responsible industry, fostering connections that deepen global travelers' understanding and appreciation for the country and its people."
Is $100 a lot in Thailand?
The exchange rate for U.S. travelers to Thailand is generally favorable. One U.S. dollar is equal to about 34 Thai baht.
The Shangri-La Bangkok is currently advertising rooms for $153 per night, and hotels in central Bangkok are available for as little as $12 per night, according to Google.
In the beach resort area of Phuket, hotels are also much less expensive than other tropical destinations.
"Beyond tourism, (The White Lotus) production has already made a meaningful impact on the local economy by directly investing in the region, employing Thai cast and crew, and supporting hundreds of local businesses throughout the filming process," Marusachot said.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.
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