Yeah, many shows are filmed on studio sets, but to make a scene feel authentic, some crews travel all over the world. Take The White Lotus, for example; this season was shot in Koh Samui, Thailand. Or Game of Thrones, which was filmed across multiple locations in Northern Ireland.
Naturally, when the cameras start rolling in places like these, the destination can turn into a major hotspot. Die-hard fans hop on planes just to visit the settings where their favorite scenes were made. It’s a real trend, and in this article, we’re diving into all the details.
The Growing Phenomenon of Visiting Filming Locations
In the digital age, we’re all influenced by what we see in the media, whether it’s niche destinations trending on TikTok or cities featured in newspaper travel columns. Lately, a clear trend has emerged with the rise of the entertainment industry, more and more people are traveling to locations they’ve seen in their favorite hit shows. This phenomenon is known as film tourism.
A standout example is The White Lotus, which has taken the entertainment world by storm. The Bangkok Post recently published an article highlighting the buzz around Season 3 that was captured on the island of Koh Samui. Since the season aired, Koh Samui has seen an 88% increase in internet searches and a 44% jump in accommodation bookings. That’s not all. The travel agency Opodo reported that UK-based tourists showed the strongest response, with a 53% annual rise in search interest for trips to Thailand.
When you think about it, film tourism is a win-win for both tourism boards and production companies. When production takes place at a real-life location, it gives global audiences a glimpse of that place and piques their interest. It’s a concept similar to influencer marketing in the sense that you’re leveraging the popularity of something well-known (the show) to promote a destination.
Top Show Locations
Koh Samui, Thailand – The White Lotus
First, it was Hawaii, then Sicily, and for Season 3, it’s Koh Samui. Thailand’s second-largest island was the chosen base for the latest season of the White Lotus, a show that delves into the wild and extravagant lives of the guests who stay in a holiday resort and the staff who work there. For the property setting in Season 3, the team selected the five-star Four Seasons Resort, situated in Koh Samui’s quieter northeastern zone.
Movie lovers hoping to relive some of the iconic scenes will be pleased to know that many of the filming locations are easily accessible, even if you can’t afford the hefty price tag for a night at the Four Seasons. The Fisherman’s Village, for example, served as the backdrop for scenes depicting Thailand’s famous Songkran Festival. Before this part of Koh Samui was built up, it was seen as a more traditional area where local fishermen based themselves, but it has since modernised. Try to plan your visit for a Friday when the weekly night market takes place; you’ll have the opportunity to sample all kinds of delicious Thai street eats and pick up some souvenirs. Another spot to add to your list is the Wat Phu Khao Thong temple, where Piper and her brother stopped by in the first episode.
When you’re in Koh Samui, you’ll have several great areas to choose from for your stay. Party-goers will love Chaweng Beach, but if you’re looking for a similar vibe without the intensity, Lamai Beach is a fantastic option. Mae Nam, located in the north, offers a laid-back atmosphere with less hustle and bustle. That’s also where the Four Seasons is located. Families tend to gravitate toward Bophut, the home of the Fisherman’s Village, thanks to its abundance of amenities.
Northern Ireland, Game of Thrones
Have you ever crossed paths with a Game of Thrones fanatic? Or maybe you’re one yourself? Damn, those fans are seriously obsessed with the show. Though shot across various sites, Northern Ireland remains the most memorable. Roughly 25 locations across the territory were used for filming between seasons one and eight.
You’d need more than just a quick day trip to see all the locations used in Northern Ireland, but let’s start with a few honorable mentions. The legendary Dark Hedges, a dramatic tree-lined path in County Antrim, is where Ned Stark met his grim end. Head further into County Derry to visit Dragonstone, the very spot where Stannis Baratheon and Melisandre set the statues of the Seven aflame. Another familiar one for fans is Antrim’s Sallagh Braes. Remember when Sandor Clegane was attacked by Arya Stark and the local family who rescued him? That was filmed at Sallagh Braes.
Visiting the main filming locations in Northern Ireland for Game of Thrones is relatively easy. Numerous tour agencies offer full-day package tours where they pick you up and drive you to the sites, with a guide providing narration along the way (prices starting from £45 (€53.20)). However, if you can, I recommend hiring a car for a few days when you land at Belfast Airport and going at your own pace (prices start from £21.80 (€25.77)). This way, you’ll be able to visit all the locations, as some tour companies don’t cover every spot.
Sex and the City, New York, USA
When the first episode of Sex and the City aired in 1998, I don’t think anyone could have predicted the cult following it would gain. The smash-hit series, centered around the romantic and everyday lives of a group of New York-based women, became an instant sensation. Even though the show has long since ended, it continues to attract fans to the Big Apple.
Among the most recognized sites, the Main Branch of the New York Public Library is a location even non-watchers would recognize. How could fans forget the moment when Miranda dropped the ‘he’s just not that into you’ line on those two randomers? You’ll also likely remember Columbus Circle, where that awful moment occurred when Carrie and Aidan decided not to get married (so sad). And, of course, Central Park, where Charlotte loved to jog with her little puppy by the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
Touching down in New York for the first time can feel overwhelming if you’ve never been. The hustle and bustle of this concrete jungle may seem intimidating, but don’t let it scare you. When visiting the filming locations, the public transportation system will be your best friend; just use a combination of buses and trains. One important tip: be cautious when crossing the street. While jaywalking is technically legal in NYC, drivers don’t always play by the rules.
Emily in Paris, Paris, France
Some might say that no amount of publicity could make Paris more popular, as it’s already one of the most visited cities in the world. But as the saying goes, any publicity is good publicity, and did the popular TV show Emily in Paris deliver just that?
Start your Emily in Paris tour at the very place where she worked at Savoir’s offices. In real life, it’s just a building at 6 Place de Valois. Afterward, head to the Jardin du Palais Royal, the location of Emily and Mindy’s first meeting. You’ll also probably have a visit to Café de l’Homme on your itinerary, which was the site of the fragrance launch party hosted by the company. It’s easily recognizable for its stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.
When you’re done with the filming sets, it’s time for some sightseeing. Paris has some pretty renowned attractions, but everyone else has the same idea of wanting to visit them. To avoid disappointment, make sure you book your tickets in advance. This applies to the Eiffel Tower, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Louvre.
Yellowstone, Montana, USA
The wild western series Yellowstone, which explores the internal conflicts of a typical American ranch, kept fans on the edge of their seats for five seasons. While many of the scenes were filmed at various locations across the USA, the state of Montana is most commonly associated with some of the most memorable ones.
First up on your visit list has to be the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, which everyone knows and loves. Before it was used in the series, it was at an actual operational ranch in Montana, the Chief Joseph Ranch, which sits at the base of the Bitterroot Valley. Hamilton also features prominently, especially for the Governor’s residence, located at the Victorian property of the Daly Mansion. The city of Missoula makes an appearance too, notably in a memorable shootout scene near Ruby’s Café; one that true fans will never forget.
Montana isn’t your typical city break; it’s a rugged and wild state where the great outdoors takes center stage. You’ll need a rental car to get around; forget about buses. There have been reports of rental car shortages, especially during peak season, so be sure to book yours in advance.
The Cheapest Film Location Trips Movie Lovers Can Take
It doesn’t help that many series are traditionally filmed in the US, which is not exactly the most budget-friendly destination. But it’s not all bad news. Thanks to the White Lotus, Koh Samui has become one of the most affordable film locations to visit. While flights to Thailand might be your biggest expense (depending on where you’re flying from), it’s affordable once you’re on the ground.
A simple room in a family-run guesthouse can cost as little as THB 556.30 (€15) per night, street food classics like Pad Thai go for around THB 74.17 (€2), and getting around is easy and cheap thanks to songthaews (open-air minibuses that operate across the island), with fares starting at just THB 100 (€2.70).
Guided Location Tours – How Do They Work?
Not everyone has the luxury of hopping into a rental car and heading straight to the filming locations they want to see from the airport. In many cases, these sites are tucked away in remote areas, far from major cities and only accessible by road, which makes it tough for travelers without their own transport. That is, until guided location tours started gaining popularity.
These are organized excursions where a company picks you up and takes you along a planned itinerary, stopping at key filming spots from popular TV shows. They’ve become increasingly popular as film tourism has grown. One standout example is Northern Ireland, where Game of Thrones tours have taken off in a big way. Several companies based in Belfast now offer these tours, and they’ve been a hit, especially since much of Northern Ireland is quite rural.
Which Countries Allow Filming Tours?
While you might be eager to get out and see a few filming locations through a guided tour, not every country has the infrastructure or organized routes to make that possible.
We’ve already mentioned the Game of Thrones tours, but that’s far from the only option. In the USA, particularly in New York City, you can join a Sex and the City tour with a local guide to follow a curated itinerary that brings you around Manhattan to some filming sites. Similarly, fans of Lost can take part in dedicated location tours on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, where much of the series was produced.
Take a Trip to the Filming Locations of Your Favorite Series!
It doesn’t matter if you’re obsessed with a show or just watch for fun; if you really enjoy it, you’ll likely want to visit the places where it was filmed at some point.
With the entertainment industry booming, film tourism is on the rise. And when people are hooked on a program and see somewhere as beautiful as some of the places they film, they’re guaranteed to be influenced.