It’s a hot, balmy day in Bangkok, Thailand, but all the stops are pulled out for the premiere of Max’s The White Lotus season three. Members of the cast arrive in their own boats — similar to the entrance of the fictional resort’s guests — down the Chao Phraya River, showing all the love and admiration for the Thai people. They did, after all, spend months living and filming in different parts of the tropical country.

Season three’s heavy focus on spirituality allows Thailand to bring about a new energy to The White Lotus. And just like New York City in fellow HBO show Sex and the City, Thailand is its own character. The country’s abundance of spiritual landmarks, as well as its integration in the daily life and culture of its locals, makes it the perfect setting for what series creator Mike White has in store.

Nobody wants to watch a show about rich people enjoying their holiday. Instead, we want to experience their downfall in real time. Although this brand of absurdity was never lost on the show, the success of its first two seasons gave White license in the third season to dig deeper and ask even more questions about humanity. Season three’s incorporation of spirituality and the harrowing questions of life, death and ego deliver a fuller audience experience as it begs the question: Who are you when everything is stripped away?

The White Lotus season three is available to stream now on Max.

Photos by Fabio Lovino  / HBO