Things to Do in Southeast Asia in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Southeast Asia
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Excellent diving and snorkeling conditions in the Andaman Sea - the Similan and Surin Islands are still accessible (parks close mid-May), with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility and calm seas before monsoon season arrives
- Shoulder season pricing in most destinations - you'll find accommodation 20-30% cheaper than February peak rates, while weather remains mostly favorable. Airlines haven't yet hit April holiday pricing
- Festivals and cultural events - Holi celebrations in Little India neighborhoods, Chinese temple festivals, and the start of Songkran preparations give you authentic cultural experiences without the chaos of the actual water festival in mid-April
- Northern Thailand at its absolute best - Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai have clear skies after burning season typically ends late February, with temperatures around 28-32°C (82-90°F) during the day and pleasant 18-20°C (64-68°F) evenings perfect for night markets
Considerations
- Inconsistent weather patterns as regions transition between seasons - southern Thailand's east coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) can get unexpected rain as the southwest monsoon approaches, while mainland areas experience hot, sticky conditions building toward April's peak heat
- March is actually one of the hottest months in places like Bangkok, Angkor Wat, and central Vietnam - midday temperatures regularly hit 35-38°C (95-100°F) with heat index pushing 40°C (104°F), making temple exploration genuinely exhausting between 11am-3pm
- Some island destinations begin closing for low season - certain resorts in the Similan Islands area and remote Burmese archipelago start shutting down after mid-March, limiting accommodation options if you're traveling late in the month
Best Activities in March
Similan Islands and Surin Islands Liveaboard Diving
March is your last chance to access these world-class dive sites before they close for monsoon season in mid-May. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 28-29°C (82-84°F), visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft), and you'll encounter manta rays, whale sharks (if lucky), and healthy coral systems. The Andaman Sea is typically calm with 1m (3 ft) or smaller swells, making it ideal even for newer divers. Late March sees fewer boats as the season winds down.
Northern Thailand Temple and Mountain Town Exploration
March hits the sweet spot in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Pai after burning season smoke clears but before April's intense heat arrives. Morning temperatures around 22-25°C (72-77°F) make sunrise temple visits at Doi Suthep or Wat Rong Khun genuinely pleasant. The countryside is dry and golden, perfect for motorbike loops through mountain roads. Evening temperatures drop to 18-20°C (64-68°F), ideal for night markets and outdoor dining without sweating through your shirt.
Early Morning Temple and Historical Site Tours
With midday heat reaching 35-38°C (95-100°F) across mainland Southeast Asia, the only comfortable way to experience Angkor Wat, Ayutthaya, Bagan, or Bangkok's Grand Palace is arriving at opening time. Sunrise tours starting 5-5:30am give you 3-4 hours of exploration before heat becomes oppressive. You'll also avoid the worst crowds and get that famous golden light photographers obsess over. March mornings are typically dry with minimal rain risk.
Island Hopping in Krabi and Railay Beach Area
The Andaman coast enjoys its final month of guaranteed good weather before monsoon uncertainty arrives in May. Four Island tours from Ao Nang, Hong Island trips, and Railay beach access all benefit from calm seas, minimal rain (maybe 1-2 brief showers all month), and water temperatures around 29°C (84°F). March sees fewer crowds than January-February but maintains perfect beach conditions. Low tide reveals extensive sandbars and tidal pools worth exploring.
Evening Food Tours and Night Market Exploration
Since daytime heat makes outdoor exploration uncomfortable, March is perfect for embracing Southeast Asia's vibrant night food culture. Bangkok's Yaowarat Chinatown, Penang's hawker centers, Hanoi's Old Quarter, and Chiang Mai's weekend walking streets all come alive after sunset when temperatures drop to tolerable 26-28°C (79-82°F). March is mango season across the region, so you'll find exceptional mango sticky rice and fresh fruit everywhere. Street food vendors set up between 5-6pm and operate until midnight or later.
River and Waterfall Excursions in Jungle Areas
March offers the last chance to visit waterfalls before they either dry up completely (in drier areas) or become dangerously swollen (in monsoon zones). Northern Thailand's waterfalls like Sticky Waterfall near Chiang Mai, Laos's Kuang Si Falls, and Vietnam's Ba Ho Waterfalls have decent flow from recent dry season rains but aren't yet flooding. River tubing, kayaking, and waterfall swimming are at their safest with predictable water levels. Jungle temperatures stay 2-3°C (4-5°F) cooler than cities.
March Events & Festivals
Holi Festival Celebrations
Indian communities across Southeast Asia celebrate Holi in early March, with particularly vibrant celebrations in Singapore's Little India, Penang's Georgetown, and Bangkok's Phahurat district. You'll see color throwing, street processions, and special sweets at temples. It's considerably smaller scale than celebrations in India itself, but offers authentic cultural immersion without the overwhelming crowds. Wear white clothes you don't mind ruining with colored powder.
Makha Bucha Day
One of Thailand's most important Buddhist holidays, falling on the full moon of the third lunar month. Temples across Thailand hold evening candlelit processions where monks and devotees walk three times around the main chapel carrying flowers, incense, and candles. Alcohol sales are prohibited nationwide, and many attractions close or have reduced hours. Chiang Mai and Sukhothai have particularly beautiful ceremonies. This is deeply spiritual rather than touristy - observe respectfully with shoulders and knees covered.