March is a magnificent month for South East Asia, provided you know where to go.
The secret to planning around this time of year is avoiding the areas prone to lingering spring damp or early burning seasons, and focusing on the spots where clear skies and warm sunshine are practically guaranteed. Unless you have taken a sabbatical, are retired, or have decided to chuck in the day job, you are likely to have about a fortnight to visit, so you do n't want to try and tear across four countries. The trick is picking one or two regions that share the same brilliant weather window, so you can pair a dose of culture with proper collapse-on-a-sun-lounger time.
Central and Southern Vietnam
While the north of Vietnam can be cool and misty (and a bit damp!) in March, the central coast and the south are glorious. You get dry, bright days, comfortable warmth, and calm seas.
Hoi An: March is arguably the best month to visit. The ancient streets are dry and sunny, perfect for cycling out to the paddy fields, getting a linen suit whipped up by a local tailor, or dining by the river under hundreds of silk lanterns.
Hue: Just over the Hai Van Pass, the imperial city enjoys dry, manageable temperatures in March, before the intense summer heat arrives.
Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong: Head south and you will be in peak dry season. Saigon is a full-on experience, while the Mekong Delta offers bright, early-morning wooden boat trips to watch the floating markets trade before the midday sun arrives.
Phu Quoc or Con Dao: If you want Vietnamese beach time, head to the southern islands for calm, crystal-clear water and wall-to-wall sunshine.
Cambodia
March sits right at the end of Cambodia’s dry season. It is getting warm, but the skies are vivid blue and rain is practically unheard of, making it a reliable addition to any itinerary.
Angkor Archaeological Park: Based out of Siem Reap, early March is brilliant for exploring Angkor Wat. The secret is to beat the afternoon heat by heading out at sunrise, retreating to your hotel pool for a long lunch, and returning for another view at golden hour.
Phnom Penh: The capital is dry and bright, ideal for riverside walks along the Tonle Sap, exploring the Royal Palace, and taking in the city’s thriving French-Khmer food scene.
Thailand
March is prime time for southern and coastal Thailand. Rain is rare, the sea is like glass, and it is one time of the year where both coastlines are at their absolute best.
The Thai Islands: Whether you choose the Gulf (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) or the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta), March delivers wall-to-wall blue skies. It is spot-on for diving off Koh Tao, island-hopping by private long-tail boat, or doing precisely nothing in a beachfront pool villa.
Khao Sok National Park: Head slightly inland to Elephant Hills to stay in luxury safari tents deep in ancient rainforest. March’s dry conditions make wildlife spotting and ethical elephant encounters seamless.
Bangkok: Spend 48 hours here for the food and the buzz before hitting the coast. Taking a street-food tour is an absolute must.
Many of these areas can work at other times of year too, but if sunshine and reasonable temperatures are important for you, March is the sweet spot. You can spend your holiday soaking up the sights rather than dodging downpours.
Trips to these destinations can be tailor-made for you, so if you want to pair Angkor’s temples with a slice of the Thai coast, it is entirely possible. Every detail can be built to suit you, so drop me a line and we can start building a holiday that is perfect for you.
