Traveling to Vietnam in March: A Complete Guide
Traveling to Vietnam in March is a great choice. This is an excellent time for outdoor activities due to the dry and comfortable weather. March is still part of the peak spring travel season, with fewer visitors than in February. Knowing the best places to visit will help you plan your perfect trip to Vietnam. Keep reading as we suggest travel ideas from experts that are most suitable for this time of year.
1. Weather in Vietnam in March
1.1. Northern Vietnam in March
The average daily temperature in northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay) in March ranges from 61°F (16°C) to 79°F (26°C). Rainfall is minimal, though occasional drizzles occur. Humidity is quite high, and if you stay in Hanoi long enough, you’ll get used to walls and floors “sweating.” However, you can still expect plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies throughout the day.
The mountainous regions in the north are much cooler, with temperatures ranging between 59°F (15°C) and 75°F (24°C). Compared to the previous two months, the warmth increases, making conditions ideal for trekking and soft adventure activities in Sapa, Ha Giang, and Mu Cang Chai. This is also a great time to explore ethnic cultures.
Tip: Pack plenty of lightweight clothing and a warm jacket for the cool days and nights in the mountains and northern Vietnam.
1.2. Central Vietnam in March
March in central Vietnam is much warmer and also dry. Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, and Nha Trang have average temperatures ranging between 21°C and 26°C, which is cooler compared to April and May. Humidity is as high as in the north, but the ocean breeze makes it feel more comfortable. The coastal areas are very sunny, perfect for relaxing on the beach and sunbathing. Dalat and the central highlands also experience high humidity, but rainfall is less frequent. This makes March a great time to visit central Vietnam.
1.3. Southern Vietnam in March
Southern Vietnam is hotter, with an average temperature of 29°C (84°F). In Ho Chi Minh City, the weather is pleasant year-round, but temperatures can rise to 35°C (95°F). Rain is rare, but when it does occur, it cools down the atmosphere. The air remains dry, making it ideal for beach activities such as swimming and diving. The best beaches in the country are located along the southern coast, near Ho Chi Minh City, including Ho Tram and Mui Ne, as well as the southern islands of Con Dao and Phu Quoc. The low humidity, long hours of golden sunshine, and occasional breezes make these destinations perfect for a visit.
Tips: The north and south of Vietnam have quite different climates, so it’s important to pack accordingly. Bring lightweight clothing, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit for beach vacations in the central and southern regions. Good trekking shoes and a few warm layers are necessary for the northern mountains or central highlands, especially in the early mornings or late evenings.
2. Travel Costs and Tourist Flow in March
The beautiful spring weather in March continues to attract a flow of international tourists, though fewer than in January and February. Vietnamese travelers tend to travel less during this period. For foreign visitors, the beaches in central and southern Vietnam are popular destinations, as well as the highlands in both the north and south, where hotel prices tend to rise slightly at this time of year. Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City remain busy even as the peak tourist season comes to an end.
You may still encounter long queues at major tourist attractions. Many hotels maintain high-season rates throughout March, while others begin offering discounts to attract more bookings. As a result, March is a mixed-price month, where your budget depends on the destinations you choose and the activities you plan in Vietnam.
Tips: If a beach vacation is your top priority, this is not the peak travel season, but occupancy rates remain high. It’s best to book your accommodation in advance to secure the best views.
3. Where to Go in Vietnam in March
March is a great time to visit Vietnam because the weather is nice and there aren’t as many people there than during the busy months. In case you’re not sure where to go, here are some great places to consider!
3.1. Tay Nguyen – The Coffee Highlands
If you want to do something different from the normal tourist spots, Tay Nguyen, also known as the Central Highlands, is a great choice. Buon Ma Thuot is known as the coffee capital of Vietnam, so if you like coffee, you’ll enjoy your trip there. You should visit Trung Nguyen Coffee Village to learn about Vietnam’s well-known weasel coffee.
For people who love nature, the untouched beauty of Dray Nur Waterfall is a great place to relax. You can go to Ban Don Village nearby. This is where the M’Nong people live, and they have a long history of working with elephants. You can no longer ride an elephant, but you can still learn about their past and see how they are cared for in a more humane way.
3.2. Da Lat: A Trip for Two
Da Lat is a dreamy place to visit, known for its cool weather and cozy atmosphere. March is a great month to go because the weather is nice and flowers are in bloom.
If you like to see new places, walk around Xuan Huong Lake, go to Bao Dai’s Palaces, or climb Langbiang Mountain for a scenic view. Also, Da Lat is a great place for people who like to try new things, like canyoning, zip-lining, and waterfall hiking.
Tip: The weekends can be busy with local tourists, so going during the week will be more peaceful.
3.3. Phong Nha: A Cave Explorer's Dream
Go on a journey to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It has some of the most beautiful caves in the world. There is the famous Son Doong Cave, which is the world’s biggest cave. If you can’t get a permit (it’s very hard to get!) don’t worry—there are lots of other caves to explore.
You can also go to Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, or the Dark Cave, which all have boat tours, zip lines, and underground rivers where you can swim. It is a great time to hike through the jungle in March and find the secret beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3.4. Hoi An – Ancient Town & Beachside Bliss
With warm temperatures and clear skies, March is one of the best months to visit Hoi An. There’s a lot to do! You can walk through the cute old streets, ride your bike through Tra Que Herb Village, or go on a boat ride through the coconut trees in Bay Mau.
An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach are both close enough for a day at the beach. They are great for resting in the sun because they have golden sand and calm water.
3.5. Sapa: Beautiful Mountains and Local Culture
Sapa is known for its beautiful scenery and diverse ethnic customs. Though it can be foggy in the mornings, March is a nice month for hiking because the weather is nice.
A famous trail goes through Cat Cat Village, Lao Chai, and Ta Van. Along the way, you’ll see terraced rice fields and meet H’Mong and Dao people who live in the area. You can climb Fansipan, which is the tallest mountain in Indochina, if you want to be daring, or you can take the cable car, which is a less strenuous option.
Tip: Hiring a local guide will make your trip more interesting and teach you about how people live in that area.
3.6. Ha Long Bay – A Classic Beauty
Ha Long Bay is always a beautiful place to visit, with its clear green water and tall rock islands. The weather is nice and the sea is calm in March, which is a great month for a trip. If you want a more peaceful experience, you could go to Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, which have similar scenery but fewer people.
Your trip will be unforgettable if you spend the night on a cruise ship, kayak through secret lagoons, and explore mysterious caves.
4. Vietnamese Festivals and Events in March (Updated Annually)
Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival (March 9 - 13, 2025)
Held in Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, this festival runs from March 9 to March 13, 2025, to promote Vietnamese coffee specialties. Visitors can enjoy free coffee tastings, participate in street festival activities, admire coffee-themed photo exhibitions, and learn about the history of Vietnamese coffee culture.
International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025)
Throughout Vietnam, cultural events take place in workplaces and schools to celebrate love and gender equality. Gender equality has improved significantly in Vietnam in recent years. On this day, you’ll see many flowers and gifts sold everywhere. Women receive extra love and appreciation from friends, sons, husbands, and family members.
Perfume Pagoda Festival (February - April 2025)
This festival lasts for three months, with major celebrations occurring between the 15th and 20th of February (lunar calendar). It is the largest Buddhist pilgrimage event in Vietnam, where pilgrims and tourists visit the sacred Perfume Pagoda, offering prayers and participating in spiritual activities.
Thanh Nam Nguyen
Born in Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnamese-American roots, Thanh Nam Nguyen is passionate about adventures and traveling in Indochina. As a local guide for All Vietnam Senses, he leads tours in southern Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, sharing his knowledge with travelers and inspiring readers to explore the region. Leave a comment below for him to respond directly!
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