March

March is one of the best months of the year for a holiday in Asia: dry conditions and clear travel routes in many of the most popular destinations.

March is one of the last ‘no compromises’ month for many Southeast Asian countries: dry conditions continue and even remote routes remain accessible. In South Korea and Japan, temperatures begin to rise as winter loosens its grip. It’s an excellent time for varied, multi-stop itineraries that link cities, coast, countryside and cultural highlights.

Early cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Jeju and the southern regions of South Korea and hiking trails open after winter closures. Vietnam’s conditions are among the year’s best, with the north clear, the central coast sunny, and the south dry – perfect for a full country itinerary (and one of the last months when this is the case). India is still comfortable for travel, with cooler mornings in the north, rising warmth in the south, and wildlife parks are still in peak season. Laos remains dry and mild – ideal for travelling the full length of the country – connecting more urban centres (Luang Prabang, Vientiane) with river and rural stops.

South Korea

Best for early cherry blossoms

March signals the start of South Korea’s transition from winter to spring. While Seoul still has chilly nights (around 1 °C), daytime highs reach 12 °C, and southern spots like Jeju and Busan begin to warm up earlier. As the month progresses, the first signs of spring emerge – with magnolias, forsythias and early cherry blossoms appearing in the south and gradually moving northward. It’s a great time to explore before the peak bloom crowds arrive. Trails and temple paths reopen, and the landscape slowly transforms with soft colour and early greenery. For travellers seeking quiet beauty and a hint of spring, March is a well-timed pick.

Vietnam

Best for covering the 5 Hs

March is an excellent time to travel the length of Vietnam, especially if you’re planning to cover the key stops: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. The south is hot and sunny (29–34 °C), drawing big peak-season crowds. It’s wise to explore earlier in the day before the afternoon heat takes hold. Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Danang) gets dry, comfortable weather (24–29 °C), perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with beach time. Up north, conditions are mild and bright (15–25 °C), ideal for exploring Hanoi’s parks or sailing through the limestone karst bays (we recommend Lan Ha).

India

Best for wildlife spotting and bright Holi energy

March is a late‑high‑season sweet spot across India. The north is at its most pleasant, with cool mornings and clear skies, while the south is warming up, but it’s not yet sweltering. Trekking routes in the Himalayas open up and wildlife reserves in central India offer excellent chances to spot tigers in thinning vegetation. In southern states like Kerala and Goa, beach weather returns with dry skies and comfortable warmth. The vivid colours of Holi festival sweep through cities like Jaipur, Varanasi and Delhi with vibrant chaos and high energy.

Laos

Best for temple touring and mountain trekking

March brings near-ideal conditions for a Laos itinerary that covers it all. The north stays warm and dry (16–28 °C), perfect for exploring temples and mountain trails, while the centre and south heat up (25–32 °C) and remain dry. Roads are in good shape, making it easy to link river towns, rural villages and city stops into one seamless route. If you make your way south, we recommend starting your days early to beat the heat, then wind things down with golden-hour walks and sunset views over the Mekong.

Japan might get all the cherry blossom fame, but South Korea’s spring blooms are just as beautiful – and often far less crowded. That said, word is spreading. For the best experience, we recommend travelling in March to catch the early colours before the peak season begins.”

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