Best places to visit in March in Asia!

I have been to Asia many times now, and I here is a list of the best places to visit in March in Asia! Many of these countries I visited in rainy season, in high season and spent Christmas in Sri Lanka once. I can say that when I have been to these countries in March it really was the best time! However, I’ve added all the best months to visit apart from March too so you can decide when is the time that suits you best.

Indonesia

Indonesia is one of my favourite countries in Asia! Below are some places not to be missed while you are here, and some visa information too!

How long should your trip be?

That really depends how much time you have available! You can get 30 days stay visa free so I would recommend spending at least 30 days here as there is so much to see! If you are able to come for two months, then you can get a visa on arrival, that is for 30 days but you can extend to get another 30 days. The maximum is 60 days stay. If you would to explore just Bali then 2 weeks or a month would be fine but for the other islands I would recommend spending as much time as you can in Indonesia.

Why is March a good time to visit?

The rainy season runs from October to February. We have been in Bali in December and seen very little rain. It is always a good time to come to Bali! However, March is a good time as you should have no rain at all so no risk of a sudden downpour!

Balinese New Year is in March!

March is also a good time as you can get some warmth before the European summer starts. High season is July to August so March is a good time to come before high season, but after rainy season! In 2020, Balinese New Year is also in March which is an interesting experience. It is called Nyepi and is also celebrated by a ‘Day of Silence’.

What to do on Bali Island

Beach hop in Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a surfers and beach lovers paradise! There are so many to choose from. I have spent a few months in Uluwatu now and have narrowed it down to the 13 best beaches in Uluwatu! Be sure not to miss Green Bowl beach, Dreamland beach, Padang Padang and Karma beach for the best sunset! As well as beaches, there is an amazing spot called Karang Boma cliff which is incredible to watch the sunset from above the cliffs.

Where to stay?

I would recommend staying Karma Kandara to treat yourself or Bali Boarding House if you are on a budget and staying for a while.

Cafe hop in Canggu

Canggu is the digital nomad heaven and also home to some beautiful beaches but most of all the most amazing cafes and restaurants. You could eat here until you explode. Everywhere is delicious. For breakfast, my favourite place is the Common Bali, for lunch, Nude Cafe and for dinner Milk and Made is divine! Also Milk and made has 2-4-1 pizza on Tuesdays and Sundays! From Canggu drive up North to Munduk to see the best waterfalls in Bali!

Where to stay?

The Lemon Guesthouse is lovely, has a pool and big rooms and huge beds. Also a semi outdoor bathroom and is right in the centre but down a side road so very peaceful. If you want to stay at the coolest hostel ever then head to Alternative Beach!

Explore the rice terraces of Ubud

Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali. With temples everywhere you turn, it is a beautiful place and not to be missed during your trip! It is also surrounded by rice terraces and fields everywhere you turn! Head to Tegallalang for sunrise, it is a touristy spot though! However, plenty of other rice fields around so you will have lots of choice! If you love monkeys then don’t miss the monkey forest in the centre of Ubud where you can get up close and personal with the monkeys! For sunset, Campuhan Ridge Walk is the best place! There are also some beautiful waterfalls in Ubud such as Tukad Cepung and Kanto Lampo!

Where to stay?

Adiwana Bee House is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever stayed! With 5 round huts in a row facing only palm trees, rice terraces and a pool. It is the most idyllic and peaceful place, but only a 10 minute drive from Ubud centre. It is really beautiful and the outdoor bathroom was the best! Not to mention the gorgeous flower bath I had here. Then for even more luxury, head to The Udaya to stay in a private villa.

Take a boat trip to Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a 30 minute boat ride away from Bali. Head here for some absolutely breathtaking nature. Mainly Kelingking Beach – T-rex rock, Diamond Beach and Broken beach are must sees! Hire a scooter if you are able to drive one and explore this island for a few days! Then if you have time also head over to Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan for more epic beaches. In rainy season the sea can be quite rough, so in March hopefully you will have more of a smooth ride!

What to do on Sumatra Island

I went here 7 years ago so a lot may have changed. However, I went on a jungle trip in Bukit Lawang and absolutely loved it. We slept on the floor in the jungle with no phone signal, washed in rivers and trekked all day. Came face to face with orang-utans and all sorts of creatures. I would thoroughly recommend visiting Sumatra for a less travelled part of Indonesia! We also climbed up Mount Sibayak from a town called Berastaggi. It was amazing to see the volcano spouting smelly gases and see the sunrise from the top.

What to do on Java Island

I also came here 7 years ago! However, Borobudur and Prambanan temples were so beautiful it is a must do! I would also love to go back after all these years. Mount Bromo is still on my bucket list so watch this space! If you go to Java make sure to hike Mount Bromo.

Best places to visit in March in Asia – Sri Lanka

The best time to visit the west coast of Sri Lanka is December to March. The seasons vary on each side of Sri Lanka. The best time to visit the east coast is April to September, so march is right in between and a good time to visit the whole island.

How long do you need?

You will need at least 2 weeks to do a road trip around Sri Lanka. The best thing is to have a few days in each place and travel with a car and driver or try out some of the local transport!

2 Week Road Trip Itinerary

Start in Colombo

Once you land, spend at least one night in Sri Lanka to get over any jetlag. I am not one for busy capital cities but Colombo has some amazing spots. The Jami Ul-Alfar mosque is some of the most amazing architecture I’ve seen. There are also lots of other colourful temples to see so head out and have a wander!

Where to stay?

For the best sunset views and an infinity pool overlooking the whole of Colombo, stay at Jetwing Colombo 7. The rooms are perfect and the infinity pool is so refreshing after a sweaty walk around Colombo!

Read more: Best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka!

Head to Kandy

Kandy is a lovely town with a huge white temple at the centre perched on the side of the lake. The Temple of the Buddha’s Tooth is a must see. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and go early as it gets hot and busy later on in the day. Kandy is also home to a stunning botanical garden, so spend a few hours one day walking through this stunning place.

Where to stay?

Theva Residency is the most beautiful hotel. Perched on the side of the mountain, the infinity pool faces the sunset and is magical. The food is incredible, the Sri Lankan breakfast I could eat every day!

Take the train to Ella

From Kandy, take the scenic train to Ella. It is a 6 hour journey but I promise you will not get bored for one second! You will go through rice terraces, dense forest, and if you are on the later train you will also witness the sunset from the train. Top tip is to sit in the second class so you can pop your head out of the window for a photo!

Explore Ella Town

Ella is one of my favourite places in Sri Lanka. There is so much to do here, so spend at least 3 or 4 nights here. My favourite things to do were hiking Little Adam’s peak at sunrise, Ella Rock at sunset and swimming in Diyaluma Falls. These are some of the largest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Then Nine Arches bridge is a must see, surrounded by tea plantations.

Where to stay?

For a cheap and cheerful hostel try Hangover Hostels! Walking distance from the station.

Read more: The most epic things to do in Ella!!

See the elephants at Udawalawe National Park

Before we had even properly entered the National Park here, there were two elephants already. This national park is filled with amazing animals and nature, and the sunrise trip is the best! It is a bit cooler and therefore the animals are much more active. It was an early start from Ella, but the car and driver weren’t too expensive and also waited for us and drove us to Weligama afterwards.

Learn how to surf in Weligama

The waves are so fun in Weligama! This is a beach town full of surfers and hostels. If you don’t want to try surfing, then ran a body board it is also so much fun.

See the sunset in Mirissa

Mirissa is not far from Weligama and also a lovely beach town. It is also home to Coconut Tree Hill, a beautiful sunset spot! I preferred the beach here compared to Weligama. If you are less into surf and more into sunbathing then stay in Mirissa instead.

Visit the photographers dream – Galle Fort

This old fort is full of amazing photography spots. With a huge lighthouse right on the waterfront, and lots of little streets to walk down you will definitely need a few hours here. As I’m writing this I am already desperate to go back! If you love architecture then you will also find Galle Fort very interesting! Take a day trip from Mirissa and explore this beautiful place.

Best places to visit in March in Asia – Thailand

How long should your trip be?

I have been to Thailand twice and both times only for a week! The first time I started in Bangkok and then got the overnight bus followed by a boat and did a few nights on Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. I would say you need at least two weeks as it’s so beautiful here and so much to see!

Head North to see the incredible temples

In the North of Thailand were my favourite places. We got a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. There are some lovely temples in Chiang Mai, but Chiang Rai is the place to go! With two breathtaking white temples and a crazy blue temple, you can head here for the day and go temple hopping! Remember that there are two white temples, so when you get into a taxi or start driving you know which one you are going to! I would choose Wat Rong Khun for sunset, one of the beautiful white temples. Just before it closes head in and hopefully you will get a shot without tonnes of people! Then sunrise at the other white temple is divine, as it is set high on a hill with amazing views!

Take a boat to the islands and enjoy the sun!

There are PLENTY of islands to choose from! Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao are some beautiful islands. Then the Phi Phi islands are very popular and gorgeous too! Its been 7 years since I went to the islands so let me know what it’s like now if you go!

Best places to visit in March in Asia –Maldives

I had the highest expectations for the Maldives and it lived up to every one of them! It really is like nothing else I’ve experienced. Sandbars in the middle of the ocean, snorkelling with sharks and sunsets on perfect white sand and blue sea. I hope I have convinced you to visit, if not yet then read on! The best time to visit is between November and April. The high season is between December to March, so head end of March and it should be more peaceful than high season.

How long do you need to visit the Maldives?

It depends how many islands you want to see. Some of the islands there really isn’t much more to do except sunbathe and snorkel and go diving. I would say you need at least a week. You could go snorkelling each day and still see new fish, it is beautiful!

How to visit the Maldives on a budget?

I first stayed on a local island and it was amazing to learn a bit more about the culture here and experience a local island that has been untouched by a large hotel. I stayed on Omadhoo and had the best time. The little guesthouse was affordable and a short walk away from a sand bar and the most epic sunset I’ve ever seen. They also offered trips snorkelling at a reef out at sea, a trip to an uninhabited island and the most amazing trip to a small sandbank in the middle of the ocean.

  

How to visit the Maldives luxury style?

I would highly recommend Bandos Island for a few nights of luxury before your flight home. Partly also because it is so close to the airport compared to other islands, so you will not end up stranded somewhere far away if the sea is rough. They have beautiful villas right by the beach and gorgeous views and snorkelling. It was also not extortionately priced, so you can treat yourself for a few nights!

Best places to visit in March in Asia – Philippines

Beach lovers and drone pilot paradise! 

How long should your trip be?

You will need at least 2-3 weeks to visit the Philippines. It is comprised of so many different islands that you will need 4-5 days on each island you visit. Some of them you will have to fly between so make sure to factor in days used up travelling! Head to my Philippines 3 week itinerary to help plan your trip!

Which islands to choose for Island Hopping!

I went to Cebu first, then Siargao, Coron and finally El Nido. Cebu is great for beaches, canyoning and waterfalls! Siargao is an incredible island full of palm trees. Then Coron has some amazing boat tours, although the town itself is horrible! Then El Nido was one of my favourite islands, as the beaches were lovely white sand and the boat tours were much more affordable.

Best places to visit in March in Asia –Cambodia

How long should your trip be?

I had 2 weeks in Cambodia and still could have spent more time here! However, 2 weeks is a good amount of time to see the best spots! The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April as this is when there is the least rain.

Head to Angkor Wat

The number one place to see is of course the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat. You will not be bored! You can get a one or more days pass here and keep exploring. It is incredible, but not cheap so make the most of it! Sunrise here is also stunning, but busy these days so arrive early and find yourself a good spot.

Explore Siem Reap

Siem Reap is great to walk around but also has some crazy nightlife! There is a street called Pub Street full of bars and clubs so you can dance the night away.

Head to Battambang

There is a small bamboo train you can take here to explore this area. It is quite a unique experience so I would recommend it! Then head to the bat caves to see more bats Han you can imagine. It is most beautiful at sunset! Battambang is just a great place to go on a tour and learn about Cambodia and meet some locals.

Relax at Koh Rong Island!

I didn’t want to leave here! We kept forgetting to book the boat back to the mainland it was just so idyllic here. I had never seen such white sand and blue sea until I went to the Maldives. There are two islands here, Koh Ring Samloem is perfect for couples whereas the main Koh Song has lots of parties in the centre near the harbour. Stay in a small hut on the beach and go kayaking and snorkelling every day!

Best places to visit in March in Asia –Nepal

How long should your trip be?

I spent 6 weeks here! However, 4 weeks of that was a placement in a hospital as part of my university course. If you have any questions about that then let me know in the comments! I would say 2 weeks at least so you can visit Kathmandu, make your way to Pokhara, climb some mountains and visit a national park to do a safari.

What to do in Pokhara?

Pokhara is a great town surrounding a huge lake. It’s a great place to rent a boat and visit some beaches around the lake. There are lots of nice restaurants and shops here too. Then the nightlife is also super fun! I spent my 21st birthday here and had such a good time. We went to a place called Busy Bees a lot and it never disappointed!

Hike Poon Hill

This is a hike for those who don’t have the time or condition for Annapurna Base Camp. It is a 5 day hike, ending in a sunrise hike to watch the sun come up over the Himalayas. It is incredible!

What to do in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is a very busy city but lots of amazing architecture. There are lots of beautiful temples to see and lots of lovely markets. There was an earth quake in 2015 just after I left, so many of the sites in Kathmandu are being rebuilt but it really is a beautiful city full of culture.

Best places to visit in March in Asia –Vietnam

Vietnam is one of my favourite places in the world! It is so beautiful, so much nature and the architecture is just stunning.

How long should your trip be?

I spent 2 weeks here but 3 weeks would have been better! We did a trip from Hanoi to Sapa then back down via Halong bay, Hue down to Ho Chi Minh City. We used only public transport. Some of the overnight buses were horrible but cheap! Most of them were okay, but don’t get the ones that advertise as beds as these are like small coffins that you may end up sharing with a stranger.

What to do up North?

Head to Sapa to the rice terraces

Sapa is an amazing place to go trekking amidst rice fields. It really is very scenic and beautiful. I would also recommend doing a homestay here to learn more about the people here and help support them.

Spend the night on a boat in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a must see, so many beautiful mountains and islands all around. Make sure to find a good boat trip and stay the night on the water.

Explore the ancient city of Hue

Take a bike from where you are staying and cycle around the ancient city here. I think it’s the best way to get around.

Explore the beautiful city of Hoi An!

This is the most picturesque place! At night all the lantern shops light up and it is beautiful to wander around. By day, there are lots of little stress to walk down and explore.

Relax on a beach near Hoi An

My favourite beach here was And Bang beach! A lovely white stretch of beach to relax on all day.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the best places to visit in March in Asia! With a small whistle stop tour of the best things to do in each place. All of these places are great in March, and if you’re planning a trip to any of them then put any questions in the comments! For beach lovers, head to the Maldives, architecture lovers I would recommend Vietnam. Then if you’re interested in history, choose Cambodia. For a bit of everything, Indonesia is just perfect. If you like hiking then Nepal is the place for you!

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