Vietnam Vacation in March: Travel Guides, Weather, and Best Places to See

Vietnam sees many visitors traveling there for vacations in March. As a Southeast Asian country with a tropical climate, March offers generally pleasant weather making it an attractive time to explore Vietnam. Typically the last month of the dry season before summer begins, March tends to remain warm but sees less rainfall compared to later months.

This guide will provide an overview of the Vietnam vacation in March. It will outline climate and weather trends commonly experienced nationwide during this month. Top destinations across Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam will also be highlighted where travelers can experience different regional attractions and activities in relatively mild and dry conditions compared to the hotter, wetter seasons.

I. Weather in Vietnam in March

March marks the transition between Vietnam's dry and wet seasons. Overall, weather patterns remain mild with temperatures starting to rise. Rainfall amounts also begin to increase compared to winter months but generally remain moderate.

In northern Vietnam, daytime highs average 20-26°C through most of March. Overnight lows range from 16-22°C. The region sees around 30mm of rainfall spread over 11 rainy days on average during the month. Sunshine and clear skies remain common between any passing showers.

Central Vietnam's coastline enjoys similar temperatures to the north, with highs of 22-28°C inland. Overnights are a couple of degrees warmer than inland areas. The central region receives around 60mm of rain spread over 13 days on average in March. Daily rainfall amounts are typically light.

Southern Vietnam continues its warm, humid months with daytime highs of 28-32°C in coastal areas like Ho Chi Minh City. Nights hold steady at 24°C. The south sees more rainfall than other regions at around 80mm over 14 days. However, daily downpours remain brief and interspersed with sunny breaks.

In summary, March conditions remain pleasant overall with the first increments of wet season rainfall balanced by persistently mild temperatures across Vietnam. Variability exists but shows are generally light, maintaining suitable travel weather.

II. Best Places to Visit in Northern Vietnam in March

March brings mild and pleasant conditions to much of northern Vietnam. Some top destinations to consider include:

• Hanoi - Venture through the Old Quarter and major sights mostly shielded from the rain. Good time for city exploring.
• Halong Bay - Cruising through striking limestone formations dotted with beaches and grottoes remains spectacular in March when seas are calmer before the summer season. Most boats have indoor facilities to wait out any brief showers. Overnight or multiday cruises offer full immersion in the unique seascape.
• Sapa Valley - If not raining consistently, the mountainous region attracts trekkers through rice terraces and hill tribe villages for stunning valley perspectives.
• Ninh Binh - Cue boat tours past towering rock outcrops and rural rice fields in Trang An and Tam Coc area. Local cuisine, coffee, and town ambiance are also attractive in the pleasantly mild climate. Nearby Trang An grottoes provide historic intrigue.
• Cat Ba Island - Less crowds appeal with a mix of hiking, cycling, and beach activities if showers pass through the island.

Northern locales provide varied cultural and natural attractions still very accessible in March. Most activities continue with impromptu shelter options from passing moisture. Mild temperatures retain comfort overall for travel.

III. Best Places to Visit in Central Vietnam in March

Central Vietnam's diverse destinations offer scenic sights with generally light rain in March. Top options include:

• Hoi An - Wander the well-preserved ancient town and experience Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences in its architecture and cuisine.
• Da Nang - In between sandy beaches and iconic landmarks like Dragon Bridge and Lady Buddha, dynamic Da Nang acts as a cosmopolitan coastal gateway to outlying experiences. Day trips tour the rugged Marble Mountains or ancient Cham temples at My Son.
• Hue - Tour imperial palaces and pagodas within the walled Citadel, plus cruise the scenic Perfume River passing rural scenery.
• Quy Nhon - Relaxing beach escapes along the coast with mountains meeting the sea in the distance.
• Da Lat - Cool Hill Station provides a reprieve from lower humidity with stunning vistas of valleys and waterfalls.
• Nha Trang - Swim and snorkel offshore islands, take a spa treatment or just sip coffee overlooking the bustling seafront.

With mainly afternoon light showers allowing morning activities, central regions showcase history, nature, and coastal attractions balanced by covered sites and indoor options if it rains persistently.

IV. Best Places to Visit in Southern Vietnam in March

March ushers in light rain patterns to southern Vietnam, with generally mild conditions maintaining travel appeal to top spots such as:

• Ho Chi Minh City - Dynamic urban energy amid French colonial landmarks and bustling neighborhoods. Day trips are possible too.
• Mekong Delta - Cruise the rivers and canals passing rice fields and watch daily rural life from the water amid natural scenery.
• Mui Ne - Relaxing stretches of sand and formations providing picturesque backdrops. Kitesurfing and sandboarding if breezy.
• Vung Tau - Combining beaches and mountain views, the coastal town makes a pleasant getaway from Saigon.
• Phu Quoc Island - Diving, snorkeling, hiking, and relaxing along Duong Dong and Long Beaches with a chance of brief passing showers.

With downtime options indoors or under shelter, brief rain interruptions need not dampen the enjoyment of nature, cuisine, and cultural immersion across the south. Marina activities also remain possible on calmer weather days.

V. Travel Guides for Vietnam Vacation in March

1. What to pack for variable weather

Travel guides provide helpful advice for visiting Vietnam in March. With the transition to wetter weather underway, packing light, breathable fabrics becomes valuable for layering up or down as temperatures fluctuate. An umbrella, waterproof jacket, and pants can protect against the occasional passing shower. Insect repellent is also recommended as mosquitoes begin being more active.

2. Transportation options

Domestic flights, buses, and organized tours generally operate as normal during this period, but it's wise to check for any service reductions around Tet or other holidays. Drivers should take extra care on the roads as surfaces may become wet or flooded at times.

3. Events/holidays 

Popular events happening in March include the HCMC Food Street Festival in the middle of the month, weekly full moon lantern displays in Hoi An's Old Town, and Phuong fruit harvest season in the Mekong Delta provinces. Proper preparation helps travelers enjoy exploring Vietnam despite some inclement weather that may occur.

4. Accommodation availability and prices

When booking accommodations, rooms with balconies allow clothes to dry, while hotels situated along coastlines and in Ho Chi Minh City tend to see higher prices. Alternatively, travel to hill station destinations like Da Lat and Sapa helps escape the humidity.

VI. Recommended Threeland Travel Guides

Threeland Travel is a leading tour operator specializing in Southeast Asian destinations. Our extensive region guides provide useful trip-planning resources.

The Threeland Travel Vietnam guide offers a comprehensive overview of the entire country. In-depth sections cover historical highlights, cultural traditions, the diverse landscape, and efficient transportation options. Personalized recommendations tailored for March travels highlight top sights during this pleasant weather window.

The Threeland Travel Hanoi guide provides an insider's look at all the capital city has to offer. Neighborhood profiles and suggested itineraries take in iconic landmarks and cultural experiences optimally seen in March's milder climate.

The ancient riverside town of Hoi An comes alive in the Threeland Travel Hoi An guide. Recommendations focus on cultural attractions, architecture, and colorful night markets best explored in the dry season months.

For those hoping to experience Southern Vietnam's vibrant energy, the Threeland Travel Ho Chi Minh City guide shares tips on navigating this modern metropolis during its most comfortable time of year in March.

V. Conclusion

While March rainfall patterns start increasing versus winter months, visiting Vietnam in March still rewards travelers with largely pleasant and mild weather suitable for exploring diverse destinations. Across the northern, central, and southern regions, average temperatures remain high enough each day for outdoor sightseeing and activities.

By packing appropriately and checking local conditions, brief intermittent rainfall can usually be navigated comfortably without major disruption to itineraries. Highlights like Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and surrounding provinces offer ample sheltered cultural and historical sights plus indoor dining and recreational options on wetter days.

With fewer crowds than the summer tourism season, March allows for a more immersive travel experience through interactions with friendly locals. Whether based in cities or venturing to rural areas, this time of year invites the discovery of Vietnam's varied natural beauty, heritage, cuisine, and lifestyle at a relaxed pace. Proper preparation ensures an enjoyable transition month for visiting this fascinating Southeast Asian country.

Planning a Vietnam vacation in March? Threeland Travel designs customized itineraries and arranges accommodations, transport, and daily activities through our expert-led small-group tours. Contact us today to start planning your memorable adventure. Book with us for the ultimate Vietnam experience!