Weather: March is the transition period from the dry season to the hot season, with searing heat and an arid climate. Hence, it's better to choose indoor activities during this month.
The average maximum daytime temperature in Mandalay in March is very hot at 36°C (97°F). There are usually 9 hours of bright sunshine each day, which represents 71% of the 12 hours of daylight.
Maximum UV levels will be extreme (11 in the UV Index) at midday when the skies are clear. The average nighttime temperature is usually a comfortable 20°C (68°F).
Clothing: In the daytime, especially at noon, the temperature is scorching hot. You can wear a T-shirt with shorts or a thin skirt, and wear a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from sunburn at noon when you go out.
At night, however, the temperature decreases and you should wear a thin long-sleeved shirt or blouse in the evening.
Other tips:
1. Due to the high temperature and scarce rainfall, it's not recommended to go out at noon, when the daily temperature is at its highest.
2. March is dry and hot, so you should drink lots of water to stay hydrated and stay out of the sun to avoid heatstroke.
3. Ultraviolet radiation is strong during the day so remember to protect yourself well against the sun's harmful rays.
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What Our Customers Said
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Excellent planned and executed Myanmar excursion
Asia Highlights and their local Myanmar partner "mAsia" did an excellent job in planning and execution of a one week trip to Myanmar.The various tour guides and drivers had good knowledge and good command over English. MoreGerd, Jan 2018
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Excellent planned and executed Myanmar excursion
They never failed to be at the agreed locations and on time. Cars provided spacious and in very good condition. Hotels booked met our expectations - especially Yangon, Bagan, Lake Inle. MoreGerd, Jan 2018
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In good hands with Sam
Sam Ol took very good care of us - lots of information, listened to and answered all our questions, was passionate about the places we visited and about his people and country. He was kind, had a great sense of humor, and made sure we felt safe and comfortable at all times. He helped us to fall in love with Cambodia in 3 short days. MoreCarol Jones, Feb 2023
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Best tour guide in Cambodia
When we first arrived at the airport in Siem Riep it was so nice to be greeted by Mr Sam Ol. We instantly fell at home when we saw his friendly smile. We were impressed by his great English and knowledge of the temples. On the tour to the temples Sam took care of us every step of the way. He took awesome pictures of us. It felt like we were on a tour given by our brother who is also a professional photographer. Also, we appreciate his humor as well as the fact he had an answer for every question we had. I give Sam 5 stars, best tour guide ever :) MoreLen S, Feb 2023
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Mr. Sam
Mr. Sam our guide in Cambodia, he and the driver out standing service they went above and beyond touring, my wife so amazed beautiful country, we're planning back here near the futures. Thank Mr. Sam,We'll feedback the whole trip next week when we be home in US MorePho Lover, Feb 2023
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Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand
We are still in the middle of our trip, but we are just finishing up our time in Cambodia and our guide, Borin, has been AMAZING!!! He has truly made our time here unforgettable and I plan on referring all of my friends and family to come visit this beautiful country! Thank you, Borin, for everything you did to make our trip so fantastic! MoreDanielle Blount, Feb 2023
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Excellent service and Wonderful Guides
All of our guides have been terrific. Mr. Sam in Siem Reip was especially wonderful. Both he and our driver were polite, safe knowledgable and informative. Sam made our trip memorable and enioyable. We will definitely recommend Sam and Asia Highlights to our friends. MoreKaaren, Feb 2023
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Great tour guide Charity at Siem Reap
Our experience in Siem Reap could not have been any better thanks to our outstanding and cheerful guide, Charity. Her very good English speaking made it so easy to learn so much from her. She understood and answers all of our questions.She was relaxed and very knowledgeable. She went out out her way to help us make amazing pano photos of the cotton trees at Siem Reap and on our sunset cruise. She also advised us on Chanrey Tree restaurant—what we found to be the very best vegan restaurant on our first three weeks of our Asia tour. So glad to have vegan meals with very little oil!!! We are not supposed to have oil and is very hard to find vegan with no oil. Went went back the next night. MoreBarbara Cornyn, Jan 2023
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Things to Do
As this month sees the transition from the dry to hot season, it's not advisable to go outside for a long period of time and indoor activities are recommended. Therefore, taking a trip to see the temples is a good option.
You can get up before dawn to watch the face washing ceremony, and then visit Shwenandaw Monastery. After having a rest at noon, you can immerse yourself in the world's largest book at Kuthodaw Pagoda.
Mahamuni Pagoda
The Mahamuni Pagoda, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, attracts hordes of both pilgrims and tourists. The big attraction there is the Mahamuni Buddha, said to be one of only five likenesses that were made of Buddha during his lifetime.
When visiting there, you can't miss the face washing ceremony. It will be held at 4am every day and takes about 2 hours. Monks will pray and scrub the Buddha with water, which is regarded as holy water.
In the pagoda, gold leaf is sold at the entrance, which male devotees buy and then apply to the image. Only men are allowed to place the gold leaves or get up close to the Buddha.
Women are not allowed to approach the Buddha, but can buy flowers at the entrance to place in front of the statue.
In the courtyard, there are six bronze Khmer statues that were originally taken from Angkor Wat in the 15th century. They are believed to have healing qualities and you will see many visitors rubbing them and then touching different areas of their bodies.
Tips:
1. Wear decent clothes and cover your shoulders and knees.
2. Don't disturb, physical contact with, or talk to the monks and nuns, and avoid talking loudly.
Shwenandaw Monastery
Shwenandaw Monastery is famous for its teakwood building, exquisite carving, and history. This structure has served different purposes and has been in different locations. Once you know the history, you will understand why it is named 'Golden Palace Monastery'.
It was once part of the Mandalay Royal Palace. Its second relocation probably saved the structure as most of the palace was destroyed during World War II bombings.
It's worth taking the time to wander around this beautiful structure as there are so many types of intricate woodwork to look at both inside and out. The ceiling on the inside is gilded and the lighting is perfect for photography. The teakwood carvings are very impressive and beautiful. Just enjoy the art.
Kuthodaw Pagoda and the World's Largest Book
The Kuthodaw, or the world's largest book, is unique and can be seen in Mandalay. It is usually best to visit around sunset, when the temperature is cooling down. Built between 1860 and 1868, Kuthodaw Pagoda is not only a UNESCO cultural site but also contains a marble book of Buddhist history.
The complex has 729 marble tablets inscribed with the three main categories of texts of the Buddhist canon. They are all written in the Pali language as recited by the Fifth Buddhist council to ensure the Buddha teachings are correct.
Within the temple grounds, you will see rows and rows of shrines housing marble slabs upon which are inscribed Buddha's teachings in the Pali language. Each slab represents a page of the world's largest book.
It's said that it takes 450 days to read them all if you spend 8 hours reading them every day. You will be astonished to see these marble buildings when you walk around.
Tips:
While it is interesting to walk around these shrines, be careful where you tread - the ground in this area is a bit rough and possibly painful underfoot (you should take off your shoes when visiting).
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Visit Myanmar with Asia Highlights
We provide tailor-made tours to Myanmar. Tours typically start or end in Yangon or Mandalay and last approximately 9 days; visiting Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake.
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14-Day Myanmar and Thailand Essence Tour
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