The Best Places to Visit in Thailand in March

Bangkok and Central Thailand

Temperatures in Thailand’s capital city and in Central Thailand continue to soar through March. With temperatures hitting the mid-30s Celsius (90s Fahrenheit) on most days, sightseeing can be exhausting for those not used to the heat.

The upside is that as a major city, Bangkok has more than its fair share of air-conditioned shopping malls, restaurants, and coffee shops, which offer travellers some respite from Bangkok’s heat.

Northern Thailand

In March, Chiang Mai’s daytime temperatures can soar upwards of 35ºC (95ºF), which is enough to make excursions almost unbearable for some. Perhaps even worse than the blistering heat is the smog and haze in the region. 

Every March, local farmers burn the last of the year’s crops to prepare for the next season’s planting. This burning is widespread across the country, but its effects are far worse in the north and northeast provinces due to the lack of rain in March. 

The combination of haze and heat means that the north is not as picturesque in this season as it is during other times of the year. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t visit the region, but it is something to consider when planning your trip, especially if you suffer from respiratory problems.

Southern Thailand

In Thailand, March ushers in the hot season. The country heats up as the days go by, especially in the north and central regions. So March is the perfect time for travelers to head to the kingdom’s southern beaches.

The calm seas and clear waters throughout the southern region in March make it an ideal destination for both beach lovers and diving enthusiasts alike. Temperatures in the south of the country are generally lower than those in the central and northern regions, and there is the added benefit of the cooling sea breeze.

1. Phuket and Krabi

Phuket

The Andaman Coast and the Gulf of Thailand experience similar weather in March, so no matter where you choose to spend your beach holiday, you will get plenty of sunshine and little rainfall.

Krabi and Phuket on the Andaman Coast, with calm seas and unique accommodation options, are excellent choices for a beach getaway in March. It’s also probably the best time to take a boat trip to see the surrounding islands.

Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand offers unrivalled luxury accommodation options, coupled with idyllic beaches and all the amenities you could wish for. If you want a real Thai island-hopping adventure, you can also visit the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao by ferry. 

While Koh Phangan is famous for being the home of the hedonistic Full Moon Party, there’s much more to the island than that. The northern beaches are some of the most picturesque in the region, and the east coast of the island is a certified national park.

Koh Tao is best known for its diving and snorkeling sites. It offers traveler the opportunity to become certified divers. The island’s more secluded east coast is popular among honeymooners.

2. Hua Hin

Hua Hin Railway Station

Hua Hin is an excellent choice for travelers who would rather avoid taking domestic flights, but still want a slice of Thai beach life. Hua Hin, a 2½-hour drive from Bangkok, offers peaceful beaches, stunning resorts, and some of the best seafood in the kingdom.

3. Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is the ideal island to travel to in March. The water is perfect for both snorkeling and boat trips around the archipelago. With famous sites such as Maya Bay and Shark Island, you will have many activities with which to fill your days.

As the official high season would have concluded by March, the crowds on Koh Phi Phi will be slightly thinner than in the previous months. You can find great deals for accommodation at the island’s many hotels and resorts.

4. Surin and Similan Islands

March is the prime diving season on the Similan and Surin Islands because of the near-perfect conditions and clear waters.

The reefs around these two paradise islands are some of the finest in Asia, making them a diver’s dream. The islands get busy from December to March, so it’s best to book well ahead of time to avoid being disappointed.

5. Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga is a nature lover’s dream all year round, but especially in March, which is the month of the annual Turtle Release Festival.

The festival takes place in March 1–10, and involves releasing young turtles that have been raised at the local research centre into the sea. The festival helps raise money for the continued conservation of the turtles.

No trip to Phang Nga would be complete without a boat trip to the bay’s many islands. The seemingly endless karst limestone cliffs shooting up out of the bay is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the kingdom.

The most popular islands in the bay for day trips are the famous James Bond Island and the stunning Hong Island. Make sure to take a private tour, if you can, to escape the crowds. 

6. Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park

In 1998, the Thai Government declared March 13 as National Elephant Day, making March the ideal month to see these amazing creatures in the flesh.

Some well-maintained ethical elephant sanctuaries exist in Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas. But if the haze is an issue for you, consider taking a trip to Khao Yai National Park to see them in the wild.

7. Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Thai kickboxing, or Muay Thai, as it’s known locally, is the national sport of Thailand. March 17 is national Muay Thai Day in Thailand, and although it is celebrated at gyms across the country, the biggest celebration is held in the ancient capital city of Ayutthaya.

The city organises a week-long event from March 10 to 17, with kickboxers from around the world in attendance. If you are a fan of Muay Thai, or just want to learn more about it, Ayutthaya is the place to do it.