Things to Do in Thailand in March

March Weather in Thailand

34°C (93°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

75 mm (3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak diving season in the Andaman Sea - visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) at Similan and Surin Islands before parks close April 15th. Water temperature sits at comfortable 28-29°C (82-84°F) with minimal plankton bloom.
Mango season peaks mid-to-late March - markets overflow with 40+ varieties including nam dok mai, ok rong, and khieo sawoei at ฿40-80/kg. Roadside vendors sell fresh-cut mango with sticky rice (khao niao mamuang) for ฿60-100, half the tourist area prices.
Lower accommodation prices than February - March sits in shoulder season after Chinese New Year crowds depart but before Songkran (April 13-15). Bangkok hotels run 25-35% cheaper than peak season, beach resorts 15-20% lower.
Excellent northern Thailand trekking conditions - Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai temperatures stay 5-7°C (9-13°F) cooler than Bangkok at 27-30°C (81-86°F), with minimal rain and clear mountain views before hot season intensifies. Hill tribe villages are accessible without mud-soaked trails.

Considerations

Intense midday heat makes Bangkok exploration exhausting - temperatures peak at 34-36°C (93-97°F) between 11am-3pm with feels-like temperatures approaching 40°C (104°F). Temple visits require 2-3 water bottle refills and frequent air-conditioned breaks every 45-60 minutes.
Late March transitions toward hot season discomfort - after March 20th, humidity climbs above 75% and afternoon showers become less reliable for cooling relief. The comfortable dry season clearly ends, making early-to-mid March significantly more pleasant than late March.
Similan Islands close April 15th creating booking pressure - liveaboard dive trips and day tours fill quickly for late March dates. Premium operators sell out 3-4 weeks ahead, forcing last-minute bookers toward lower-quality, overcrowded boats or missing the season entirely.

Best Activities in March

Similan Islands Liveaboard Diving Expeditions

March offers the final weeks of Thailand's premier diving season before monsoons close the parks. Visibility peaks at 25-30 m (82-98 ft), whale shark sightings increase in late March, and water temperatures stay comfortable at 28-29°C (82-84°F). The Similans close April 15th annually, making March your last opportunity until November. Thermoclines are minimal, currents are manageable for intermediate divers, and manta rays frequent cleaning stations at Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead for quality liveaboards departing from Khao Lak. Two-day/two-night trips typically cost ฿12,000-18,000 including equipment, meals, and park fees. Three-day expeditions reaching Richelieu Rock run ฿18,000-28,000. Verify boats have insurance, Nitrox capability, and experienced dive masters. Day trips (฿3,500-5,500) work for snorkelers but involve 90-minute speedboat rides each way. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Chiang Mai Mountain Biking and Trekking Routes

Northern Thailand's cool-season tail end provides ideal conditions before April's heat arrives. Morning temperatures in Chiang Mai sit at 20-23°C (68-73°F), perfect for multi-hour treks through Doi Suthep-Pui National Park or Mae Sa Valley. Trails remain dry and firm - no mud season slipperiness. Visibility extends 40-50 km (25-31 miles) on clear days, showcasing mountain ranges typically obscured by hot season haze. Hill tribe villages (Karen, Hmong, Lahu) are accessible without rainy season road closures.

Booking Tip: Half-day mountain biking routes through rice terraces and villages typically cost ฿1,200-2,200 including bike rental and guide. Full-day treks with village visits run ฿1,800-3,500 with lunch included. Book 5-7 days ahead through operators offering small groups (maximum 8 people) and insured guides. Start treks by 7:30am to complete before midday heat - even northern Thailand reaches 32°C (90°F) by 2pm in late March. Reference the booking widget below for current guided options.

Bangkok Rooftop Bar and Night Market Circuits

March's oppressive daytime heat makes Bangkok a city best experienced after sunset. Temperatures drop to tolerable 27-29°C (81-84°F) by 8pm, and the city's rooftop bar scene peaks with clear skies (minimal rain interference). Night markets operate at full capacity - Rot Fai Market Ratchada (open Thursday-Sunday 5pm-1am), Jodd Fairs (daily 4pm-midnight), and Talad Neon (daily 4pm-1am) offer cooler browsing than daytime shopping. Street food vendors serve peak-season mangoes in every form: som tam mamuang (green mango salad), mango sticky rice, mango smoothies.

Booking Tip: Rooftop bars require no booking for walk-ins before 7pm, but arrive by 6:30pm for sunset views at popular venues. Expect ฿180-350 for cocktails at mid-tier rooftops, ฿400-600 at luxury hotel bars. Night market street food runs ฿40-120 per dish. Food tour categories walking 3-4 markets typically cost ฿1,500-2,800 for 3-hour evening experiences including 8-10 tastings. Book 3-5 days ahead during March. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Khao Sok National Park Jungle Lake Safaris

March marks the sweet spot between rainy season flooding and hot season drought at Cheow Lan Lake. Water levels remain high enough for longtail boats to access remote limestone karst areas, while rainfall stays minimal (2-3 rainy days typical for the month). Morning mist lifts off the lake by 8am, revealing dramatic 300-400 m (984-1,312 ft) limestone cliffs. Wildlife viewing peaks - gibbons call at dawn, hornbills feed on fruiting trees, and macaques frequent shoreline areas. Temperatures stay 3-4°C (5-7°F) cooler than coastal areas due to jungle canopy and elevation.

Booking Tip: Two-day/one-night floating raft house packages typically cost ฿2,800-4,500 including longtail boat transfers, meals, guided jungle walks, and basic floating accommodation. Book 10-14 days ahead as raft houses have limited capacity (8-12 guests each). Day trips from Khao Lak or Phuket run ฿2,200-3,500 but involve 3+ hours driving each way. Overnight stays allow dawn wildlife viewing when animals are most active. Verify operators provide life jackets and experienced boat pilots. Check the booking widget below for current safari options.

Ayutthaya Temple Cycling Circuits

March's dry conditions make Ayutthaya's 80 km² (31 sq mi) historical park ideal for bicycle exploration before April's extreme heat. Temples remain uncrowded compared to Bangkok, and cycling between ruins takes advantage of flat terrain and well-maintained paths. Morning temperatures (7am-10am) stay manageable at 26-28°C (79-82°F). The park's 67 temple ruins spread across the island create 15-20 km (9-12 mile) cycling routes passing Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet without tour bus crowds. Late afternoon light (4pm-6pm) provides excellent photography conditions with fewer tourists.

Booking Tip: Bicycle rentals cost ฿50-100 per day from guesthouses and shops near the train station. Guided cycling tours including lunch and temple entrance fees typically run ฿1,200-2,000 for 4-5 hour experiences. Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead or rent independently and use downloaded maps. Start cycling by 7:30am or wait until 3:30pm to avoid midday heat - temple grounds offer minimal shade. Bring 2-3 liters (68-102 oz) of water. Combined entrance tickets for six main temples cost ฿220. See current guided cycling options in the booking section below.

Railay Beach Rock Climbing Sessions

March delivers optimal climbing conditions at Railay's limestone cliffs before monsoon season begins in May. Rock stays completely dry - no rain-slicked holds or route closures. Temperatures peak at 32-33°C (90-91°F), warm but manageable for morning climbs (7am-11am) or late afternoon sessions (4pm-sunset). Over 700 bolted routes from beginner 5.6 grades to advanced 5.13+ challenges span Railay's four main climbing areas. Sea breeze provides cooling during beach cliff climbs. March's lower tourist numbers compared to December-February mean less competition for popular routes and more attentive instruction during beginner courses.

Booking Tip: Half-day beginner climbing courses (4-5 hours) typically cost ฿1,800-2,500 including equipment, instruction, and 4-6 route attempts. Full-day intermediate sessions run ฿2,500-3,500. Multi-day courses offer better value at ฿6,000-9,000 for three days. Book 5-7 days ahead during March - less critical than peak season but ensures equipment availability and small group sizes (maximum 4 climbers per instructor). Morning sessions (starting 7:30am) provide cooler conditions than afternoon slots. Reference the booking widget below for current climbing course options.

March Events & Festivals

Mid-March to Early April

Mango Festival Season (Regional Markets)

While not a single organized event, March marks peak mango harvest across Thailand, and regional markets from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Pathom host informal mango festivals and competitions. Farmers display 40+ varieties, vendors offer tastings, and competitions judge sweetness, size, and appearance. The most accessible experience happens at Bangkok's Or Tor Kor Market (daily, peak selection mid-March) and Chiang Mai's Ton Payom Market (weekends). You'll find varieties never exported: ok rong (sweet and stringy), khieo sawoei (green-sweet), rad (tangy), and the premium nam dok mai. Prices drop to ฿40-80/kg compared to ฿120-200/kg in tourist areas.

Early March (first or second weekend)

Phuket Old Town Festival

This cultural celebration typically occurs in early March (dates vary annually, usually first or second weekend) in Phuket Town's Sino-Portuguese quarter. The festival showcases Baba (Peranakan) culture through street food stalls, traditional music performances, cultural exhibitions, and historical walking tours. Thalang Road closes to traffic, becoming a pedestrian street market with local artisans, vintage displays, and cooking demonstrations. The event remains relatively unknown to international tourists, drawing primarily domestic visitors and Phuket residents. Arrive between 4pm-9pm for peak activity - performances happen on multiple stages throughout the old town area.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen (minimum 100ml/3.4oz) - UV index reaches 8 and you'll reapply every 90 minutes during outdoor activities. Facial sunscreen separate from body formula prevents breakouts in 70% humidity.

Lightweight rain jacket (packable, under 200g/7oz) - afternoon showers hit 60% of March days, lasting 20-30 minutes. Skip umbrellas for temples and outdoor markets where you'll need both hands free.

Moisture-wicking underwear (5-6 pairs minimum) - cotton stays damp in 70% humidity and causes chafing. Synthetic or merino wool dries within 2-3 hours when hand-washed.

Electrolyte powder packets (10-15 sachets) - you'll sweat through 2-3 liters (68-102oz) daily in March heat. Thai pharmacies sell them, but bring your preferred brand to avoid first-day dehydration headaches.

Loose linen or cotton long pants and long-sleeve shirt - required for temple visits (shorts and tank tops denied entry) and provides better sun protection than exposed skin. Linen breathes better than cotton in humidity.

Reef-safe sunscreen (specifically labeled) - required for responsible snorkeling and diving. Thailand's marine parks increasingly restrict chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Mineral-based formulas (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) only.

Insulated water bottle (750ml-1L/25-34oz capacity) - staying hydrated requires constant water access. Thailand's 7-Eleven stores (every 500m/0.3 miles in cities) offer water refills, and temples provide drinking water stations.

Antifungal foot powder - March's humidity and sweaty feet in walking shoes create ideal fungal conditions. Apply daily to prevent athlete's foot, especially if doing multi-day trekking.

Portable battery pack (10,000+ mAh) - phone batteries drain faster in heat, and you'll use GPS, translation apps, and cameras constantly. Thai electrical outlets are 220V, so verify your charger compatibility.

Quick-dry towel (microfiber, 50x100cm/20x40in) - hotel towels stay damp for hours in humid conditions. Essential for beach days and post-shower comfort in budget accommodations without air conditioning.

Insider Knowledge

Book Similan liveaboards before March 1st if possible - quality operators sell out their final March departures by mid-February. After March 20th, availability drops dramatically and you'll pay premium prices (15-20% higher) for remaining spots on less desirable boats.

Shift your Bangkok schedule to nocturnal patterns - locals avoid outdoor activities between 11am-4pm in March. Plan temple visits for 7am-10am, retreat to air-conditioned malls and museums during midday heat (Central Embassy, Siam Paragon, Museum of Contemporary Art), then resume outdoor exploration after 5pm when temperatures drop 4-5°C (7-9°F).

Buy mangoes at municipal markets, not tourist areas - Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok, Warorot Market in Chiang Mai, and any 'talat sot' (fresh market) sell premium nam dok mai mangoes for ฿60-80/kg versus ฿200-300/kg near tourist sites. Vendors will cut and pack them for immediate eating at no extra charge.

Northern Thailand becomes significantly more comfortable than islands in late March - after March 20th, Bangkok and southern beaches turn oppressively hot (feels-like temperatures exceed 38°C/100°F), while Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai stay 5-7°C (9-13°F) cooler. If visiting late March, prioritize northern regions over beach destinations.