Introduction
If you’re an avid hiker, Vietnam in March is the perfect destination for you. With its delicious food, vibrant culture, welcoming locals, rich landscapes and charming beaches it has quickly become a hiking enthusiast favourite. Hiking in Vietnam in March is a unique experience as it offers a chance to explore the country’s natural beauty while avoiding the crowds that come with peak season.
In this article, we will tell you all you need to know about hiking in Vietnam in March.
So Why Hike in Vietnam in March?
March is the perfect time to visit Vietnam because it is the transition month between the dry and wet seasons. The weather is mild, and the humidity is low compared to the rest of the year, making it an ideal time to explore the country. You can get ideal trekking weather, lower prices and the bonus of all the other things Vietnam has to offer besides trekking. What’s more to love?
Recommended Hiking Trails In Vietnam for March
Sapa Valley
Sapa Valley is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Vietnam. The valley is surrounded by lush green rice paddies and towering mountains. In March, the weather is mild with temperatures ranging from 11°C (51.8°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). You can take a guided trek to explore the valley and visit the local villages to learn about the culture and traditions of the ethnic minorities.
Mount Fansipan
Mount Fansipan is the highest peak in Indochina and a great challenge. The trek to the summit takes two to three days, and you’ll need to be fit to accomplish it. The best time to climb Fansipan is from March to May when the weather is cool and dry. The trail is steep and rocky, in places but the views from the summit are breathtaking. Read more about summiting Fansipan here.
Bach Ma
Bach Ma National Park is a nature lover’s paradise with its diverse flora and fauna. The park is located in Central Vietnam and is home to several hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, lakes, and scenic viewpoints. It is also home to Bach Ma Peak which has a 20 km (12.4 mi) road leading up to the summit. In this region it is warm and sunny, making it an ideal time to explore the park. You can also camp overnight in the park to enjoy the wilderness. Take a look at our article on Bach Ma for more information.
Cat Cat Village Trail
Cat Cat Village Trail is located in Sapa, a mountainous region in northern Vietnam. The trail is around 4 km (2.6 mi) long and takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It offers stunning views of rice terraces, waterfalls, and traditional Hmong villages.
Mount Phu Luong/ Phu Luong Nature Reserve
Phu Luong Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in Vietnam. You can find the reserve in the northwest of the country where the weather in March is mild. Phu Luong is home to several hiking trails that lead to traditional villages and rice terraces, as well as Mount Phu Luong (also known as Ta Chi Nhu Peak). The hike up Mount Phu Long spoils hikers with a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains for most of the way up. Read more about Phu Luong (Ta Chi Nhu).
Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam and is known for its beautiful beaches and limestone cliffs. The island has several hiking trails that lead to viewpoints with stunning views of the bay. In March, the weather is warm and dry, making it a great time to explore the island on foot. You can also take a boat tour of the bay to see the famous limestone formations.
What is the Weather like in Vietnam in March?
December to February is hailed as Vietnam’s coolest, clearest, driest time of year, but as the rain starts to pick up in March everything turns green and yellow, as spring peeks its head up above the ground. This makes it a lovely time to plan a hiking trip to Vietnam.
Vietnam has a tropical climate, which means it’s generally warm and humid throughout the year. However, the weather can vary significantly depending on where you are in the country. In general, the further North you go the cooler, clearer, less humid and rainier it is. As you move South it gets warmer, cloudier, more humid and less rainy.
Vietnam has 3 distinct regions, each experiencing its own climate: North, Central and South.
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi):
In North Vietnam March brings with it a warmer temperature than the preceding months, mostly clear skies, and increasing light rainfall delivered in short showers.
The daily average high temperature is 24°C (75.2°F), which is around 5 – 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the country in March. The average daily low is about 18°C (64.4°F).
The humidity in the Northern regions is also much lower than in the rest of the country making it a much less stifling experience to do exercise, and the most ideal region of Vietnam to hike in March.
Sapa:
Sapa is far north and gets a special mention because this region tends to be colder than even the rest of the Northern part of the country. The average daily low temperature in March is 11°C (51.8°F) and the average daily high is 23°C (73.4°F).
Peaks to Climb in Northern Vietnam
- Ngoa Long Mountain (Lying Dragon Mountain) is where you can go to fulfil all your childhood fantasies of going on a big adventure to seek out a dragon.
- Try Tan Vien Mountain to conquer 1200 stone steps.
- Nui Cam (Forbidden Mountain) to see giant Buddha.
- Tay Con Linh if you’re looking for a rural mini-odyssey adventure.
Central Vietnam (Da Nang):
In March Central Vietnam is sunny, quite muggy, and doesn’t get much rain. It lies in the middle between the two extremes of the North and South.
The daily average high temperature is 28°C (82.4°F), which is around 4 degrees warmer than Northern Vietnam in March. The average daily low is 22°C (71.6°F).
Similar to the Southern region, the humidity in the Central region of Vietnam is quite high in March.
At this time of year, you’ll get to see blue jacarandas in the Central Highlands and white Sua tree flowers dotted along the streets.
Peaks to Climb in Central Vietnam
- Ban Co Peak of Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain) to see endangered monkeys, a gorgeous view of Da Nang and a chess player.
- Marble Mountains (Mount Thuy Son or Water Mountain) for a relatively easy coastal climb with the added treat of the Mua Caves, statues and pagodas.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City):
March brings much warmer temperatures to Southern Vietnam compared to the rest of the country. The humidity is slightly higher than in Central Vietnam and it gets even less rain.
The daily average high temperature is 34°C (93.3°F), which is around 10 degrees warmer than Northern Vietnam in March and 6 degrees warmer than Central Vietnam in the same period. The average daily low is 26°C (78.8°F).
The humidity is highest in Southern Vietnam in March compared to the Northern and Central regions.
Peaks to Climb in Southern Vietnam
- Sam Mountain (Nui Sam) if you like mid-hike luncheons.
- Ba Den (Black Virgin Mountain) for a medium-difficulty hike up the highest mountain in South Vietnam with lots of surrounding attractions/activities.
- Chua Chan Mountain A climb for the whole family.
For more peak bagging options go use our summits peak page to explore and compare treks or take a look at the bottom of our summits homepage to see the peaks on the map.
What Gear You Should Wear for Hiking in Vietnam in March
The weather in Vietnam can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack appropriate clothing for the varying weather conditions you may come across while hiking.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, as well as a light waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking shoes.
It’s also a good idea to pack insect repellent as well as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. A moisture-wicking long-sleeved shirt would be great for sun protection and added protection from insects as well.
Don’t forget to bring a small backpack with water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
How to Be Safe Hiking in Vietnam?
As with all hiking, you should take precautionary measures to ensure your safety on the trails when in Vietnam. Always stay on the trail, take plenty of water with you and bring a basic first aid kit, or at least some ointment and band-aids.
Two important things to do if you are going on a longer trek are to check the weather forecast for the duration you intend on being on your hike, and always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. This is so that if something goes wrong people will know where and when to start looking for you.
What’s Next?
So now that you know all you need to know about the many pros of visiting Vietnam in March, plan your trip, go sightsee, enjoy the local culture and the mouthwatering food and use the rest of your time to explore the beautiful landscapes.