Things to Do in Laos in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Laos
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season conditions - March is actually the driest month in most of Laos with typically under 30 mm (1.2 inches) of rain total. You can plan outdoor activities without worrying about afternoon downpours washing out your plans.
- Perfect river conditions for kayaking and boat trips - water levels on the Mekong and Nam Ou are stable and predictable, making March ideal for multi-day river journeys. The Nam Song in Vang Vieng is particularly good right now, with clear water and manageable currents.
- Comfortable temperatures for trekking - mornings start cool at 18-20°C (64-68°F) in northern regions, warming to pleasant hiking weather by mid-morning. You'll avoid both the cold of December-January and the brutal heat of April-May when temperatures can hit 40°C (104°F).
- Lower tourist numbers than peak season - March falls just after Chinese New Year crowds disperse but before Lao New Year in mid-April. You'll find Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng noticeably quieter than February, with better availability and slightly softer pricing on accommodations.
Considerations
- Severe haze and air quality issues - March is peak burning season across mainland Southeast Asia. Farmers clear fields, and smoke from northern Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos itself creates persistent haze. Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng regularly see AQI readings above 150 (unhealthy), sometimes spiking to 200-plus. If you have respiratory issues or are sensitive to air quality, this is genuinely a deal-breaker month.
- Limited waterfalls and reduced scenic appeal - waterfalls like Kuang Si are at their lowest flow of the year, and the famous turquoise pools can look murky or shallow. The countryside is brown and dusty rather than lush green. If waterfall photography is a priority, you'll be disappointed compared to wet season months.
- Increasing heat as month progresses - early March is comfortable, but by late March you're pushing into genuinely hot territory, especially in lowland areas like Vientiane and southern Laos where midday temperatures reach 35°C (95°F). The heat combined with haze makes midday outdoor activities uncomfortable.
Best Activities in March
Mekong River boat journeys
March offers ideal conditions for slow boat trips between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang or exploring the Mekong islands near Don Det. Water levels are stable and predictable, unlike the low-water challenges of April-May or the strong currents of rainy season. The two-day slow boat journey is actually more comfortable now with less crowding than February. Morning departures give you cooler temperatures and better visibility despite the haze. Budget travelers typically pay 220,000-250,000 kip for the slow boat, while speedboats run 350,000-400,000 kip but are genuinely punishing in the heat.
Northern Laos trekking and homestays
The weather window for trekking around Luang Namtha, Muang Sing, and Phongsali is perfect right now. Trails are completely dry and mud-free, unlike October-November when paths are still recovering from rains. Morning temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) make for comfortable hiking, warming to pleasant 25-28°C (77-82°F) by afternoon. Multi-day treks with hill tribe homestays typically run 800,000-1,200,000 kip per person for 2-3 days including guide, meals, and village accommodation. The haze does reduce mountain visibility compared to December, but trails themselves are in excellent condition.
Vang Vieng tubing and kayaking
March is actually one of the better months for river activities in Vang Vieng. The Nam Song has clear water and gentle currents - strong enough to move you along but not the intimidating flows of rainy season. Tubing costs around 60,000 kip including tube rental and transport upstream. The scene is noticeably calmer than the February peak, with fewer party crowds. Kayaking is particularly good now for half-day or full-day trips, typically 100,000-150,000 kip. Start early, around 8-9am, before the midday heat becomes intense. By 2pm it's genuinely uncomfortable on the water.
Luang Prabang temple cycling and food tours
Early morning temple visits and cycling tours are ideal in March weather. Start at 6am when monks collect alms along Sisavangvong Road, then explore temples like Wat Xieng Thong before 9am while it's still cool. Bicycle rental runs 20,000-30,000 kip per day, or guided cycling and food tours typically cost 250,000-400,000 kip for half-day experiences. The dry conditions mean you can explore without weather concerns, though the haze does affect photography lighting. Evening food tours work well too, starting around 5pm when temperatures drop and night markets open.
Plain of Jars archaeological exploration
March offers excellent conditions for visiting the Plain of Jars sites near Phonsavan. The grasslands are dry and easy to walk, unlike the muddy conditions of rainy season. Sites 1, 2, and 3 are all accessible, and the cooler temperatures of the Xieng Khouang plateau, around 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day, make for comfortable exploration. Combined site entry is 50,000 kip. The landscape is brown rather than green, but visibility is generally good for photography despite occasional haze. Budget a full day to visit multiple sites, typically arranged through guesthouses for 200,000-300,000 kip including transport and guide.
Southern Laos waterfall and island exploration
While northern waterfalls are disappointing in March, southern Laos around Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau still offers decent waterfall experiences. Tad Fane and Tad Yuang maintain reasonable flow, and the Bolaven Plateau stays cooler than lowland areas. The 4,000 Islands region, Si Phan Don, is excellent in March with stable river levels perfect for kayaking around Don Det and Don Khon. Irrawaddy dolphin watching near Don Khon works well now, typically 100,000-150,000 kip for boat trips. The heat is building but mornings remain pleasant for cycling between islands.
March Events & Festivals
Boun Khao Chi (Rice Growing Festival)
This agricultural festival happens in early March in rural areas, marking the beginning of the rice planting season. You'll see ceremonies at village temples with offerings to ensure good harvests. It's not a tourist event but if you're trekking in northern villages during early March, you might encounter local celebrations with traditional music and communal meals. Worth experiencing if timing aligns, though not something to specifically plan around.
Vientiane preparations for Pi Mai
Late March sees Vientiane and other cities beginning preparations for Lao New Year (Pi Mai) which falls in mid-April. Markets stock up on water guns, decorations appear, and there's an anticipatory energy building. Not an event itself, but the atmosphere shifts noticeably in the final week of March as locals prepare for the biggest celebration of the year.