Things to Do in Vang Vieng in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Vang Vieng

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window: Cool mornings 14-18°C (57-64°F) for hiking and caving, warm afternoons 24-26°C (75-79°F) for tubing without being scorching hot
Crystal clear Nam Song River with minimal rainfall - only 45mm (1.8 inches) means excellent visibility for kayaking and swimming
Low tourist season after Chinese New Year exodus - accommodation prices drop 30-40% compared to December-February peak
Ideal conditions for outdoor adventures: Blue Lagoon water levels are perfect, cave exploration is dry and safe, and balloon rides have clear mountain views

Considerations

Occasional cool winds in early March can make tubing uncomfortable - water temperature around 20°C (68°F) feels cold when combined with 15°C (59°F) morning air
Some guesthouses and restaurants close temporarily for maintenance after peak season, reducing accommodation options by about 20%
Dust levels increase as dry season peaks - limestone dust from construction and unpaved roads can irritate sensitive airways

Best Activities in March

Blue Lagoon Swimming and Cliff Jumping

March offers the perfect temperature balance - warm enough for swimming but not the scorching heat of April-May. Water levels are ideal after dry season, creating the signature turquoise color. Morning visits (8-10am) have the best light and fewer crowds. The 3-meter (10-foot) and 6-meter (20-foot) platforms are safely accessible.

Booking Tip: Rent a motorbike (฿80-120/day) for independence, or join shared tuk-tuk tours (฿150-200 per person). Entry fee ฿10,000 kip. Bring your own food as prices are inflated. Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.

Nam Song River Tubing

March is the sweet spot for tubing - river levels are perfect after dry season, not too shallow or too fast. Water temperature around 20°C (68°F) is refreshing in afternoon heat but comfortable. Most bars along the river are fully operational after any off-season closures. The 3-hour (4.8 km) float is perfectly timed for March conditions.

Booking Tip: Book through established riverside operators (฿55,000-70,000 kip including tube, tuk-tuk transport). Start after 11am when morning chill fades. Bring waterproof phone case and cash for riverside bars. Avoid solo tubing and excessive drinking - rescue services are limited.

Limestone Cave Exploration

Dry March conditions make cave exploration ideal - minimal mud, stable temperatures around 18°C (64°F), and no flood risks. Tham Chang Cave offers stunning views while Tham Jang (Jang Cave) provides historical significance. The 30-45 minute climbs are comfortable in March's moderate temperatures.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration costs ฿10,000-15,000 kip per cave. Guided tours (฿80,000-120,000 kip) include transportation and equipment. Bring headlamp with extra batteries - cave lighting is minimal. Wear grip-soled shoes for wet limestone surfaces.

Hot Air Ballooning Over Karst Landscape

March offers exceptional visibility with minimal haze and stable weather patterns. Early morning flights (6-7am) capture the dramatic limestone karst formations in golden light. Success rate is 90%+ due to calm wind conditions. Temperature differential between ground and altitude is comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators (฿800,000-1,200,000 kip per person). Flights depend on wind conditions - March has highest success rates. Includes hotel pickup, 45-60 minute flight, and champagne landing ceremony. Weight restrictions apply (under 120kg/265lbs).

Organic Farm and Mulberry Paper Making

March is harvest season for several crops, making farm visits particularly engaging. Cool mornings are perfect for farm walks, while afternoon workshops on traditional Lao paper making provide cultural immersion. The experience combines outdoor exploration with hands-on learning away from tourist crowds.

Booking Tip: Half-day experiences cost ฿200,000-350,000 kip including transport, farm tour, workshop, and lunch. Book directly with organic farms or through eco-tour operators. Morning sessions (8am-12pm) are cooler and show farm activities. Includes take-home mulberry paper creations.

Sunset Viewpoint Hiking

March provides perfect hiking conditions with cool starts and comfortable temperatures throughout. Pha Ngern Viewpoint (1.5 hours roundtrip) and Pha Ngeun Viewpoint offer spectacular sunset views over the Nam Song valley. Clear dry-season air maximizes visibility for photography.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hikes are free but bring plenty of water and start 2.5 hours before sunset. Guided sunset tours (฿180,000-250,000 kip) include transport and local knowledge. Trail difficulty is moderate with some steep limestone sections. Headlamp essential for descent in darkness.

March Events & Festivals

Early to Mid March

Boun Khoun Khao (Rice Harvest Festival)

Local villages celebrate the final rice harvest with traditional ceremonies, monk blessings, and community feasts. Visitors can observe traditional Lao agricultural practices and participate in communal meals. Less commercialized than major festivals, offering authentic cultural exchange.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight fleece or hoodie - temperatures drop to 14°C (57°F) at dawn, essential for sunrise activities and evening motorbike rides

Quick-dry shorts and long pants - river activities require fast-drying materials, long pants needed for cave exploration and temple visits

SPF 50+ waterproof sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off limestone and water intensifies exposure

Reef-safe shoes with good grip - wet limestone surfaces in caves and around Blue Lagoons are extremely slippery

Waterproof phone pouch - tubing, swimming, and sudden afternoon showers require electronics protection

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - evening mosquitoes are active around riverside accommodations

Headlamp with extra batteries - cave exploration and sunset hike descents require reliable lighting

Light rain jacket - brief showers occur 10 days per month, usually 20-30 minute afternoon storms

Cash in small denominations - many activities require kip payment, ATMs charge high fees

Reusable water bottle - limestone dust increases dehydration, refill stations available throughout town

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurant owners offer the best exchange rates for USD to kip - typically 1-2% better than official exchange counters and far better than ATM rates with fees

Many guesthouses close 1-2 days per week in March for deep cleaning after peak season - call ahead or have backup options, especially mid-week

Rent motorbikes from shops that include helmets and basic insurance - police checkpoints increase in March targeting tourists without proper safety gear

The best pho bo is served at unmarked stalls behind the morning market (6-9am only) - locals queue here before work, portions are generous and cost ฿15,000 kip