Things to Do in Hochiminhcity in March

March Weather in Hochiminhcity

33°C (91°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with only 6 rainy days - ideal for walking tours through District 1 and motorbike trips to Cu Chi Tunnels without constant rain concerns
Shoulder season pricing saves 20-30% on accommodations compared to peak December-February rates, with fewer crowds at Independence Palace and War Remnants Museum
Prime street food season - outdoor eating is comfortable in evenings when temperatures drop to 24°C (75°F), and vendors stay out later serving specialties like bánh xèo and bún thịt nướng
Excellent visibility for day trips to Mekong Delta (2 hours south) and Tây Ninh (2.5 hours northwest) with clear skies and minimal afternoon rain disruption

Considerations

High UV index of 10 requires constant sun protection and limits comfortable outdoor activities to early morning (6-9am) and evening (5-8pm) hours
Humidity at 75% makes midday walking exhausting - expect to need air-conditioned breaks every 45-60 minutes during peak hours 11am-3pm
March marks the transition to hot season, so temperatures can spike unexpectedly to 35°C (95°F) on certain days with little warning

Best Activities in March

Mekong Delta Floating Markets and Boat Tours

March offers perfect conditions for exploring the delta's waterways with minimal rain and comfortable early morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F). The dry season means rivers are at stable levels, and vendors are most active 6-9am before heat peaks. Traditional floating markets like Cái Răng are in full swing with seasonal fruits.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators offering air-conditioned transport. Tours typically cost ₫1,200,000-1,800,000 ($50-75) including lunch and boat transfers. Choose tours departing 6am to maximize cool weather time. See current tour options in the booking widget below.

Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Tours

March's dry conditions make the underground tunnel experience more comfortable without mud and flooding concerns. Morning tours (8am start) avoid the crushing midday heat in the confined spaces. The surrounding jungle is lush from previous months' rain but walkable without slippery conditions.

Booking Tip: Half-day morning tours work best, typically ₫800,000-1,200,000 ($35-50) including transport from District 1. Book 5-7 days ahead for better vehicle selection. Combine with Cao Dai Temple visits. Check current availability in booking section below.

Saigon Street Food Walking Tours

Perfect weather for evening food walks when temperatures drop to comfortable levels. March brings seasonal specialties like fresh spring rolls with local herbs and grilled seafood. Vendors stay out later due to pleasant evening weather, giving access to more stalls and fresher ingredients.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (5-9pm) offer best weather and food variety, costing ₫600,000-1,000,000 ($25-40) per person. Book with operators providing English-speaking guides familiar with dietary restrictions. Tours fill up weekends - reserve 3-5 days ahead.

Tây Ninh Cao Dai Temple Day Trips

Dry roads and clear skies make the 90km (56-mile) journey to Tây Ninh comfortable. March timing allows witnessing the daily prayer ceremony at 12pm without rain delays. The temple's outdoor courtyards are pleasant for exploration before afternoon heat builds.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips typically ₫1,000,000-1,500,000 ($40-60) including temple entry and lunch. Combine with Cu Chi Tunnels for efficient use of travel time. Book through operators with air-conditioned vehicles for the 2.5-hour each-way journey.

Saigon River Sunset Cruises

March offers stunning clear sunsets with minimal cloud cover and calm river conditions. The dry season means stable water levels and comfortable evening temperatures perfect for outdoor deck seating. Views of the developing Thu Thiem district are unobstructed.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises (5:30-7:30pm) provide best lighting and weather, typically ₫400,000-800,000 ($17-35) depending on boat size and inclusions. Book 2-3 days ahead for weekend departures. Choose tours with open-air upper decks.

Motorbike Tours Through Local Districts

Excellent riding conditions with minimal rain risk and clear visibility. March weather allows comfortable morning and evening rides through Districts 3, 5, and 7 to see authentic local life. Dry roads make navigation safer for passenger experiences.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours (either 8am-12pm or 3pm-7pm) avoid midday heat, costing ₫800,000-1,400,000 ($35-60) including helmets and fuel. Choose operators with insurance coverage and experienced drivers. Book 1-2 days ahead for flexibility.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Đồng Khởi Spring Festival

Local celebration along Đồng Khởi Street featuring traditional music, art exhibitions, and street food vendors. Less touristy than major holidays but offers authentic cultural immersion with live áo dài fashion shows and traditional craft demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours) - UV index reaches 10 during peak midday hours

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing in light colors - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 75% humidity

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella for 6 days of potential afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - many sidewalks are uneven and can be slippery when wet

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active in evening hours when you'll be outdoors for street food and markets

Portable fan or cooling towel for midday temple visits and market exploration

Quick-dry pants for Mekong Delta boat tours where river spray is common

Hat with wide brim and chin strap for motorbike tours and outdoor sightseeing

Electrolyte packets or oral rehydration salts - easy to become dehydrated in high humidity

Cash in small denominations (20,000-100,000 VND notes) as many street vendors don't accept cards or large bills

Insider Knowledge

March is mango season in the Mekong Delta - street vendors sell fresh cut mangoes with chili salt for ₫15,000-25,000, and they're at peak sweetness

Book accommodations in Districts 1 or 3 at least 3 weeks ahead for March - it's when many expats take holidays, reducing available inventory

The new Metro Line 1 to Suối Tiên Theme Park opens early 2025 - use it to avoid traffic for family day trips, running every 8-10 minutes with air conditioning

Local coffee shops switch to ice coffee preparations in March as temperatures rise - try cà phê sữa đá at street-side cafés for ₫15,000-20,000 versus hotel prices of ₫80,000+

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 11am-3pm when UV index peaks at 10 and temperatures hit 33°C (91°F) - locals retreat indoors during these hours

Wearing dark clothing or jeans - cotton locals wear white or light colors for good reason in the increasing heat and humidity

Not carrying small bills - street food vendors, taxi drivers, and market sellers rarely have change for 500,000 VND notes, causing awkward delays